How long has that wet and crusty sponge been sitting next to your sink? If you can't recall, then it probably shouldn't be anywhere near your dishes. But before picking up a random replacement, ask yourself if the one you're grabbing will actually get the job done.
There are dozens upon dozens of sponge options to choose from, and they all promise to make your dishes dazzle. But will they? To find out, I tested 10 of the most popular sponges on the market, washing my way through weeks of dirty dishes, cocktail glasses and cookware to find the most powerful scrubber out there.
When analyzing each sponge, I considered five key features and rated them on a scale of one to five. (Each of these ratings have been made after seven weeks of trialing each product.)
- Air-drying: How long did it take each sponge to dry after washing?
- Scent: Does the sponge leave behind an odor after washing? Does the odor last long?
- Texture: Does the sponge soak in water well? Is it too firm? Is it too thin? Is it tough enough to clean stains or different textures? Will it scratch more fragile materials?
- Storage: How long will the sponge last?
- Durability: How many washes can the sponge handle? Has it already started to deteriorate or show signs of wear?
In addition to using these sponges until my fingers pruned up, I also spoke with a couple of cleaning experts to learn more about what to look for when shopping for your next go-to sponge.
Out top picks
Best dishwashing sponges
Best overall, as tested by the author: Scrub Daddy Sponge Daddy (Set of 4)
What we like
- Dual-sided
- Dries quickly
- Great scrubbing power
Something to note
- Tend to sell out
Material: FlexTexture (polymer foam), ResoFoam | Special features: Temperature-controlled scrub
Air-drying: 4.75/5 | Scent: 5/5 | Texture: 5/5 | Storage: 5/5 | Durability: 5/5 | Overall rating: 4.95/5
Air-drying: I expected the scrubbing side of this sponge to dry quickly (which it did), but the foam side actually exceeded expectations. After only an hour or so, it was only a little wet on the surface, which I think had to do with its thickness. It's the perfect size to allow the sponge to clean thoroughly as well as to let air in to dry it completely.
Scent: I'm not one to put my nose anywhere near a sponge, but for the sake of accuracy, I gave all 10 sponges a good sniff. Luckily, I was offended the very least while smelling the Sponge Daddy. In fact, I wasn't offended at all. It didn't give off a terrible odor or leave my dishes smelling any type of way.
Texture: This thing can take down any mess. This is the only sponge out of the 10 that I can confidently use on any surface, from delicate glass to pots and pans. All I need to do is turn the sponge over from the more abrasive side to the softer cellulose side, depending on what needs cleaning. It's one of the only sponges that scored a perfect score during the four-food test.
Storage: This sponge option is easily one of the easiest to store, especially if you have a caddy. It has retained its shape, even after weeks of use, and hardly traps any food residue despite its slightly porous texture.
Durability: Because it has a foam side, I expected some disintegration near the end of the trail period, but this still looks good as new. I was also glad to see that there's also no separation between the two layers. And somehow, no food residue gets stuck in this sponge — it's like magic.
More kitchen sponges, as tested by the authorBest for a gentle scrub: Amazon Basics Non-Scratch Sponges (Pack of 6)
What we like
- Gentle scrubbing side
Something to note
- Much too thin
- Fibers are falling off
Material: Cellulose, cotton, polyester scrubber | Special features: N/A
Air-drying: 3.5 | Scent: 5/5 | Texture: 3.25/5 | Storage: 3.25/5 | Durability: 2.5/5 | Overall rating: 3.4/5
Air-drying: The scrubbing side dries easily, while the softer, wiping side remains wet for much longer.
Scent: It doesn’t give off any bad odors; in fact, it only smells like the soap I used to clean with it.
Texture: This sponge is much too thin — so much so, that it feels like my fingers are pressing all the way through the sponge while scrubbing. That being said, it does manage to clean dishes rather well, but I wouldn’t rely on it to wipe away anything with an oily texture.
Storage: It’s starting to get a little grimy at the edge where the soft part of the sponge meets the scrubbing side. The edges are starting to lift as well, so I this will need replacing after a few weeks of consistent use. While this one is the right side to fit inside a typical sponge caddy, it’s not the most visually appealing, which knocks it down on my list of favorites.
Durability: While cleaning with this sponge, I noticed some blue debris left over on a few of the dishes. As this happened the very first time I used it, I get the feeling this will start to disintegrate at a faster rate than the rest.
Best bang for your buck: Scotch-Brite Zero-Scratch Scrub Sponges (Set of 6)
What we like
- Affordable
- Durable
Something to note
- Not very aesthetic
- Slight odor
Material: 100% recycled plastic | Special features: S-shaped for a better grip
Air-drying: 3.5/5 | Scent: 4/5 | Texture: 4/5 | Storage: 3.75/5 | Durability: 4.5/5 | Overall rating: 3.95/5
Air-drying: The “scouring” surface dried quickly, but the main part of the sponge remained wet after several hours.
Scent: Nothing too bad, but I’m just starting to get a whiff of the beginnings of that sour odor you get from an over-used sponge.
Texture: As for as aesthetics go, this isn’t the prettiest sponge to grace your countertop (if that’s something that matters to you). If you’re only interested in performance, I can’t say you’ll be disappointed. It simply gets the job done, no matter how sticky, slimy or crusty your mess is. However, make sure you’re not running low on soap, because this sponge doesn’t hold much.
Storage: Since it doesn’t air-dry well, I think replacing this one sooner rather than later is the best move for your health and dish cleanliness.
Durability: I see no signs of this sponge breaking down so far. It’s surprisingly strong and flexible.
Best for tough messes: The Crown Choice Sponges (Pack of 3)
What we like
- Powerful
- Holds a lot of soap
Something to note
- Too rough for fragile surfaces
Material: Copper | Special features: N/A
Air-drying: 4.5/5 | Scent: 4.25 | Texture: 4.5 | Storage: 4.5 | Durability: 4.75 | Overall rating: 4.5/5
Air-drying: The copper material makes this category interesting to observe. Surface level, the sponge dries very quickly. I can move it around without having to dry my hands on a dish towel. However, because it can take in a good amount of water, the inside doesn’t dry as fast, meaning that if I squeeze it, I’ll need that dish towel back.
Scent: It hasn’t left behind any overwhelming scent so far, but after getting a whiff up close a few weeks into using it, I can catch a light odor. Only time will tell if that starts to grow into something I should worry about.
Texture: I have little experience using copper sponges, so I didn’t know what to expect with this one. But let me tell you, it’s a sleeper hit. It’s a little prickly on the hands, but the copper material works magic on every kind of food texture I’ve scrubbed off with it. According to the brand, it’s safe to use on any surface; however, I don’t like the sound it makes against my glassware. I haven’t noticed any scratches so far, so it might just be me.
Storage: Personally, I like how vibrant it looks and don’t mind storing it in plain sight.
Durability: One of the reviews mentioned that the copper fibers fall off, but I haven’t seen it come apart. One or two of the fiber strands look like they’re pulled farther out than the rest, but that’s after a super up-close inspection.
Best construction: Mr. Scrub Sponges (Pack of 6)
What we like
- Extremely durable
Something to note
- Will not dry quickly
Material: Microfiber | Special features: Dual-sided
Air-drying: 2/5 | Scent: 3/5 | Texture: 4.75/5 | Storage: 4.5/5 | Durability: 5/5 | Overall rating: 3.95/5
Air-drying: It’s ability to dry quickly, if at all, happens to be its worst feature. After waiting for hours one session, both sides remained pretty wet (albeit, not dripping) well after being submerged in water.
Scent: Not bad... but not great.
Texture: The results of my in-depth research and testing of this sponge has essentially come down to one thought: Microfiber is a strange material for dishwashing. It simply feels wrong, but it technically works — very well, might I add. It wiped up the honey, dried-up cereal, stuck-on pasta sauce and oil like a pro. You just have to make sure to rinse the sponge thoroughly to get the food and mess off the surface.
Storage: The sponge has a loop sewed into the top of it for hanging on a hook.
Durability: I can tell that this sponge was made to last. Not a single fiber is out of place on either side, so you don’t have to worry about it shedding any microplastics all over your dishes. The construction holding each side together is much more secure than any of the sponges I’ve test.
Best for keeping your hands clean: Oxo Good Grips Soap Dispensing Dish Sponge
What we like
- Ergonomic handle
Something to note
- Sponge is fragile
- Water can enter soap area
Material: Cellulose | Special features: Soap-dispensing handle
Air-drying: 4/5 | Scent: 5/5 | Texture: 3.75/5 | Storage: 4.75/5 | Durability: 3.75/5 | Overall rating: 4.25/5
Air-drying: Because the sponge is attached to a handle, it’s hard to wring out any excess water, causing it to dry at a slower pace than the others. However, its overall drying speed isn’t all that bad.
Scent: It’s doesn’t retain any bad food odor. It just smells like the soap it carries within the handle, due to its constant proximity.
Texture: The sponge is on the softer side, which hinders its ability to effectively clean food residue. During my testing, I had a harder time scrubbing off anything sticky and foods that dried onto my plate. It eventually managed to clean my dish completely, but it just needed more time and effort on my part. I think this Oxo product is perfect for cleaning bottles or cups with openings you can’t reach your hand into, since the handle is instrumental in cleaning those tough-to-reach areas. I also like using this to carefully wash my wine and cocktail glasses.
Storage: When I’m done using the sponge, I lay it on my countertop sponge-side-up, and the handle keeps it secure so that the sponge side can air out.
Durability: I’ve noticed that the sponge is on the fragile side. It can easily get caught on jagged surfaces like bread knives or cheese graters. The sponge head I’ve been using for the last couple of weeks already has a few tiny holes and is starting to lightly fray on the side.
Note: There’s no question that the soap containing handle is helpful, however, you need to be wary of the hole within the sponge. If too much water is allowed in, it can dilute the soap contained inside. I noticed that this also affects the dispensing power.
Best for a comfortable grip: O-Cedar Scrunge Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge (Pack of 6)
What we like
- Durable and thick
Something to note
- Won't remove certain stains
- Doesn't hold soap well
Material: Cotton | Special features: Unique rippled scrubbing surface
Air-drying: 3.75/5 | Scent: 4.75/5 | Texture: 1.5/5 | Storage: 3.5/5 | Durability: 4.5/5 | Overall rating: 3.55/5
Air-drying: The “Scrunge” side dries very quickly, but the foam will stay wet for hours, unfortunately.
Scent: I’m happy to report that this sponge doesn’t give off any offending odor.
Texture: According to the brand, this sponge has an “extra-thick” construction as well as a rippled design to help better break down and lift away grime. Unfortunately, I’ve found that this really only works on certain textures. It did a decent job of removing dried foods and honey but couldn’t seem to pick up slicker foods like oil and sauce — no matter which side I used. It mostly moved the latter two around the plate, rather than scrub it away. It also could barely hold any soap; I had to re-apply several times.
Storage: If you don’t have a caddy, you’ll want to store this one scrubber side down to allow as much air to hit the super-wet foam side.
Durability: This sponge is well-made and looks like it could withstand many washes.
Best long-lasting: Scrub Daddy Color Sponges (Set of 3)
What we like
- Dries very quickly
- Very durable
Something to note
- Almost too large
Material: FlexTexture (polymer foam) | Special features: Softer in warm water and firmer in cold water
Air-drying: 5/5 | Scent: 5/5 | Texture: 4.25/5 | Storage: 4.5/5 | Durability: 5/5 | Overall rating: 4.75/5
Air-drying: Hands-down, this is the fastest drying sponge out of all the products I've tried. It has everything to do with the type of foam it's made from, which unexplainably (in the best way), can soak up a ton of water but still dry up almost completely in minutes.
Scent: It doesn't leave behind any odor, but I've noticed that it lightly retains the fragrance of the soap that was used to clean with it.
Texture: This sponge is extremely thick, which makes it the perfect option for scrubbing away tough, dried-up messes or food stains that require some muscle to get out. It honestly works like dream. However, its bulky size can be a hard on the hand, especially if you have a lot of dishes to clean. I noticed that my hand started to hurt after a while because the sponge doesn't really shrink when it's wet, and my hand can't relax from the wide grip. Its thickness also gets in the way of reaching certain corners of deep containers.
Storage: Although this comes in a three-pack, I wouldn't mind purchasing a single, because I can tell this one is going to last me a while. You can even grab a "Daddy Caddy," which is specifically designed to fit the smiling face of your Scrub Daddy, and it suctions to practically any smooth surface to assist in properly draining the sponge. I've tried this caddy before, and to be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of having to fit the "eye" and "mouth" holes into their respected pegs.
Durability: No matter how many times I use this sponge, it automatically returns to its original shape after washing. It's one of the most durable sponges I've used.
Best technology: Skura Style Smart Scrub Pads (Pack of 4)
What we like
- Fading monogram technology
- Dual-sided
Something to note
- Stains easily
Material: Polyurethane (PU) foam | Special features: Dual-sided, fade-to-change technology
Air-drying: 4.5/5 | Scent: 5/5 | Texture: 4.75/5 | Storage: 5/5 | Durability: 4.75/5 | Overall rating: 4.7/5
Air-drying: Considering how thick this sponge is, I’m shocked it doesn’t take this sponge longer to dry. It’s easy to wring out — which is saying something considering how much water this one can hold — and won’t drip excess water onto my countertop.
Scent: After weeks of use, I can thankfully report that this sponge doesn’t give off any offensive odor.
Texture: This sponge continues to prove that dual-sided is always the way to go. The scrubbing side tackles sticky and oily messes with ease and can even wipe away dried-up food fairly quickly. The softer side is equally tough but is nice to use on smaller or fragile items like utensils and wine glasses.
Storage: This is one of the sponges that I don’t feel gross leaving on the side of my sink. The harder side dries pretty fast and conveniently serves as its own holder that I can leave face-down, while the spongier side has more access to air.
The most game-changing detail this sponge offers has to be fading technology. The monogram stamped onto the firmer side is designed to fade when it’s ready for a replacement. For me, this acts as a visual reminder to check under my sink to make sure I have another sponge stored and ready to swap in.
Durability: The material hasn’t showed a single sign of wear or tear since I first started to consistently use it. The only thing I’ve spotted is a small yellow stain on the softer side that I must have caused during one of my dishwashing sessions, but it won’t go away. It doesn’t change its effectiveness, but it shows that certain foods can leave marks behind.
Best innovative design: Curio The Ionic Dish Sponge
What we like
- Magnetic holder
Something to note
- Magnet's middle placement
Material: Plastic, silicone, and iron | Special features: Magnetic sink mount
Air-drying: 4.25 | Scent: 5/5 | Texture: 4.5/5 | Storage: 5.5 | Durability: 5.5 | Overall rating: 4.75/5
Air-drying: The scrubber side dries quickly, but the foam side will take a while to completely dry. I recommend having the latter side face outward when the sponge is magnetized to the sink, so that more air will hit it.
Scent: According to the brand, the sponge is treated with an antimicrobial solution to keep it odor free. In my experience, it seems to be working!
Texture: Another dual-side sponge for the win! It sports a reliable scrubber for touch messes as well as foam for everyday use. It’s also the perfect size; it’s thick enough to hold a good amount of soap and water, but it’s not bulky. My only gripe is the magnet — it’s built into the middle of the sponge, which gets annoying while trying to get a good grip.
Storage: I think that the magnet featured adds to its longevity, since it keeps it off your counter and out of the sink — aka, less bacteria and more effective air drying.
Durability: I think this sponge can handle way more than what the brand lets on. It’s showing no signs of deterioration and offers just as good of a clean now as when I first starting using it.
What to look for in dishwashing spongesA drier sponge = less bacteriaSo, sponges are actually kind of gross. In fact, American Cleaning Institute associate vice president Jessica Ek admits to having read studies that claim sponges are one of the dirtiest things in your home. Simply put, a wet sponge is a breeding ground for bacteria.
Ek says the best thing you can do to stop that growth is to find a sponge that can dry quickly. She explains that cellulose and natural sponges will hold water longer, but silicone or polymer foam options tend to dry at a faster rate.
To speed up the drying process, you can also invest in a sponge holder. But not just any holder. “Make sure it’s a caddy that has drainage,” says home and lifestyle expert Julian Thomas, who also warns against allowing your sponge to just sit in water. “Keep it in inside the sink, that way after you use it, the water can drain and [the sponge] can get ventilation,” he adds.
Yes, you should be cleaning your sponges“I’m a really, really big fan of putting my sponges in the dishwasher,” says Thomas. “I like the fact that the dishwasher has a steam cycle, so I will [wash mine] maybe once every other week before I replace the sponge, because I usually go through two sponges a month. I like to just put it in the dishwasher cycle just to maybe get an extra week out of it.”
While most sponges can be cleaned in the dishwasher, you'll want to check the packaging of the one you're using to make it can withstand a machine wash.
Ek’s method is more hands-on. “Our preferred method is to put [the sponge] for five minutes in a quart of water with three tablespoons of bleach, and that does wonders. That’s going to be the best option for killing the most bacteria,” she says.
Frequently asked questions
“It depends on the sponge you’re using and how many dishes you are washing by hand," says Ek. "If you are using [your sponge] a lot, and it’s not getting a chance to fully dry out between uses, you’re going to need to replace it more often. For a regular cellulose sponge, that’s probably every couple of weeks. For a natural sponge, you can probably extend that to three to four weeks."
Ek says putting sponges in the microwave is not her preferred cleaning method, not to mention, is likely a safety hazard. "I totally get that people want to do that and that it softens up the gunk, but the microwave is not our preferred advice," she says.
“To be quite frank, suds do not clean," says Thomas. "What cleans are the surfactants within the suds. The chemical bond within the suds — that’s what’s cleaning it. And then also, abrasion —essentially, scrubbing it — that’s what’s lifting the dirt and grease. In my opinion, the less absorbent in terms of suds the better, because you really don’t need that much soap.”
Throughout the seven-week testing period, I made sure to use all 10 sponges during each of my at-home dish-washing sessions. I scrubbed everything from my everyday dinner dishes and cereal bowls to martini glasses and cooking pans, to research each sponges scrubbing power on different stains, food textures and surfaces.
For an even fairer assessment, I also spent one day testing each sponge in an identical environment — 10 sponges cleaning 10 dish dirtied by the same four foods: dried cereal, pasta sauce, olive oil and honey. Each was tested on their ability to lift and clean each texture, which ranged from slick to sticky.
Danielle Murphy is the audience development writer for Shop TODAY. She joined the team in 2021 and has covered everything from beauty trends to the hottest sales to shop.
Meet the experts- Jessika Ek is the Associate Vice President, Strategic Communications at the American Cleaning Institute. Prior to joining ACI, Ek worked for at the American Nurses Association.
- Julian Thomas is a content creator in the home and men’s lifestyle space. Thomas thrives at creating short-form video content sharing his DIY skills, home care tips and tricks and his effervescent lifestyle with his audience(s) across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Pinterest.
Danielle Murphy
Danielle Murphy is an audience development writer at Shop TODAY.
