Sponge cleaners are a kitchen essential, and there are many on the market. But a good sponge needs to do more than just soak up water and soap. It must be able to scrub greasy dishes and pots, clean windows without scratching them and even wipe down a car interior. We looked for a sponge that could do it all.
In the scrubbing test, the Scrub Daddy was the most versatile, removing caked-on food from pans and grills as well as scouring soap scum. It also absorbed liquid more quickly than the other sponges and dried out faster. The only drawback is that it’s not as flexible as some of the others and can be too stiff for delicate surfaces like glass and stainless steel.
The natural sea sponge was the most absorbent in the test, holding a full cup of water. It was also soft and thin enough to fit easily into the palm of your hand. It’s also a greener choice than most other sponges, since it can be washed and reused.
One downside to this sponge is that it does leave a residue on surfaces, which can make them look dirty. However, we found that it rinses off very well, and that its texture changes when it’s soaked in warm or cool water. The warmer the water, the softer the sponge becomes and the cooler the water, the stiffer it gets for more scrubbing power.
