If you watch Shark Tank, you may be aware that the Scrub Daddy Original “boasts the most revenue of any business to appear on Shark Tank since the show first aired in 2009”. Priced between three to four dollars each, this sponge has received a lot of attention. We found that it lives up to the hype. I’ve been busy, looking into and testing out a huge range of microfibre mops and I’ve finally compiled this list of the best options available in the UK. We appreciated how little effort it took to get through a load of dishes with the dual scrubbing sides and ability to clean utensils. In the bathroom, we scrubbed with cold water, letting the firm texture take off the soap scum easily.

During our research, we found that consumers are concerned about sponge abrasiveness. We wanted to make sure that our sponge finalists wouldn’t dull the surface while removing debris. When deciding which sponges made the cut, it was important for us to consider which surfaces, if any, can be scratched. Some of the surfaces we studied were: For added convenience, the sponge heads are replaceable, so you don’t have to replace the entire brush when they wear out. The handle easily unscrews, so you can refill the soap container as needed. It also features a loop at the end, so you can hang it up to air dry, which is a great way to prevent odors from forming. This dishwand is compatible with all Scotch-Brite dishwand refills, including Greener Clean and non-scratch options, further enhancing its versatility. The handle is extendable so will suit any user and the head of the mop is lemon-shaped which enables it to clean right into any tight corners.These sponge cloths from Food52 are highly absorbent and fully compostable, making them a solid eco-friendly option. They are made of durable plant-based fibers–70 percent cellulose, 30 percent cotton—and printed with water-based inks. These cloths feature a modern grid pattern and are a light gray color, which is ideal for concealing stains. They are also fast-drying, which is another big plus. Our tester says that they usually dry completely within two hours. Not only do these cloths work well for dishwashing, they also can be used as surface wipes, too. Measuring 6.75 x 8 inches, note that they are larger than most dish sponges. The Scrub Daddy was the clear winner here because it fits perfectly in the palm of your hand and can be gripped in two different ways, easing the burden on your hand and wrist since you can change positions. This type of foam doesn't retain moisture after squeezing like a cellulose or natural sponge does,” says Berry. “Bacteria tend to thrive in moist environments, so sponges made from hydrophilic engineered foam are not inherently antibacterial—they’re just less likely to promote bacterial growth compared to cellulose or natural sponges.” While sponges are a highly effective cleaning tool, the downside is that they can be an ideal breeding ground for dangerous bacteria. Organisms can become lodged in between the sponge, and in this moist environment with plenty of food, new bacteria can grow at the rate of once every 20 minutes. The swivel head rotates by 360 degrees so can handle any twists and turns. This feature is enhanced by the reinforced by the special design of the mop head which prevents it from flipping when used correctly.

Cellulose: Since cellulose sponges are made from plant-based fibers, they are usually more eco-friendly than other materials. When properly cared for, they are reusable for up to six months. They are also usually biodegradable and can be composted at the end of their lifespan. We spoke to professional MUA Hannah Martin to get the low down on makeup sponges, what they do and why everyone needs one in their kit. Take notes. How do you use a makeup sponge? In the same vein, the scrubbing power and relatively thin shape of the Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge earned it an honorable mention in the ergonomic comfort test. AbsorbencyOne side is microfiber and when used dry, works like a microfiber cloth and naturally attracts dust. When used wet, it soaks up a spill and doesn’t leave any liquid on your counter or floor. On the other side with dark- and light-blue lines, the surface has a dual-action surface that scrubs and absorbs. We appreciated the dense, super-absorbent sponge that feels nice in the hand and allows you to create a soapy lather on your dishes. Since it soaks up almost half a cup of liquid, this is the sponge to grab if you spill a glass of water. After all, the more pressure and length of time it takes to get something clean, the harder it is on your hand, wrist and arm. Drying time is important because a sponge that stays damp for hours can breed bacteria, especially if there are food particles trapped inside. In a test of drying time, we completely soaked and wrung out a sponge and left it out on the sink to dry.

However, your best space-saving bet is to find one or two sponges that will accomplish a wide range of cleaning goals. Obviously, this makes versatility an extremely important factor when choosing a sponge. The design of this allows for the microfibre mop to clean pretty much every surface using only water, but floor soap can be used if desired. The material is machine washable so this makes mopping waste-free, cheap, and eco-friendly. If you’re not used to the flipping mechanism it can take a few tries to get the pressure right to stop the mop flipping by itself. It’s not a heavy mop and doesn’t require effort, just technique.

2. Starfiber Microfiber Kitchen Scrubbies

This sponge is an old faithful that you probably saw in your mom’s kitchen. It’s been around for years. When a sponge has been around since 1958, you know that countless numbers of consumers have tried, approved, and continue to buy this classic product. Not surprisingly, the most absorbent sponges took the longest to dry and the least absorbent was fastest, even when they were completely wrung out. Microfibre is a versatile material that can be used for many cleaning jobs. Mopping or wet cleaning isn’t the only thing they’re good at. Dry dusting and polishing is also an easy task with microfibre. The scratch-free nature of these mops means you can use them to clean windows or glass doors alongside a squeegee to remove streaks. Why choose microfibre? Forget the sponge your dad used when washing his Cortina or Cavalier – if you want to minimise scratches and paint swirls, a mitt is the way to go.

Nelson recommends the boiling-water method, which involves placing the sponge—cleaned of all food residues—in boiling water for five minutes. Afterward, you can dip it in cool water, twist the excess water out, and place it on a sponge holder with drainage holes. We found that the key metrics to use when determining the value and efficiency of a sponge include: We found the scrubber side was able to able to remove cheese and egg without any detergent. It did take extra pressure to remove the cheese, which was more tiring on the arm, but because it’s so soft, it didn’t cause any damage to the frying pan. It also rinses clean, so you don’t have to worry about food particles going in the washing machine. Whether using a sponge for everyday dishes, high-use cookware, or the bathroom sink, its purpose will determine what type you need. For surfaces like glass, stainless steel, or mirrors, avoid sponges with rough scouring pads that can scratch or damage the surface. Microfiber: Microfiber sponges are made from synthetic materials such as polyester, polyamide, and polyurethane. They are effective at absorbing dirt, and they tend to last longer than sponges made from other materials.

Why You Should Trust Us

The Scrunge Scrub Sponge rated high in our rinsability test, thoroughly removing the egg, cheese, and other food particles. The Scrunge Scrub Sponge is the only sponge recommended by Dupont® for use on their Teflon® coated cookware. When you’re cleaning up liquid messes, absorbency becomes a critical factor of a useful sponge. Absorbency is also important in holding soapy water for more cleaning power without scrubbing. In this test, we added one tablespoon of water at a time to each sponge until it reached its capacity. We found that the Scrub Daddy was the most versatile, able to wash dishes, remove soap scum from a bathtub and scour the insects off of a tire wheel and car exterior without scratching the paint.