Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Cleaning & Organizing
  3. Cleaning Supplies
  4. 11 Better-for-You Sponges for a More Sanitary Clean

11 Better-for-You Sponges for a More Sanitary Clean

Brigitt Earley
By Brigitt Earley May 18, 2020
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Pin
orange and white sponge on countertop
Credit: Courtesy of Public Goods

They're eco-friendly, easy to clean, and don't take on odors like regular kitchen scrubbers do. Shop our selects, and you'll wish you made the swap sooner.

Start Slideshow

1 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
orange and white sponge on countertop
Credit: Courtesy of Public Goods

Sponges make quick work of everything from hand-washing dishes to cleaning countertops, but if you've always felt like there's just something kind of—well—gross about them, you're not alone. Many homeowners find the idea of using the same grubby sponge unappealing, and there's evidently a good reason why.

As it turns out, germ experts say the average kitchen sponge really is one of the dirtiest items in the home. According to a 2017 study published in the journal Scientific Reports, samples taken from kitchen sponges harbored 362 different kinds of bacteria in incredibly large quantities of up to 45 billion per square centimeter. If that's not enough to make you want to toss that grimy sponge, consider previous research that suggests your kitchen sponge is even dirtier than your toilet seat.

So, what should you do? To limit bacterial growth, thoroughly rinse and wring sponges out after use—and keep them in an open dish where air can circulate so that they dry thoroughly. And don't forget to replace them every two weeks.

Another solution: Adopt the growing trend of using better-for-you sponges in your own kitchen. Because these alternatives have fewer crevices and are made of quick-drying materials like silicon, bamboo, and bristles, they're less likely to facilitate bacteria growth. They're also easier to clean, since they're less porous, and many can even stand up to hot water cycles in your dishwasher or washing machine for more thorough and regular cleaning. Many of the products we chose are made from environmentally friendly materials, which means they're better for the planet as much as they are for your home. Sold on making the swap? Consider these options in the market.

1 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Kuhn Rikon

Kuhn Rikon Silicone Scrubber
Credit: Courtesy of Kuhn Rikon

Here's a flexible and durable food-grade silicone sponge with soft bristles to gently scrub dishes (even nonstick pots and pans!) and surfaces without scratching. It's heat-resistant up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can dip it in boiling water or toss it in your dishwasher to give it a thorough clean. 

Shop Now: Kuhn Rikon Silicone Scrubber, $6, williams-sonoma.com.

2 of 12

3 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Public Goods

Public Goods Walnut Scrubber Sponge
Credit: Courtesy of Public Goods

A double-sided sponge with a high-tech microfiber cloth on one side for a soft, lint-free clean; a scrubber to cut through grease and baked on messes on the other. To clean it, simply toss it in the washing machine on a hot cycle once a week. 

Shop Now: Public Goods Walnut Scrubber Sponge, $3, publicgoods.com.

3 of 12

Advertisement

4 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Andrée Jardin

Andrée Jardin Copper Sponge
Credit: Courtesy of Ty Mecham / Food52

When you think metal, you think tough, and these copper sponges are certainly that—they're able to remove that won't-come-off grease and food residue from nearly any surface. The surprise is that they've also got a very gentle touch: You can scrub and scrub and scrub and their copper wires will leave nary a scratch.

Shop Now: Andrée Jardin Copper Sponge, $30 for 3, food52.com.

4 of 12

5 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Barkly Basics

Barkly Basics Black & White Scourer Sponge
Credit: Courtesy of Anthropologie

These sponges are designed from sustainable fibers—wood pulp, cotton, and hemp. Use the scrubby side, which is coated with special fibers, for tougher caked-on spots; use the soft side to gently wipe away food and grime.

Shop Now: Barkly Basics Black & White Scourer Sponge, $6, anthropologie.com.

5 of 12

6 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Skura Style

Skura Style Antimicrobial Sponge
Credit: Courtesy of Ty Mecham & Rocky Luten

Here's another two-sided sponge, which delivers double the cleaning power and a proprietary technology that makes it possible to sanitize without harsh chemicals. Unlike most sponges which are made from plant cellulose, these are made with a fast-drying polyurethane foam and treated with an antimicrobial agent that discourages the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

Shop Now: Skura Style Antimicrobial Sponge, $15 for 4, store.177milkstreet.com.

6 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Peachy Clean

Peachy Clean Silicone Dish Scrubber
Credit: Courtesy of Peachy Clean

This tough-as-nails silicone sponge is antimicrobial and infused with peach fragrance to keep odors at bay and infuse your cleaning routine with a fresh scent, sans harmful chemical alternatives.

Shop Now: Peachy Clean Silicone Dish Scrubber, $7, bedbathandbeyond.com.

7 of 12

8 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grove Collaborative

Grove Collaborative Coconut Scouring Pad
Credit: Courtesy of Grove Collaborative

These natural and biodegradable sponges are made from pure loofah plants are tough enough to tackle grease, but soft enough to use on gentle materials like nonstick pots and pans. Each one has a drying rope for easy and complete drying between uses. 

Shop Now: Grove Collaborative Coconut Scouring Pad, $5 for 2, grove.co.

8 of 12

9 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Kamenoko Tawashi

Kamenoko Tawashi Cleaning Brush
Credit: Courtesy of Jinen Store

Though technically a vegetable scrubber, this Japanese brush is much more versatile—use it to scour pots and pans, wash dinnerware, or even scrub your stovetop. 

Shop Now: Kamenoko Tawashi Cleaning Brush, $7.50, jinenstore.com.

9 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Full Circle Wool

Full Circle Wool Sponges
Credit: Courtesy of Housework

Sheep wool sponges like these from Full Circle provide maximum scrubbing powder. Wash these anti-microbial and anti-fungal options by hand with warm water and dish soap after each use and compost them when they're past the point of no return.

Shop Now: Full Circle Wool Sponges, $12, housework.store.

10 of 12

11 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Kitchiny

Kitchiny Silicone Bottle Brush
Credit: Courtesy of Kitchiny

For hard-to-clean items like reusable water bottles, baby bottles, and bud vases, try this silicone brush. It has a long-reach handle and soft, flexible bristles to scrub narrow nooks and crannies. To clean, toss it in the dishwasher—it's heat-resistant up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Shop Now: Kitchiny Silicone Bottle Brush, $9, greencitizen.com.

11 of 12

12 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ekobo Claro

Ekobo Claro Compostable Sponge Blocks
Credit: Courtesy of Ekobo

Like a cross between a kitchen rag and a sponge, this highly absorbent cloth is suitable for a wide-range of cleaning tasks, including washing dishes, cleaning countertops, and even scrubbing the bathroom. Plus, each one is made from a pretty printed fabric you won't mind looking at every day.

Shop Now: Ekobo Claro Compostable Sponge Blocks, $10.40 for 2, finnishdesignshop.com.

12 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Brigitt Earley

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 12
    2 of 12 Kuhn Rikon
    3 of 12 Public Goods
    4 of 12 Andrée Jardin
    5 of 12 Barkly Basics
    6 of 12 Skura Style
    7 of 12 Peachy Clean
    8 of 12 Grove Collaborative
    9 of 12 Kamenoko Tawashi
    10 of 12 Full Circle Wool
    11 of 12 Kitchiny
    12 of 12 Ekobo Claro

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    11 Better-for-You Sponges for a More Sanitary Clean
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.