Reviewed by Ogbo Godfrey
There are several eco-friendly sponges that help reduce waste while keeping your dishes clean. They include Airnex, Skoy Scrub, and so on.
It’s no news that the sponges we use in our kitchen are terrible for the earth. Despite their usefulness around the house, manufacturers make them from materials in waterways after use and pollute them.
Due to this, it is essential to look into more eco-friendly sponges to help maintain the health of our earth for future generations. Eco-friendly sponges are cleaning sponges that are gentler on the environment.
There are several eco-friendly sponges in the market, but not to worry, we have compiled a list of 18 eco-friendly sponges that you can buy. Now, let’s take a look at them.
Why Should You Use Eco-Friendly Sponges
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the material from which most sponges are made, is resistant to biodegradation.
Moreover, their microfibers pollute our waterways even before you throw them, and decomposition may take several years. The typical sponge consists of two synthetic polymer layers bonded together.
The dark green scouring pad layer contains tougher polyethylene mesh. However, companies usually make the softer layer from polyurethane or another foamed polymer.
The absence of potentially dangerous chemicals in their production is one of the main advantages of using eco-friendly sponges.
Sponges used for general cleaning may contain harmful chemicals to humans and other animals. An additional perk of eco-friendly sponges is that you can reuse them multiple times, which is economical and sustainable.
Top 18 Eco-friendly Sponges
There are now kitchen sponge options that are better for the environment. These eco-friendly options are significantly less harmful to the environment because they break down rapidly in a landfill.
Below are some of our top picks:
1. Airnex Natural Kitchen Sponge
When it comes to regular cleaning, nothing beats the AIRNEX Kitchen Sponge. It has non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients that won’t scratch your dishes or windows.
While hazardous bacteria can thrive on regular sponges, Airnex’s natural sponge can dry rapidly thanks to its porous nature. The long-lasting design of these eco-friendly sponges means you won’t have to change your sponge constantly.
Additionally, you can clean the toughest stains with minimal effort. Moreover, the sponge’s S shape makes it easy to grasp while scrubbing the dishes. You won’t have to replace the sponge as often because it won’t get smelly like other sponges.
2. Skoy Scrub
Unlike traditional dishcloths and sponges, the Skoy Scrub has a non-toxic hardener with 100% cotton fibers. The company made this from all-natural, non-abrasive components, so you can use it on any surface without worrying.
You should look at this if you need a reliable tool for everyday kitchen tasks like cleaning sticky residue from pots and pans and wiping off countertops. After washing, these dry extremely rapidly, making them convenient to keep away.
3. Plantish – Pop-up Sponge
The Plantish Pop-up Sponge is one of the best eco-friendly sponges and can be an alternative to regular sponges. These sponges take their design inspirations from the popular Swedish dish rags.
Additionally, they are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. The company makes them from vegetable cellulose, which has the same texture as their plastic counterparts but doesn’t contribute to landfill debris.
The built-in scrubbers in this sponge are sturdy enough to remove difficult stains and filth yet soft enough that they won’t scratch my fragile glassware.
4. SCRUBIT Natural Scrub Sponge
If you use this eco-friendly sponge to clean your home, you can rest assured that the manufacturers did not use any harmful chemicals in its production.
This eco-friendly sponge has no harmful chemicals or pollutants like other sponges. It works well in the bathroom and kitchen and for general house cleaning.
This sponge is ideal for scrubbing away grime, and its sturdy construction means it can clean several plates at once. This all-natural sponge lets you quickly and easily clean any surface, leaving it spotless and smelling like new.
5. Zen Living Natural Sponge
If you want a cleaning sponge that is safe for the environment and effective, the Zen Living Natural Sponge is a great choice. These sponges are made without synthetic components and use high-quality natural resources like coconut fiber and cellulose from wood.
Instead of synthetic sponges and rags, you can use this organic material because it doesn’t absorb dirt or smell awful. These sponges are long-lasting and well-made; the storing, non-scratch scouring pad can remove even the most stubborn grease and food particles.
6. Eco Roots – Dish Scrubber
The Dish Scrubber from Eco Roots removes difficult food stains and grease without resorting to toxic chemicals or plastic. It’s eco-friendly because it contains all-natural components.
This dish scrubber will not only make your kitchen cleaner and more organized, but it will also make your dishes shine like never before.
7. KOLO Nature Natural Hemp Sponges
These organic hemp hand-knit scrubbers are sustainable because they decompose in the compost bin after use. You can use it multiple times before you replace it. It holds well with several machine washings for up to 5–6 months without looking worn.
These eco-friendly sponges are ideal for washing dishes without scratching the nonstick surface of your dishes, pots, or pans. Moreover, There’s also a loop at the end for hanging it up to dry.
8. Full Circle Walnut Scrubber Sponges
These sponges provide a firm and soft side for versatile cleaning. The rough surface of the walnut shells creates enough friction to remove embedded debris without damaging the surface you are cleaning.
Because of this, you can clean everything from kitchenware to bathroom vanities with ease using our products. Thanks to their super-absorbent surfaces that eliminate spills in a flash, you’ll save time cleaning and money on paper towels.
9. HOMUG Kitchen Loofah Sponge
These eco-friendly sponges come from 100% organic loofah vegetables and plant-based fibers; they are soft and packaged in brown paper.
You can throw them in the compost bin when you no longer need them. The oldest loofah has the most resilient sponge, hand-cut and compacted to make it portable.
10. Mother Earth Natural Sponge
The Mother Earth Sponge is the ideal eco-friendly solution for sustainable living, featuring a natural coconut fiber scrubber and a wood cellulose sponge. You can rest assured that your dishes will be spotless and chemical-free thanks to the all-natural construction and ingredients.
These sponges are eco-friendly and biodegradable, meaning they will decompose without harmful chemicals once their usefulness has ended. In addition to lessening your environmental impact, this is a wonderful way to save money.
11. Swedish Wholesale Swedish Dish Sponge Cloths
Compared to sponges and paper towels, Swedish dishcloths are one of the top eco-friendly sponges. You can reuse them over 200 times, and they can absorb up to 20 times their weight.
Additionally, you can use these ultra-absorbent towels to clean up any mess, from water spills to paint splatters. The fact that they are reusable makes them both environmentally friendly and economical.
They are 100% natural, biodegradable, and compostable and come in the cutest patterns. These Swedish dishcloths are machine washable, microwave-safe, and resistant to boiling water.
12. Etee Loofie Scrubbers
You can use these eco-friendly sponges for cleaning or wiping, depending on which side you choose. The company makes the cloth-like side from a soft, absorbent cellulose-cotton and wood cellulose blend.
The loofah plant fibers used for cleaning are soft and won’t harm glassware or other delicate surfaces. They are gentle enough to use on dishes and nonstick surfaces without damaging either.
Putting it on the top shelf of the dishwasher is an easy way to ensure it gets clean after each use. You can even make it germ-free by microwaving it with water. Its versatility makes it useful in the kitchen and the bathroom.
13. Miw Piw Natural Loofah Dish Sponge
These environmentally friendly kitchen scrubbers come in brown paper and are made entirely from plant-based fibers. These eco-friendly sponges can last a year by being dense and compact enough that food doesn’t get caught after washing.
You can swap your plastic sponges for these eco-friendly, breathable, and recyclable sponges. Its water-like shape makes it convenient for use in a cup and on any surface, including nonstick pots, pans, glass, and dishes.
14. Blueland Scrub Sponge
Blueland’s eco-friendly dish sponges are effective despite being made without glues, adhesives, petrochemicals, or plastic.
As one of the top eco-friendly sponges, it has a cellulose sponge and a loofah side for dual-purpose use.
This sponge, too, is hand-woven with cotton thread; it can go on the top rack of the dishwasher for cleaning, and then you can compost it when it wears out.
This company is admirable because they are taking strides to eliminate plastic packaging in favor of more environmentally friendly alternatives.
15. Zero Waste Club Biodegradable Plastic-Free Cellulose Sponges
These biodegradable and eco-friendly sponges from Zero Waste Club contain cellulose, which you can find in the cell walls of plants. These biodegradable sponges contain wood pulp and can soak up to 10 times their weight in liquid.
If you don’t have access to a commercial composting facility, you can compost it at home using an indoor bin. This sponge also dries out rapidly to prevent the formation of bacteria.
16. Marley’s Monsters Washable Sponge
This mesh scrubber has two sides, one from luxurious flannel and the other from sturdy cotton terry cloth. Using this mixture, you can clean any surface without causing any harm to it or contributing to the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment.
They work wonderfully on stove tops, sinks, counters, showers, and even floors! Both are
resistant to mildew, and you can wash them regularly or disinfect them in the dishwasher.
17. Two Acre Farm Eco Sponge
This Eco Sponge is a sustainable product because the company made it from fair trade recycled coffee bags and cotton. It is a 100% biodegradable sponge, and when it becomes dirty, just throw it in the washer or dishwasher.
The fact that you can compost them adds to their eco-friendliness. At the end of its useful life, you can simply dispose of it in your compost bin without worrying about unpleasant odors.
18. Safix Natural Non-Scratch Multi-Purpose Coconut Scrub-Pad
Our last but not the least on the list is the Safix Natural Non-scratch Multi-purpose Coconut Scrub-pad. These eco-friendly sponges are a germ-free alternative to commercial cleaning products.
They are tough enough to scrub away baked-on food off baking sheets and scrub the grime from your pots and pans.
Furthermore, they are safe for use on fragile surfaces such as glass and porcelain when used with water.
You can save money on soap by using less of it with these pads than normal sponges; simply apply dish detergent directly to the pad instead of pouring it into the sink first.
What Should You Keep in Mind While Selecting Eco-Friendly Sponges?
1. Materials
A biodegradable product naturally decomposes back into the soil after being consumed by microbes. Biodegradable cleaning sponges are usually from loofah, coconut coir, natural latex, agave, walnut shells, wood pulp, and vegetable cellulose.
Unlike your typical sponge, which can break down slowly over hundreds of years and leave behind hazardous chemicals and microplastics, these usually decompose fast, leaving nothing behind.
2. Brand’s Corporate Responsibility
Manufacturers who care about their impact on the world utilize eco-friendly materials and offer competitive wages and secure workplaces. They also provide charitable contributions to the communities that have supported them.
They take extra measures to compensate for their carbon footprint. It is a green flag if you can recycle or compost their packaging.
3. Antibacterial
Because sponges are often damp and have holes, they can easily become contaminated with bacteria.
If you want to prevent mold and bacteria growth on your sponge, it’s a good idea to use eco-friendly sponges that have antibacterial properties. Ensure that the company has also not treated the sponges with chemicals.
Conclusion
You might not associate a sponge with sustainability, but it can make all the difference when washing dishes. If you’re trying to clean your home more sustainably, you can select from various eco-friendly sponges.
Eco-friendly sponges are an essential zero-waste kitchen change from which we can all benefit. A sustainable lifestyle starts with small decisions, and picking an eco-friendly sponge is one of those.
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