Equipment Review: The Best Kitchen Sponges

You may think any old sponge will do the trick, but a great one will make a world of difference. Lisa discusses which sponges we tested and which one came out on top.
Buy our winning sponge: cooks.io/2lWOERU
Read the full review: cooks.io/2lQ8XRh
How to Clean a Kitchen Sponge: cooks.io/2kLZOsD
Watch more equipment reviews: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDfNw...
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[@Danielevans2]

I must be a certified Adult now that im watching sponge reviews

[@andrewbyers7826]

Welcome to adulthood! You now get angry when they rearrange the grocery store.

[@Danielevans2]

@@andrewbyers7826 I can just about deal with that now. I haven't managed to deal with people putting away the dishes wrong in my house 🤯

[@dereklmcguire]

Sanity is insanity of the majority , they are all mad except us

[@camabkamuvoba7467]

@@andrewbyers7826 Or when you realize that that is the exact business model of Costco...

[@6122ula]

Daniel Evans ...AMEN Daniel❗️

[@heidihinter4961]

For those talking smack about kitchen sponges being a dirty cleaning tool, you just need to have a very simple routine of keeping them clean. Rinse thoroughly after each use, dry daily (Ie don't leave them wet and sitting in your sink; I dry mine on the windowsill) and every few days, either microwave them, or alternately, I boil a kettle, throw the sponge in the sink with some soap and agitate a bit. My sponges never smell and they last ages. RESPECT YOUR SPONGE!

[@Ocelot80524]

i forgot you can boil them too! does this work if someone mistreats it and lets it get musty? bf has killed brand new ones before and i'm like, noooo it only got used once lol. i wonder if it would still smell sketchy after a boil... edit- and people say the same thing about kitchen towels but it's almost the same reason, they leave 1 damp towel lying around and never swap it out.

[@tdublakeo]

No need to boil, just put them in the dishwasher.

[@ststst981]

i put mine in the microwave for about 30 seconds

[@jekku4688]

Or add a teaspoon of bleach to a quart of water and let 'em soak for a few minutes. Good as new!

[@Bizzmark11]

Everyone I knew who told me 'sponges are disgusting' used washcloths instead. Yes, washcloths they'd clean in the same machine their whole family's underwear goes in, and doesn't even get sanitized because none of these people ever used bleach.

[@micoramos1805]

YESSS!!! These are the videos I've been hoping for. No KZbin backyard scientist nonsense. Just the methods and the results. Please keep making these videos.

[@wright96d]

I'm confused... Did you just diss Dan's amazing show?

[@imthevictorr]

@@wright96d or this crazy guy that keeps saying "safety is number 1 priority"

[@VicInCommentSection]

Seriously, I get super excited when this channel uploads this type of video.

[@micoramos1805]

@@wright96d Dan's amazing. It's when they do equipment review with the other girl and they share all their reactions to how wacky these experiments are.

[@Austin-dm5bp]

@@micoramos1805 Glad I'm not the only equipment review purist out here!

[@markw208]

Another great review. Missing 1 thing; how does it smell after a week?

[@seikibrian8641]

That would require a *lot* more tests, since there are many things people can do to a sponge after using it with regard to cleaning, sanitizing, and storing.

[@paolobramucci3609]

I generally find that my sponges need to be replaced after two weeks of daily use. With regards to smell, this due to bacteria build up, which given their use, is to be expected. The best practices to keeping the growth of bacteria to a minimum and to destroy it are: rinse with clean water after use, let your sponges air dry overnight, and every couple of days, or, at least twice a week boil them in plain water for two minutes and let them dry. Following these practices, your sponges will never develop malodorous smells.

[@makatara3]

Exactly what I was thinking. I use the Orange sponge mostly because it never smelly!

[@obviouslyblack]

I boil water to make tea every day. I just made it a part of my routine to pour any excess boiling water over my sponges, and they never smell. But yeah, smelly sponges are a constant problem and it makes us throw away sponges long before the end of their mechanical abilities.

[@vwood2]

That’s why I rarely use them. A cloth is easier to clean and launder

[@lohphat]

In Asian families there are only two sponges: the sink/counter sponge, and the floor sponge. The sink sponge graduates to the floor sponge after it get too gross even for grandma.

[@cleansoapmind]

😂

[@michaelvegas107]

She’s quickly becoming my favorite host from the test kitchen.

[@tom_something]

A brush with a long handle is my winner for washing up. It goes into tight spots, can scrub off stubborn particles, keeps my hand away from sharp things, and can last for months without going funky.

[@JamesCarneval]

I live in Italy and I use virtually the same sponge, I know it sounds dramatic but I swear by them, one lasts me for months given you should microwave while soaked in white vinegar every couple of weeks. If you live in Europe and you're interested the brand Vileda makes a sponge that looks almost identical and it's called Vileda Glitzi Pur Active. The thing they didn't mention is that because the scrubbing side is impenetrable, food doesn't get stuck in the sponge making it disgusting, plus it never scratches non-stick Teflon coatings and the abrasive side starts to crack after a very long time as opposed to those gross sponges with the compressed fibers on one side. Thank you America's Test Kitchen for confirming my favorite sponge

[@TheCelestialhealer]

Thank you for the Vikeda glitzi

[@shachar2]

if you've burnt something in your pan just boil water and dish soap before cleaning. it will separate the burnt food from the pan and make cleaning easier.

[@lorabetht9206]

Shachar Petrushka thanks!

[@whothis2338]

Thank you

[@Rick-5728]

And use a scrub brush before using a sponge :)

[@jellyacc]

ive always done this. always seemed like common sense

[@strawburybounce]

Also bar cleaner for pots and pans is about $2 at target, walmart, home depot, etc and magically lifts blackened crud and makes your pans look new in seconds without scarring. Its one of my favorite inexpensive purchases ever

I have never been more excited about having a certain type of sponge! 😅 Was extremely happy when it was announced that the best sponge was the one that I've been using for a couple of years. 😂

[@applejellypucci]

"That's our sponge! Look!" I can picture it now 😆👍🏽

[@autostuff8971]

I bought a pack of the O-Cedar's based on Lisa's review and they're the best traditional-style sponge I've ever used. There's not really anything that could be improved. They scrub well without scratching delicate stuff, they take a long time before they start smelling, and she's right, even dough is easy to wash out of the sponge. My sister got me a Scrub Daddy and I have to say, for my dish-washing style it's a toss-up. Scrub Daddy and O-Cedar have the same pluses just in their own way. I do agree with Lisa that the SD does compress a lot when you apply firm pressure and I feel like the O-Cedar does a slightly better job when scrubbing tough jobs. However, the SD can go even longer than O-Cedar before smelling, which I attribute to the very large pore size reducing the amount of time the sponge is moist after using. Both are fantastic products and I keep both. If you're a traditionalist, go with O-Cedar. If you want to try something new, get a Scrub Daddy. They're sponges. They're cheap. Get both and see what you like.

[@austinbergen2409]

This is the best comment here! Good stuff mate! 👌

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

I absolutely LOVE these equipment reviews. The grill tongs they recommended are an absolute DREAM. I was so frustrated with previous tongs and SO mad about wasting money and dropping hot dogs and expensive steaks in the dirt. They've saved me so much money. The only 'failure' that I've had was a dutch oven that they recommended. The enamel surface chipped away on the very first use. There were tiny pits and bubbles in the enamel and those bubbled burst and fell apart as soon as I tried to braise some beef. But when I called the company, they were SO HELPFUL. I just had to email proof of purchase and some photos of the damage. They put a brand new, perfect dutch oven in the mail that day. That one is unflawed and has served me very well. They didn't even make me go to the trouble of returning the defective oven. So ultimately I wasn't put out very much and I'm an extremely satisfied customer. The best part? This dutch oven cost much less than the expensive brands I was considering. Keep it up ATK!! You're saving middle America a LOT of cash and making cooking a pleasure again instead of a frustrating endeavor.

[@dinahsoar6982]

The scrub daddy or mommy is more than cute, it's amazing...I've used it to clean dried on scrambled eggs in my greasy skillet and it cleaned up like magic ...AND ....none of the eggs stuck to it, they rinsed right out.... I've tried a lot of cleaning sponges and nothing compares to scrub daddy or mommy. I pair them with Dawn Platinum Powerwash and that duo performs miracles in my kitchen.

[@user-ke4kz3in9j]

I haven’t said this about a KZbin vid in a long time...this is the video I didn’t know I needed but am so glad I found

[@PrincessKate757]

I have used most of those sponges and must say I love the Sponge Mommy...foamy on one side and scrub surface on the other. Food washes out easily and doesn't stick to sponge. And can control how firm or soft it is by water temp. I know she said it was a fail, but it has my vote through and through.

[@AnishShanbhag]

Is sponge daddy better or scrub mommy ?

[@heidihinter4961]

My Saturday morning: sipping coffee in bed, and watching this wonderful cleaning porno about kitchen sponges.

[@sadmanh0]

cleaning porno 🤣

[@altheamcnabb2829]

Hey Lady, we LOVE hearing from you. The way YOU explain it sits with us long after the video is over. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOUUUUU!

[@annabanabanana]

Scrub daddy is hands down the best sponge. I have repurchased so many of them. They stay clean, don’t get musty smelling, don’t scratch pans and I love the feel of the squish.

[@sacura605]

Yassss Lisa!!! I love her analytical descriptive reviews! Helps me find the best kitchen products/staples ever!!!

[@elijahcarter2435]

I use a natural luffa sponge in my kitchen, its rough texture helps with tough messes but it’s pliable enough when warm to clean glasses and other delicate things. Plus, it never stinks and it has lasted me AGES! I can sanitize it by pouring boiling water over it, and I can also throw it into the washer from time to time. I’ll toss it into the compost in another month or so, after it falls apart.

[@EL-qg6wm]

I use the sponges from Lysol which is anti-microbial and odor resistant. They never smell no matter how long they have been used. I am very disappointed that this important aspects of kitchen sponges were not tested.

[@JamesCarneval]

I use that sponge and I can tell you that because the scrubbing side is impenetrable it doesn't build up any odor, it rinses extremely well and you can microwave it while soaking it in white vinegar to sanitize it, I recommend it

[@JamesZeroSix]

They missed this important property of a sponge. How well it lasts with respect to bacteria growth.

[@pelosuelto70]

I love the Lysol sponges too but my local store stopped selling them... (Walmart lol). Thank God for Amazon.

[@aprild3250]

To keep sponges from smelling like mildew and disgusting bacteria traps, rinse out as much food as possible and wring them out really, really good every night. Get out as much water as possible and then set to dry in a well ventilated area. Ideally, your sponge should be completely dried out once every 24 hours. It’s the continuous moisture which causes sponges to smell. Do it every night. If you forget just once, your sponge will be ruined and start to smell. It’s a pain, but it works. I’ve had sponges that stay fairly fresh smelling for weeks or even months at a time.

[@madthumbs1564]

Or just stop using the useless things.

[@usflin]

Yes! I give my sponges a quick final rinse and good squeeze after every use, out of habit now, and they last weeks. If another person uses my sponge and doesn't squeeze it out after use, I notice a smell within a day. I wouldn't remember to do this nightly so I just do it after every use. And really, squeezing it out well only takes a few seconds.

[@heidihinter4961]

Ooooh....I love it when you talk dirty! YES about the sponge routine! I left my husband some sponges at our second home, and he got a full page instruction on how to keep them clean them. YA GOTTA RESPECT YOUR KITCHEN SPONGE!

[@marylincoln7891]

April D put in microwave covered in water deep enough so it boil without spilling over....kills that nasty bacteria...and since it is hot, the water dries faster when I put on rack to dry....works for me, and I do every couple of days, especially in flu season! Have a great day...

[@monkiram]

I always make sure to do this but my husband can never seem to put the sponge back in the sponge holder for the life of him, no matter how much I ask him to. I always find them in the sink, covered in food in a pile of water 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️

[@kevincolwell2115]

Lisa, you are an absolute god send. Thank you so much for your rigorous, relentless testing of just about every single piece of equipment a home cook uses. This is grade A+ great work!

[@smithy2692]

I remember loading the podcasts of America's test kitchen onto my iPod back in the day. Learnt how to make liquid smoke and brine pork, to making the right choice for garlic presses.

[@kimariokiji]

Smithy, do you recall which garlic press they recommended? TIA

[@bookworm3756]

I'VE MISSED LISA'S EQUIPMENT REVIEWS

[@ruthtorphy2204]

WhoKnows I now cut my sponges in half .

[@sigh_anna]

In Canada the scrunge is marketed under the brand name Vileda Very good sponge

[@Soniboy84]

Not just in Canada. In Europe too at certain places.

[@kam_iko]

Nisiepie N. Vileda is a german company, O-Cedar is the US distributor.

[@vwood2]

Thanks for the tip.

[@fai5734]

Australia too

[@heidihinter4961]

Thanks for the Cdn brand name, I am going to upgrade from my usual blue or pink Scotch Brite sponges.

[@ann-mariejensen2623]

Thanks for not boring us to death with the details and for presenting your top choice without apologizing to the world of sponges!

[@thejamazing]

Your equipment reviews are exactly why I subscribe to this channel. Keep em coming!!!

[@nancybarnett2832]

I don't use a sponge. I like to use a scrub brush. They last for years, and I put it in the dish washer a couple times a month.

[@mercynamikoye9084]

Oh yes I would like them review the different brushes

[@nancybarnett2832]

@@mercynamikoye9084 yes, so would I.

[@5argetech56]

Sponges can be refreshed in the microwave too.. wash in baking soda and wave for one min.

[@hockeybuzz555]

@@5argetech56 You're better off just replacing sponges about every two weeks or so, depending on how much you use it. If you have people with weakened immune systems, elderly, or someone fighting cancer, you should replace it even more often. Microwaving sponges is not an effective method of killing all the bacteria on sponges and will only make the really bad bacteria worse.

[@5argetech56]

@@hockeybuzz555 Thanks! good advice! I do not keep them forever, but it can extend the life a little!

[@gladtidings4all]

To wash my stainless steel skillet; I use full strength white vinegar in a spritzer spray bottle. Spray the skillet and then sprinkle baking soda from a used two sided herb container. Then use my industrial strength black scrub sponge from my hubby’s job. It last for ever and my skillets comes out shinny clean. Hardly any heavy scrubbing.

[@tonesmith909]

Try Barkeepers Friend, you will never use anything else for stainless (or porcelain/enamel)

[@Oumji]

I found my new favorite thing! Thank you for all of your hard work!

[@Gaianna1]

Thank you for testing all things! This is how you bring your kitchen up in function, from little to big!

[@JamieBainbridge]

We have the same winning sponge here in Australia under the name "Vileda Active". They are so good, I've used them for years. I knew from the thumbnail that it would be the winner!

[@americavilaatha7288]

Switched from stinky sponges to coconut husks/coir several years ago and haven’t looked back since. We have coconut palms in our yard, so we have an endless supply too.

[@eidrag]

Perfect for cast iron pan!

[@zoidlrrr4633]

Well, I’m off to the nursery to buy a coconut palm. I live in Kansas, so I will have to keep it inside. How tall do they get?

[@kippaseo8027]

I totally agree! This is my favorite kitchen sponge to use. It not only does a great job at cleaning but it holds up really well in the dishwasher when sanitizing.

[@mewling7767]

She is my absolute favorite... Believable and articulate... Personable with a cute scratchy voice... Thanks guys..this sponge is going on my shopping list...

[@kathyb2201]

I'm a big fan of the Sponge Daddy (like the smiley face scrubber, but rectangular and backed with a sponge layer), but I'll definitely give the Scrunge a try based on these results!

[@musicforoxygen]

I always wanted to be gadget girl when I grew up! Love your reviews, Lisa.

[@kimberlyrobinson3992]

I don’t even need a kitchen sponge right now but I just love watching her review videos. This woman doesn’t play around when it comes to testing products.

[@youngimages2000]

My Sta-Clean Scrubber is amazing! Mine’s bigger than the one in the video but pliable enuf to get into corners easy! And not one little vinyl spike shears off when I clean knives or forks. It’s so soft, it never ever scratches a thing, and since I soak everything before cleaning, It never leaves anything behind. Rinses clean, I love it..!

[@NessaRossini...]

DOBIE is the best! Now I'll watch the video.

[@BCThunderthud]

The requirement that it be good for scrubbing and cleaning up spills doesn't make a ton of sense to me. I have a Dobie for dishes and regular sponges for countertops. I think I will try the winner though, it looks good.

[@normacascio9041]

@@BCThunderthud I have sponges and Dobies. Sponges for plates, glasses, cups, flatware and countertops. Dobie for casserole dishes, pots/pans that don't have really stuck-on food (those I soak for a while, hot water and Dawn). I wash the sponge and Dobie at the end of each day (wet them, little Dawn, scrub and rinse thoroughly and let dry overnight). They're ready for the next day.

[@4141974]

My thoughts exactly! Dobie for dishes and Wettex sponge clothes for counter clean ups!

[@reeffeeder]

Damn. I feel for your testers! Deliberately messy mess to clean. However, this is a video I didn't need I needed and I'm rather happy. As always thanks ATK!

[@ralphcraig5816]

Thanks Lisa. You always deliver the good...

[@rosalindpk4578]

I needed this video last year! I went through at least 6 different kinds of sponges in 2 years. That’s a lot to me.

[@cynthiaamitrano8915]

I use o'cedar and to clean graters, I use a toothbrush to get around the grate holes. It works better than any scrunge. Thank you.

[@sypk2]

My mother-in-law uses a small piece of microfiber cleaning cloth for dishwashing, and it works great. It never damages delicate non stick pans or antique teacups or whatsoever. You can also wash it in the washing mashine.

[@johnhumphries4632]

Thanks Lisa, I enjoyed your review

[@AlejandroRodriguez-sl3uw]

I just love watching your videos! HAD to watch this one too!! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@zakmanfa]

I would love to see a version of this for eco-friendly sponges made from biodegradable materials

[@cherylann9781]

Lol! I love me Scrub Daddy! It really scrubs and cleans up easily! I don't use it to wipe up spills, however.

[@katherinek2709]

Agreed. It's seriously unsanitary to use a sponge to clean up spills

[@justinguillaume7986]

This is jusy what I needed. Thank you.

[@kostasp1269]

Thank you for the video - great testing and advise.

[@raylarkin5004]

Lisa, maybe next time when revisiting this topic you could also test for how well they take being sterilized in bleach and / or the microwave, some thing I do with all my sponges to keep them safe from bacteria. 😊👍 As always, thanks for your videos, I watch them all! 😉

[@atrinka1]

I recommend the silicone sponge to clean delicate watercolor brushes, but for dishes is awful!

[@saulgoodman2018]

But those won't hold soap.

[@earthpcCHClS]

@@saulgoodman2018 they're for artists not cooking

[@saulgoodman2018]

@@earthpcCHClS What?

[@earthpcCHClS]

@@saulgoodman2018 Silicone sponges can be used effectively for art projects, but they're not good for washing dishes

[@saulgoodman2018]

@@earthpcCHClS Silicone doesn't hold any soap. Silicone is only good for 1 thing. TITS.

[@adityaapte3845]

This is so incredibly thorough. Hats off!

[@meehoww]

I needed this! Thank you, mundane topic but something I need and use everyday!

[@roBLINDhood]

Love your videos Lisa!! I’m a HUGE fan of the Lysol sponges because they don’t develop an odor. It looked like you had one amongst your finalists. I’ll have to give this one a try.

[@max_pin]

I've been using these too and they stay usable WAY longer than cellulose sponges and never get funky. I'm surprised that didn't come up in the review process because the winner looks like a regular cellulose sponge with a fancy top.

[@madthumbs1564]

Sounds like something that will have a class action lawsuit one day.

[@heatnicoleher]

Looks like a great sponge. But using a plastic dough scraper will save the life of any of them. For tough to scrub jobs, I recommend soaking in soapy water on a warm burner. Gently assist the removal of now soften food, and flush down toilet.

[@diannabonner1]

That's exactly what I use before getting a sponge near anything stuck-on! I cringe when I see/think of anyone taking a sponge to a pan with anything stuck-on without scraping it down first.

[@madthumbs1564]

The only cast iron I've kept is a Lodge Grill pan / panini press. -They sell poly carbonate scrapers that fit it perfectly, and they can be used to scrape fry pans (but last much longer than plastic).

[@heatnicoleher]

@@madthumbs1564 cast iron is another ball game.

[@jamesrobinowitz9583]

The gal ALWAYS gives outstanding, informative reviews. She is awesome!

[@chankom]

love this format! Seems more genuine than the one before

Nobody: Not a single soul: Me at 12 am:

[@josephdadey]

So, while I agree the Scrub Daddy (the "Smiley face sponge") is not the best overall kitchen sponge, it's f-ing fantastic for someone who doesn't have a dishwasher, and needs to do all the dishes by hand. Have a 2nd "normal" sponge to clean the counters.

[@smievil]

scrub daddy sounds amazing

[@cmdozier]

Agreed! Love my scrub daddy & mommy

[@maryg92844]

thanks, you always do such thorough research.

[@Brian.M]

That's some nice thorough testing. Thank you.

[@speckledmike]

They didn't test the second most important quality of a sponge after how well it scrubs, its antibacterial qualities. I've had sponges that smell so awful after one day of use it's counterintuitive to use it to clean anything else. I swear by the Lysol odor resistant multipurpose sponge which appears in the video but wasn't mentioned. I do all my dishes by hand and it never smells bad. They also last me over a solid month making them very economical for me. I can't speak for the winner's odor resistant qualities and would have liked to see that considered as it's pretty important.

[@JamesCarneval]

I use that sponge and I can tell you that because the scrubbing side is impenetrable it doesn't build up any odor, it rinses extremely well and you can microwave it while soaking it in white vinegar to sanitize it, I recommend it

[@madthumbs1564]

There are no sponges in my house. I don't have those problems.

[@JamesZeroSix]

Thank you! This should be #1 quality in a sponge. Those Lysol sponges are incredible. Never, ever, ever smell and leave your hands stinking, and they last forever, and scrub great. (pretty sure the winner was a real sponge, and would mold\grow bacteria easy, not cool)

[@seikibrian8641]

"I've had sponges that smell so awful after one day of use it's counterintuitive to use it to clean anything else." You don't sanitize your sponge after every use? That's like eating off the same plate for a day before you wash it.

[@speckledmike]

I've never had to sanitize the Lysol sponges with any of the methods like vinegar and microwave because they're so antimicrobial. After I'm done cleaning I simply rinse any residue off the surface. They're also absorbent but don't trap food particles inside. Hands down best all purpose sponge I've ever used

[@TiMalice2009]

I use the Dobie which I see was a contender. But I think I have some scrunge style in my kitchen under the sink.

[@mikey99]

It’s my favorite scrubbing sponge as well

[@exoticaism]

Thank you I have been looking for this info, cook a lot

[@jss302]

I love how scientific your tests are.. that's why I love this show ❤️ the only thing you didn't cover is how did they smell after a few days? I can only use a sponge that has antimicrobial properties built into it and I have to use antibacterial dish soap or else my sponge always smells terrible after a few days and I have to throw it away

[@craigmerkey8518]

😂 I remember my X n I discussing sponges... when you spend less you get less... life

[@milhouse14]

I don't like the sponge they picked as winner. I used them before and it can't clean and scrub like good ol' Scotch Brite scrub sponge.

[@1MSally1965]

Milhouse YESSS!!! Thank you! And I cut mine in half so they get thrown out more often but last twice as long! Can’t stand the thought of a germy sponge!!!

[@sandyavalos3305]

Milhouse I’ve always preferred and love Scotch Brite!

[@ABab-jf2jb]

I agree! Tried others but went back to Scotch Brite non scratch, the blue one.

[@joewilliam9315]

I love your equipment reviews!

[@123heydaddy]

Great review!

[@SateenDuraLuxe]

I'm gonna stick with my tried and true, Green and Yellow scotch brite sponges.

[@pikapomelo]

Those are not marketed as safe for non-stick. The blue one in the video is.

[@craftygal4494]

Yes!

[@craftygal4494]

@@pikapomelo u cannot use the green side on nonstick but the yellow side u can

[@1MSally1965]

YES!!

[@Skhan-nl2xu]

Agreed!!!

[@maggiemaecrawley5939]

1:05 Using soap in a CAST IRON skillet??!?? No mam my southern heart is crying

[@CarlosMooney]

If you have a well seasoned pan you can use dish soap occasionally.

[@maggiemaecrawley5939]

Carlos Mooney that’s not how we do it in TN sir the more seasoned it is the better your cornbread tastes

[@monkiram]

So how do you wash them?

[@maggiemaecrawley5939]

Momera I just rinse mine with water. But I only cook cornbread and homemade biscuits in my cast iron skillet. The point of a cast iron is for the foods you cook on it to soak in the pan and “season” the skillet for later use at least that’s what I was taught growing up.

[@monkiram]

@@maggiemaecrawley5939 Aren't you worried about contamination? I guess cornbread and biscuits are pretty safe but we cook meat in our cast-iron skillet, how are we meant to clean it if soap is going to ruin it?

[@ryand2529]

What an extremely underrated subject! Thanks a million

[@datbui5863]

I couldn't imagine that a video about sponges is so informative.

[@juliebridge7590]

My fave is scotch brite dobie!! Been using this sponge for years!

[@juliebridge7590]

I disinfect them with a bleach solution and throw them away after a few more uses.

[@TiMalice2009]

Me too. My mom used them so I just kept with tradition.

[@NessaRossini...]

Same! I just found it a few months ago and LOVE it. I also spray a bleach solution on them after every nightly dish washing. I just ordered the new colors on Amazon, about 22$ for 24 of them. Each sponge lasts a long time when you rinse them after use each day and bleach spray them overnight.

[@sunspot42]

Love the Dobie. I usually use a dish cloth or a nylon brush, but the Dobie is my choice for really stuck on crud. It’s gentle but effective, and the sponge is small and doesn’t seem to absorb too much gunk or act as a growth medium for bacteria.

[@Ryan_Carder]

Scrub Daddy has a more traditional two sided sponge that I swear by. I wish you tested that one.

[@thinderellaedwards1365]

Ryan Carder, I love the Scrub Daddy!

[@Ryan_Carder]

@@thinderellaedwards1365 I don't like the one they tested here, but the two sided one is awesome

[@gridreeves]

their dual-sided sponge is called the scrub mommy

[@Ryan_Carder]

@@gridreeves there's a different one that is square

[@GinEric84]

@@Ryan_Carder the scour daddy

[@hlucienne]

Great info! Thanks!

[@user-wm9qx4km1i]

The set looks great!

[@JosiahMcCarthy]

We would love to see a test of eco friendly sponges/rags. Please include natural loofas! My go to is just a basic cotton "bar mop" rag. They clean up great and last for years. I try to avoid paper towels and I don't like plastic sponges. If many people change their habits in these regards, it could be significantly more sustainable and less wasteful.

[@DuhMasto]

I love this instinct but we've also gotta keep corporations responsible for doing their part as well!

[@JosiahMcCarthy]

@@DuhMasto absolutely, you're right, that's potentially much more of an impact.

[@randydandy1974]

How could you not test scotch brite dots? I think they are awesome.

[@NobleSteed00]

of course they are. and in costco it's 3 times cheaper than the winner.

[@BrandonGraham]

They might have. They said that the samples we see are the best from each brand... and there is a scotch brite sponge in there, which probably means they might like that one better than yours.

[@plasmac9]

@@BrandonGraham Dobie Pad. They didn't show them testing it or even talk about it. I've found it's far and away the best sponge available.

[@ron46135]

thank you for all the effort

[@mjc63]

Just caught this and love our gear-head Lisa...I have preferred the “Dobie” for years-great scrubber, no scratch and I don’t use my dish sponge on counter tops, so its absorbency is a non issue...never stinky it is my go to!

[@victoriaq5157]

Why didn't they include the 3M Scotch Brite greeny sponge. At Costco for 71 cents each. Perfect for stainless steel cookware, sink, counters, stove, etc.

[@Succubusisis]

Victoria Q they really go out of their way to avoid Costco / Kirkland

[@1MSally1965]

Yes!!! You are correct. See my comment! Cut it in half and you get twice as much use from a cleaner sponge!!

[@hanabananachanchanchanchan2984]

The blue scotch brute sponge (which they also sell at Costco) was part of the final group. The green one probably failed the more delicate tasks in the testing ....

[@itshalo837]

When I saw that cheese left inside the grater my heard burned

[@stockriderman]

Wow, what an amazing review. Small but important thing!

[@JoeyThomas]

Thank you. I love your channel

[@techn0scho0lbus]

I'm watching a kitchen sponge review instead of doing my homework!

[@heidihinter4961]

Well, you're still learning!

[@stooge81]

0:06 Interestingly enough, I expect very little from a kitchen sponge. They smell terrible and aren't very good conversationalists.

[@madthumbs1564]

There's a trick to microwave them to kill odor, but I don't have a sponge or microwave in my kitchen.

[@lordgarion514]

About once a week I take my sponge and rinse and squeeze it out a few times with straight hot tap water and add a tablespoon or so of dawn and work it around in my hand for about 30 seconds and then rince it out till no soap comes out. Less than 2 minutes, and my sponge never smells.

[@andrewbyers7826]

I had higher hopes for Mr. Smiley Sponge's conversation skills, but it seems he didn't really contribute anything. Smiled the whole time but didn't say a word.

[@kateri17]

I always see people say this about the odor issue, but I've never ever experienced this. I rince and squeeze them out of as much water as possible and leave them with plenty of air space to dry. No smell ever. If you leave them wet then yes they'll be gross smelling and full of bacteria too. I also put them through the dishwasher and through the laundry.

[@alesiaturner5031]

Finally an actual ranked list with great methods and research for the most accurate results.

[@snehadhanawade8226]

I bought your winning sponge and I liked it .it's the best ,i started to trust your testing videos .it is very helpful.

[@vanscoyoc]

I do not use sponges period...just bacteria petri dishes IMO.

[@BlueHen123]

Microwave them wet for 2 mins and all bacteria will be dead

[@elliez.3561]

Nah, at least with a petri dish you control what bacteria you want to grow!

[@amsb4dafunk406]

BlueHen123 Don't you mean the science oven?

[@fadetoblack51]

Towels and brushes are all you need. I never understood sponges in the kitchen

[@KatarinaS.]

@@fadetoblack51 I agree. Sponges for cleaning dishes gross me out and are costly to replace frequently. Dish cloths are easily laundered and last a very long time. Soaking pans, using a plastic scraper and/or brush, maybe some baking soda for scouring or Bon Ami or Barkeepers Friend and a scouring pad for really tough jobs is a better option.

[@TheForbiddenDance]

You never discussed the ability to 'not scratch' non stick pans in the review after the introduction.

[@houchi69]

Yay! Lisa's equipment review!

[@hollym5873]

Love these product reviews

[@DT-vc7hd]

I just buy the 10 pack at the 99c store and switch them out frequently.

[@TiMalice2009]

D T If what you were doing was so good you would not be watching this video.

[@confusedwhale]

@@TiMalice2009: People are weird and like learning different things even if they aren't applicable for their own life. I don't use sponges, but watched this none-the-less.

[@madthumbs1564]

@@TiMalice2009 I also don't use sponges. I tend to like the comments after watching the video better. Not everyone seeks out information that they agree with.

[@ellamone9998]

@D T, best buy Scotch Brite 9 Pk. They work 100%, last much longer than the 10pk you mentioned. I bought those 99c cheap ones to clean the sliding door tracks. Cut into 3 pieces lasts for a yr. For pans & dishes the green & yellow Scotch are tops for me. I don't like throwing cheap stuff just adds to the land-fills.

[@jarredsevens]

i feel like someones wise mom just punched me in the face with wisdom

[@MichaelJohnson-vi6eh]

This is really useful. Thanks. I have to wash everything by hand so efficiency is important.

[@RubyTwilite]

These videos are aka "The evolution of Lisa's hair" 😊 I love her! Her reviews are excellent!