Household goods Recommendation Service
10 Best Eco-Friendly Sponges in 2022 (Trader Joe's, Scotch-Brite, and More)
When consciously cutting down on plastics and making more Earth-friendly choices, it’s important to analyze even the small things. Plastics have a way of sneaking into even the most benign-sounding items. Sponges, for example, are named after an animal, but most of our cleaning sponges are actually made up of plastics.
Luckily there are a number of new–as well as very, very old–options that are just as good at cleaning and infinitely better for the environment than typical plastic-based sponges. In this guide, we’ll go over the factors you should look for when choosing an eco-friendly sponge. At the end, we’ve also got a list of our 10 favorites (like Pura Naturals' Stink Free Sponge) to help you get started.
Luckily there are a number of new–as well as very, very old–options that are just as good at cleaning and infinitely better for the environment than typical plastic-based sponges. In this guide, we’ll go over the factors you should look for when choosing an eco-friendly sponge. At the end, we’ve also got a list of our 10 favorites (like Pura Naturals' Stink Free Sponge) to help you get started.
- Last updated: 05-26-2022
Table of Contents
Compare the Best Eco-Friendly Sponges
| Image | 1  Pura Naturals | 2  Miw Piw | 3  Teal Trunk | 4  Kolo | 5  Lather | 6  Trader Joe's | 7  Natural Sponge | 8  Scotch-Brite | 9  STK | 10  Twist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Stink Free Sponge | Whole Natural Loofah | Silicone Sponge and Scrubber | Nature Zero Waste Unsponges | Natural Sea Wool Sponge | Pop up Sponges | Sea Sponge | Greener Clean Natural Fiber Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge | Heavy Duty Silicone Scrubber Sponges | Loofah Sponge |
| Features | Plant-Based and Designed to Inhibit Bacteria | Three All-Natural, Organic Loofahs | Gentle Silicone Scrubber With Two Surfaces | 100% Recycled, Compostable Plant-Based “Unsponge” | A Super Soft, All-Natural Sponge | A Simple, All-Plant Sponge for Household Cleaning | Rougher Sea Sponge Great for Tough Jobs | Made from Recycled Paper and Agave | Heat-Resistant, Odor-Free Sponges for the Kitchen | A Hand-Stitched, Two-Sided Sponge |
| Price | $17.96 | $13.95 | $14.89 | $15.00 | $15.00 | $17.97 | $9.05 | $10.48 | $19.95 | $5.74 |
| Main materials | Cellulose, walnut | Loofah | Silicone | Cotton, jute | Sea sponge | Cellulose | Sea sponge | Cellulose | Silicone | Cellulose, loofah |
| Scouring pad | Walnut | No | Silicone | Jute | No | No | No | Agave | No | Loofah |
| Size | 3.5 x 4 in. and 3.5 x 5 in. | 8-10 in. | 3.1 x 4.7 in. | 4 x 4.5 in. | 5 in. | 3.25 x 4.25 in. | 6-7 in. | 3.7 x 4.3 in. | 3 x 4.25 in. | 2.8 x 4.3 in. |
| Antibacterial-free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Link |
10 Best Eco-Friendly Sponges
Here's the list of our 10 favorite eco-friendly sponges, chosen for their superior materials, lack of antibacterial ingredients, and more.
※These rankings were decided based on user reviews and popular rank lists from Amazon gathered on June 15th.
1
Pura NaturalsStink Free Sponge
6 pack
$17.96
| Main materials | Cellulose, walnut |
|---|---|
| Scouring pad | Walnut |
| Size | 3.5 x 4 in. and 3.5 x 5 in. |
| Antibacterial-free | Yes |
2
Miw PiwWhole Natural Loofah
3 pack
$13.95
| Main materials | Loofah |
|---|---|
| Scouring pad | No |
| Size | 8-10 in. |
| Antibacterial-free | Yes |
3
Teal TrunkSilicone Sponge and Scrubber
2 pack
$14.89
| Main materials | Silicone |
|---|---|
| Scouring pad | Silicone |
| Size | 3.1 x 4.7 in. |
| Antibacterial-free | Yes |
4
KoloNature Zero Waste Unsponges
3 pack
$15.00
| Main materials | Cotton, jute |
|---|---|
| Scouring pad | Jute |
| Size | 4 x 4.5 in. |
| Antibacterial-free | Yes |
5
LatherNatural Sea Wool Sponge
$15.00
| Main materials | Sea sponge |
|---|---|
| Scouring pad | No |
| Size | 5 in. |
| Antibacterial-free | Yes |
6
Trader Joe'sPop up Sponges
12 pack
$17.97
| Main materials | Cellulose |
|---|---|
| Scouring pad | No |
| Size | 3.25 x 4.25 in. |
| Antibacterial-free | Yes |
7
Natural SpongeSea Sponge
$9.05
| Main materials | Sea sponge |
|---|---|
| Scouring pad | No |
| Size | 6-7 in. |
| Antibacterial-free | Yes |
8
Scotch-BriteGreener Clean Natural Fiber Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge
12 pack
$10.48
| Main materials | Cellulose |
|---|---|
| Scouring pad | Agave |
| Size | 3.7 x 4.3 in. |
| Antibacterial-free | Yes |
9
STKHeavy Duty Silicone Scrubber Sponges
10 pack
$19.95
| Main materials | Silicone |
|---|---|
| Scouring pad | No |
| Size | 3 x 4.25 in. |
| Antibacterial-free | Yes |
10
TwistLoofah Sponge
$5.74
| Main materials | Cellulose, loofah |
|---|---|
| Scouring pad | Loofah |
| Size | 2.8 x 4.3 in. |
| Antibacterial-free | Yes |
How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Sponge – Buying Guide
Here, we'll be introducing the following four important points to check when you choose an eco-friendly sponge.
Points to Consider:
- Pick a Material Based on Toughness and Disposal
- Look for an Attached Scouring Pad Made of Plant-Based Fibers
- Select the Right Size Sponge for the Job
- Ensure Your Sponge is Antibacterial-Free
1. Pick a Material Based on Toughness and Disposal
The material your eco-friendly sponge is made from is going to be what determines the most important aspects of your sponge–how hard it scrubs, how long it lasts, and how Earth-friendly disposal will be.
Cellulose Sponges Are Soft, Readily Available, and Familiar
As it stands, a lot of normally available commercial sponges are made from cellulose and hemp fiber, plant-based materials that will naturally biodegrade over time. These are your typical kitchen sponges with the larger, more irregular holes.
The ones with tiny holes are probably made from polyurethane. However, generic cellulose sponges sometimes also include polyester, which is a form of plastic. So to ensure that you’re getting unadulterated plant materials, be sure to read the label.
These sponges are soft and great for surface cleaning and dishwashing, although they don’t have a lot of hard scrubbing power and tend to have a shorter lifespan—if you’re using them in the kitchen, you really shouldn’t use one for more than a couple weeks before switching it out.
Loofahs are Mildly Abrasive and Compostable
Loofahs are plants that are closely related to cucumbers. To create that spongey texture, they’re dried out and essentially left to become plant skeletons.
Loofahs are mildly abrasive and make great cleaning sponges in the place of green scouring pads or mild steel wool. They’re also gentle enough to use for body exfoliation in the shower. If you get a whole loofah, you can just cut it into smaller pieces and use it as you need it.
As long as you let it dry out properly between uses, each piece will last about three months before it starts to break down, at which point you can feel free to just toss it into your compost pile!
Sea Sponges Are Super Absorbent, Gentle, and Last for Years
Humans have been using sea sponges to clean for millennia. In fact, the word “sponge” comes from the animal. While they aren’t exactly vegan, sea sponges are sustainably harvested from aquatic farms in a way that allows the organism to keep growing and has little negative environmental impact.
They’re super soft and extremely absorbent—one sponge can hold an entire cup of water—which makes them great for cleaning up countertop messes or even washing your car. Naturally, they are compostable and biodegradable, but you won’t have to worry about that for a while as they can last several years of use.
Silicone Sponges Are Durable and Recyclable
For something a little different, why not try a silicone sponge? They’re gentle but can also be used as scouring pads depending on how the silicone is shaped.
They’re also naturally bacteria-resistant and can withstand years of use, so you don’t need to worry about them breaking down and entering the waterways. When you're ready to get rid of it, just look for a recycler that accepts silicone.
2. Look for an Attached Scouring Pad Made of Plant-Based Fibers
Conventional scouring pads are great for scrubbing off tough messes, but they’re usually made from plastic, which breaks down as you use it and slips down the drain.
Fortunately, there are some plant-based scourers that do the job just as well without contributing to microplastic pollution. So if you’re looking for a sponge that’s also got a little grit to help you clean, look for sponges with scouring pads made from materials like coconut husks or walnut shells.
3. Select the Right Size Sponge for the Job
Just because a sponge is eco-friendly doesn’t automatically make it the best sponge for you–you need to think about what you’re scrubbing too! So just remember that if you’re looking for a sponge to clean the bathtub, you’ll probably want it to be on the larger side.
Conversely, if you find yourself cleaning a lot of cups, for example, a smaller sponge will fit more easily and allow you to clean more thoroughly. Luckily, a lot of eco-friendly sponges–loofahs and cellulose sponges in particular–cut down very easily and can be used in a wide variety of spaces.
4. Ensure Your Sponge is Antibacterial-Free
Sponges are moist and full of holes–the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Which is why many conventional sponges are treated with antibacterial chemicals.
And while they kind of work to keep your cleaning device clean, they’re also harmful to the environment, particularly marine life. So to avoid any of these unwanted chemicals, be sure to check that your sponge is untreated.
How to Clean Your Sponge
Since you’re looking for a sponge that isn’t antibacterial, you have to know how to keep it clean. A lot of us have learned that microwaving a sponge will kill the bacteria, and that’s true–mostly.
In fact, microwaving your sponge does kill all the weaker bacteria, but it also leaves behind the stronger, more dangerous ones and gives them more opportunity to grow. Dishwashing and tossing them in the washing machine with your laundry can do the same. So what’s the best way to avoid spreading germs around your house?
Make sure your sponge has an opportunity to dry as thoroughly and as quickly as possible. Don’t try to stretch the life of your sponge too long–if it’s starting to smell funny or looks a little ratty, it’s time to retire it. For some cellulose sponges, this could mean as often as every week if you use it for dishwashing.
If you’re reluctant to throw it away too quickly, rotate it to a part of the house where using an old sponge isn’t going to do any harm. Say, using an old dish sponge to clean the bathtub, for example.
Looking for More Eco-Friendly Cleaners?
Your sustainable journey likely doesn't end with sponges. Here are even more cleaning tools to help you reduce your carbon footprint!
Popular Articles
10 Best Tried and True Japanese Gel Pens in 2022 (Lettering Artist-Reviewed)
Have you ever been frustrated when writing with a pen running out of ink, bleeding all over your paper, or felt like it wasn't smooth enough? Japanese gel pens glide over paper, produce beautiful, vibrant colors, and are incredibly reliable. These are just some examples of what makes Japanese gel pens attractive! And nowadays, there are plenty of them on the market today. Even the smallest improvement in design and the faintest sparkling of genius can make a difference between them. However, with so many manufacturers like Pentel, Zebra, and Pilot, as well as brands like EnerGel, Sarasa, and Uni-Ball, it can be hard to know which pen is best for you.In order to figure this out, we ordered the 21 most popular gel pens from Japan’s e-commerce giants (such as Amazon, Rakuten, and kakaku.com) and tested them all.We tested each pen for the following:GripFeelSmoothnessDrying speedVisibilityWe then ranked the 10 best Japanese gel pens based on the results of our tests. Keep reading to find out more about the best Japanese gel pens, as well as be sure to check out our buying guide at the end!
Household goods
9 Best Retainer Cleaners in 2022 (Dental Hygienist-Reviewed)
If you’ve ever worn a retainer or clear aligner, there have definitely been times when you’ve noticed strange odors or unsettling build-up on it, no matter how well you’ve rinsed or brushed it. But it’s not your fault. Retainers are full of nooks and crannies that can be hard to clean, so it’s a good idea to look for a cleaner that’s specifically made to handle that task. But it can be hard to pick and find what will work for youIn this guide, prepared with Dental Hygienist Jaeyoung Yoo, we’ll go over the factors you should consider when choosing a retainer cleaner that’s right for you, plus a tip for keeping your retainers in tip-top condition. We’ve also got a list of our 9 favorites to help you get started, with guardClean's Mouthguard, Aligner and Retainer Cleaning Spray taking our number one spot. Read on to find out why!
Household goods
10 Best Eco-Friendly Toilet Bowl Cleaners in 2022 (Eco-Me, Seventh Generation, and More)
Did you know that toilet cleaners can be some of the most dangerous substances in our homes? On top of that, they go directly down our pipes, and many of the chemicals don’t get properly filtered out before being released into the environment. Clearly, it’s time to start using more eco-friendly toilet cleaners!Thankfully more and more companies are realizing this, and we have more options than ever before. But, that can make it hard to decide. That's why we picked out our top 10 favorite toilet bowl cleaners that are gentle on the environment, like Eco-Me's Natural Plant Extracts Toilet Bowl Cleaner. It's certified, non-toxic, and acid-free. See the rest of our favorites and tips for how to choose the best cleaner on your own!
Household goods
10 Best Reusable Air Pollution Masks in 2022 (Base Camp, Coxeer, and More)
Maybe you’re planning a trip to somewhere with poor air quality like China or India, or maybe you’re just gearing up for the next wildfire season. You may even be trying to filter out viruses! In any case, you’re on the hunt for a reusable face mask that will last you a while and protect you from dangerous air pollution, smoke particles, and other contaminants.There are a number of different options available, which can make it hard to choose, but finding the right mask for you can be pretty important. In this guide, we’ll go over the different factors you should look for when deciding on a reusable pollution mask. At the end of the article, we've also included a tip on how to make your own mask! But first, we'll start off with our top 10 favorites, split into Adult and Kid sizes.
Household goods
8 Best Saline Solutions for Piercings in 2022 (NeilMed, Recovery, and More)
New piercings are exciting but require a little extra care. Anyone who's gotten professionally pierced has probably been instructed to use saline solution. Saline is the best way to clean fresh wounds, helping your body's natural healing processes avoid running into any speedbumps. When deciding what solution to get, you are choosing a product that will have direct contact with your healing tissue, so you want the best!So, we did the research to find the most trustworthy products available. Our top pick is NeilMed's Piercing Aftercare Fine Mist. This simple saline solution is frequently recommended by piercers. Plus, it has a fine mist nozzle for better reach and coverage. Scroll through the rest of our list to find the solution that suits you, and check out the buying guide if you're not sure what to look for!
Household goods
10 Best Non-Toxic Candles in 2022 (GoodLight, Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day, and More)
Traditional candles–particularly the scented ones–can often leave you with a headache or your bookcase covered in soot. This is not exactly the relaxing environment you’re looking for. So we researched materials and pored through Amazon reviews and came to the conclusion that the best candles for you and your home are non-toxic and free from paraffin, phthalates, and lead. These candles are often soy- or beeswax-based and scented with all-natural essential oils. We kept all of this in mind as we hand-picked the best non-toxic candles on the market! Discover why Old Factory's Scented Candles were our favorite, and explore other options using our handy buying guide at the end. Also, check out our tip on how to best use your candle at the very bottom of this article!
Household goods
10 Best Acupressure Mats in 2022 (Ajna, ProsourceFit, and More)
Do you experience back and neck pain or frequent tension headaches and migraines? Instead of going to get acupressure, some people are finding at-home relief with acupressure mats. Even though scientific evidence hasn't yet proven the effectiveness of these mats, there are anecdotes from users that vouch for their pain and stress relief. If you want to give acupressure mats a try, take a look at our 10 best list of favorites and our buying guide. We chose Ajna Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set as our top choice since it's made from 100% cotton and comes with a pillow and tote bag for versatile use. Read on to see our full list of top choices and what to consider before you purchase your first mat!
Household goods
Popular Expert Picks
- Jules' Top 10 Zero- and Low-Waste Alternatives
Sustainability and Travel AdvocateJulia Miller - Jessica's Top 10 Products to Help You Stay on Budget
Personal Finance BloggerJessica - Mhel's Top 10 Tools for Elevating Your Letters
Lettering ArtistMhelanie - LW's Top 10 Simple Reusable Swaps to Use Around the House
Crunchy Mama & Memory CapturerLeslie Wilda - Nick Alexander's 10 Plants Everyone Should Have in Their Home
PlantTuberNick Alexander - Erica's Top 10 Clean Swaps for a Healthy Home
Clean Living BloggerErica Baron
Search by Category
Household goods
Home electronics, PC, camera
Cosmetics and skincare
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Smartphones and mobile phones
Mobile data
Investment and asset management
Credit cards and loans
Insurance
Music
Smartphone applications