7 Best Eco-Friendly Sponges in 2022 (Environmental Scientist-Reviewed)
Luckily there are a number of options that are just as good at cleaning and infinitely better for the environment than typical plastic-based sponges. We've researched and gathered the most eco-friendly ones we could find in our list, including our top choice, Miw Piw's Whole Natural Loofah. Read the rest of our list for more choices, and scroll down to the end for a buying guide reviewed by an environmental scientist for more shopping tips.
Quick List - Top Eco-Friendly Sponges
Gwen Lynn is an environmental health and safety scientist who provides environmental and safety consulting and monitors air, land and water resources. She is also the founder of In A Green Minute, who creates podcasts and informational videos on environmental progressiveness and green technology.
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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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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
Pick a Material Based on Toughness and Disposal
Cellulose Sponges Are Soft, Readily Available, and Familiar
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 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
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.
Look for an Attached Scouring Pad Made of Plant-Based Fibers
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.
Select the Right Size Sponge for the Job
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.
Ensure Your Sponge is Antibacterial-Free
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.
7 Best Eco-Friendly Sponges
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Miw Piw Whole Natural Loofah, 3 pack | | Three All-Natural, Organic Loofahs | |
2 | Teal Trunk Silicone Sponge and Scrubber | | Gentle Silicone Scrubber With Two Surfaces | |
3 | Kolo Nature Zero Waste Unsponges, 3 pack | | 100% Recycled, Compostable Plant-Based “Unsponge” | |
4 | Lather Natural Sea Wool Sponge | | A Super Soft, All-Natural Sponge | |
5 | Trader Joe's Pop up Sponges, 12 pack | | A Simple, All-Plant Sponge for Household Cleaning | |
6 | Scotch-Brite Greener Clean Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge, 12 pack | | Made from Recycled Paper and Agave | |
7 | STK Heavy Duty Silicone Scrubber Sponges, 10 pack | | Currently unavailable | Heat-Resistant, Odor-Free Sponges for the Kitchen |
Three All-Natural, Organic Loofahs
- plastic-free packaging
- sustainably farmed
- organic
Recommended for:
- scrubbing skin, washing dishes, and more
These are just three whole, organic, sustainably farmed loofahs. They are fully compostable and even arrive in paper packaging free of plastics. They can easily be cut to any size and can be used for basically any cleaning purposes.
They retain a lot of water but dry out quickly, so you don’t have to worry much about bacterial growth. Some reviewers said they arrived smaller than expected and they're not very good at scrubbing caked-on messes, so you might want to look elsewhere for heavy-duty cleaning.
Teal TrunkSilicone Sponge and Scrubber
Gentle Silicone Scrubber With Two Surfaces
- two different scrubbing powers
- odor-, stain-, and bacteria-free
- don't hold soap well
- scrubbing almost any surface
These silicone sponges feature two different scrubbing surfaces–one with bristles that’s more gentle and one with ridges that’s got a little more scrubbing power to it. Since they're made completely from silicone, hold soap very well, so you’ll likely find that you’re using a bit more soap than you’re used to.
Reviewers say that these are a bit flimsy and don't hold up to tough messes, so it would be best for cleaning up fresh or low-grade spills. It's definitely a great tool to add to your cleaning arsenal!
KoloNature Zero Waste Unsponges, 3 pack
100% Recycled, Compostable Plant-Based “Unsponge”
- machine washable
- made from recycled material
- lasts for months
- soft side and scrubbing side
Recommended for:
- regular and heavy cleaning use or cast iron
This "unsponge" is about as eco-friendly as you get. It’s made only from recycled cotton and jute, it’s machine washable, and it will last up to four months of heavy use.
Though it may take some getting used to–it feels quite a bit smaller in your hand–it cleans just as well, if not better than a normal sponge. The jute scrubbing side is gentle but effective and rinses off cleanly, which makes it perfect for cast iron.
A Super Soft, All-Natural Sponge
- soft and gentle
- kept as natural as possible
- may vary in color and size
- jobs that require really gentle washing
This sea sponge is soft and gentle–perfect for washing delicate skin or nonstick cookware. It is unbleached and untreated, so you don’t have to worry about any chemicals, either. It has slight ocean-y scent and is kept as natural as possible, which means the product photo may not reflect what you get.
Some reviewers have said it's much smaller than expected, so it's best for very sensitive jobs that don't require a lot of scrubbing. They also said it falls apart easily but that it lathers up well.
Trader Joe'sPop up Sponges, 12 pack
A Simple, All-Plant Sponge for Household Cleaning
- don't take up storage space when dry
- odor-resistant
- breaks down quickly
Recommended for:
- light, gentle scrubbing
You’d never guess this was a 12-pack of sponges! These sponges come extremely flat and puff up in water, so you know they’re super absorbent. On top of that, they are relatively durable and resistant to odors.
However, they are still made from just cellulose, so you’ll naturally have to deal with them breaking down more quickly than other materials. It also doesn't do much in terms of messes that require hard scrubbing.
Scotch-BriteGreener Clean Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge, 12 pack
Made from Recycled Paper and Agave
- sponge side and scouring side
- made of plant fibers and recycled content
- somewhat long-lasting
- effective and somewhat eco-friendly cleaning
The sponge side of this cleaning tool is made from cellulose fiber including 25% recycled paper. The scouring side is tough but non-scratch and made 50% from agave. However, the other 50% of the scouring pad is polyester, so it isn’t biodegradable and not compostable.
But it’s still a better alternative to a 100% polyester scrubber, so this is good if you’re looking to do better without giving up on what you’re used to! Some reviewers wish it lasted longer, but many compared it to non-eco-friendly options in terms of quality.
STKHeavy Duty Silicone Scrubber Sponges, 10 pack
Heat-Resistant, Odor-Free Sponges for the Kitchen
- heat- and odor-resistant
- not absorbent
- prevents mold and bacteria growth
- scrubbing (not wiping) messes
These silicone sponges have a similar shape and texture to normal sponges but don’t soak up water or grime, so you never have to worry about gross smells or bacteria building up. They’re heat resistant, so feel free to boil them if you want to be extra clean.
Just note that because they’re silicone and not absorbent at all, they don’t make very good wiping sponges and are better for scrubbing. Additionally, though they do a good job cleaning, you won’t get that squeaky clean feel of a more absorbent sponge.
How to Clean Your Sponge
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!
Top 5 Eco-Friendly Sponges
No. 1: Miw Piw｜Whole Natural Loofah, 3 pack
No. 2: Teal Trunk｜Silicone Sponge and Scrubber
No. 3: Kolo｜Nature Zero Waste Unsponges, 3 pack
No. 4: Lather｜Natural Sea Wool Sponge
No. 5: Trader Joe's｜Pop up Sponges, 12 pack
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.