Recycled Scrubbing Sponges

Protect the environment by reducing landfill waste when you choose recycled sponges for cleaning and scrubbing tasks. While regular polyurethane sponges are not recyclable, those made from cellulose and other plant sources are fully recyclable and compostable too. Staples® carries a wide selection of sponges and other cleaning supplies made from different recycled materials.

Choose From Different Types of Recycled Sponges
Recycled cleaning sponges can be made of recycled and/or renewable materials. The most popular ones are cellulose scrubbers. Usually made from recycled wood pulp and cotton fibers, these cleaning tools are affordable, come in bright colors, and have excellent absorbency. There are also compressed or pop up cellulose sponges. These come in smaller packages. A compressed sponge is a dehydrated scrubber. Simply placing it in water rehydrates the shrunken mass and turns it into a regular cellulose sponge.

The third class of recycled scrubbing sponges includes two-sided or abrasive cellulose cleaners. A recycled abrasive sponge has a thin layer of abrasive material on one side of a regular cellulose sponge. It offers better scrubbing action and is ideal for cleaning greasy cookware, stained countertops, outdoor grills, and bathroom tiles.

Factors to Consider When Shopping for Recycled Sponges
First, find the right size sponge for your cleaning tasks. Kitchen and bath scrubbers are mostly palm-sized units. Sponge mops for scrubbing floors are usually wider. Take care to choose non-scratching recycled scrubbers especially when shopping for sponges with abrasive layers. Some heavy-duty recycled scourers have very coarse textures that make them unsuitable for scrubbing pans and pots with non-stick surfaces.

The tougher abrasive side of a scrubbing sponge can be made of plant-based materials like ground walnut shells and agave. Some brands also make this side from recycled plastic obtained from discarded bottles. Note that unlike most plant-sourced sponge materials, recycled plastic is not biodegradable. To ensure your recycled scrubbing sponge is a truly eco-conscious choice, confirm that it does not release toxic chemicals during use or when discarded. Avoid antibacterial sponges that use harmful additives like triclosan.

Do Recycled Sponges Last as Long as Foamed Plastic Ones?
Yes. Sponges made of cellulose and other recycled materials are just as durable as regular scrubbers made of synthetic plastic polymers. They can also clean as well or better than traditional sponges.

How Do You Prevent Microbial Growth on Recycled Sponges
Recycled cellulose sponges do stay moist longer than regular plastic ones. To discourage the growth of bacteria and fungi, simply sanitize these scrubbers in a dishwasher. Alternatively, you can soak them in hydrogen peroxide. Another effective way to extend the useful lifespan of recycled scrubbing sponges while getting rid of germs is by placing them in a microwave for two minutes. To avoid starting a fire, make sure the sponges are wet before microwaving them.

What Is the Difference Between Natural and Recycled Sponges?
Recycled scrubbers are man-made products while natural sponges come from the ocean. Also known as sea sponges, these cleaning aids grow on ocean floors and have coarse textures that make them ideal for scrubbing. Once harvested, the biodegradable scrubbers are suitable for exfoliating, washing dishes, and mopping spills. Since they are highly porous, sea sponges do not accumulate dirt particles from cleaning tasks and do not support microbial growth.