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What Is A Silicone Sponge

If you stay abreast of the latest trends in household cleaning supplies, you may have heard of the silicone sponge. This innovative new scrubber is getting some rave reviews, and in some cases, it is being touted as the new best thing since sliced gluten-free bread.

But how exactly does this remarkable creation work? Learn about the silicone sponge so you can determine whether to add it to your stash of cleaning supplies.

How the Silicone Sponge Works

Your typical cellulose sponge that you use to wash dishes is very porous and absorbent. Because of their makeup, cellulose sponges are known for eventually becoming stinky petri dishes filled with bacteria. Therefore, they have to be thrown out fairly often, which can sometimes be costly and isn’t exactly environmentally friendly.

Unlike its cellulose counterpart, the silicone sponge is not porous. Rather, it has sleek silicone bristles that prevent bacteria from setting up camp, meaning it doesn’t get that musty smell. Another benefit of this sponge is that it’s easy to clean in your dishwasher or with hot water, so you don’t have to replace it until it falls apart.

Uses for a Silicone Scrubber Sponge

While the silicone sponge was created to clean dishes, non-stick cookware and kitchen surfaces, product reviews show that people are finding alternative uses for these cleaning tools. Many individuals tout the sponge’s ability to clean up pet hair or pick up lint when used dry, and some even use the silicone scrubber to wash their faces.

Notably, reviews show that these sponges aren’t great for wiping down counters or stovetops because they’re not very absorbent. And while they are praised for their ability to clean lightly soiled pots and pans, the same design that keeps bacteria from clinging to the sponges also means dishwashing liquid can sometimes slide right off, depending on the length of the bristles.

All Brands of Silicone Sponges Are Not Created Equally

There are a variety of silicone sponges on the market and each brand is a little different. For example, some have longer bristles on both sides, while others have short bristles only on one side. Other types can pull double-duty functioning as trivets. There are also silicone scrubber sponges that have a side designed to clean vegetables. Naturally, the silicone sponge that works best for you will depend on your needs, so make sure you read through the reviews before deciding which to purchase.

How to Make the Most of the Silicone Sponge

Online reviews indicated the silicone sponge did a good job cleaning lightly soiled pots and pans, and depending on the brand, dishes. However, some reviewers did note that they had to use other tools for stuck-on food items or to clean surfaces.

If you want to incorporate the silicone scrubber into your daily cleaning routine and try to reduce your reliance on cellulose sponges, consider the following: Use the silicone sponge for whatever pots and pans you can. Stubborn food stains can be tackled with a plastic scrub brush that you can clean after using. Stick to microfiber cloths for counters and stovetops, as they’re absorbent and can help remove microorganisms. This trio should assist you in your efforts to reduce bacteria in your kitchen and can also help you be a bit more environmentally friendly.

Are you finding you don’t have time to take care of your daily housekeeping routine regardless of what new products are available? Then contact your local Merry Maids for some backup.