An important question: what are dishwashing sponges made of?

Sponges for washing dishes are a simple and convenient tool.

There are several varieties of them, each of which has its own characteristics and is suitable for different types of pollution.

What are dishwashing sponges made of, what are their pros and cons, and how to care for them, we will tell you further.

Types of products and their composition

To effectively clean dishes, it is recommended to have several types of sponges. They are made from natural and artificial materials and have different characteristics and textures.

In addition to composition, sponges vary in size. Ease of use depends on this parameter. Sponges that are too small or too large will not be practical..

In combination with sponges, you can only use dishwashing detergents that are approved for these purposes.

Foam rubber

The most versatile and popular type of sponge is foam rubber.

Advantages:

• due to their high porosity, such sponges absorb water well;
• when using any detergents, they form abundant foam;
• have low cost;
• Available in different shades.

Minuses:

• short service life (2-3 weeks);
• cannot cope with stubborn stains.

A more versatile and popular option is washcloths, which have one side that is rougher and tougher.

Foam rubber with abrasive layer

Kitchen sponges made of foam rubber often have an abrasive hard layer on one side. This option is more universal, as it allows you to cope with both mild and persistent stains.

• the abrasive surface is suitable for cleaning carbon deposits on pots, as well as for cleaning the cooking surface, baking trays, sinks, etc.;
• relatively low cost;
• good moisture absorption;
• formation of abundant foam.

Minuses:

• not long service life;
• impossibility of using for wiping surfaces in a neglected state, but sensitive to mechanical stress.

Pulp

These dish scourers are made from environmentally friendly material. Cellulose sponges have many advantages:

• hypoallergenic;
• give an antibacterial effect;
• Available in different shades;
• environmentally friendly;
• universal – suitable not only for dishes;
• absorb moisture well;
• retain their shape for a long time;
• are wear resistant.

Minuses: the price is higher than that of foam sponges.

Metal

Outwardly, such washcloths look like a loose coil of thin wire.

Advantages:

• effectiveness in washing away persistent and old stains;
• low cost;
• long service life.

Flaws:

• do not absorb water;
• do not form foam;
• the color of the washcloth is only silver-gray;
• cannot be used on mechanically sensitive coatings (for example, Teflon, ceramics, etc.);
• may leave scratches.

Plastic

Plastic sponges also find their use in the kitchen. Externally, such a tool looks like an interweaving of many thin plastic wires that form a mesh.

pros plastic sponges:

• do not leave scratches;
• low price;
• Available in different shades.

Minuses:

• practically do not create foam;
• does not absorb water; they will not cope with persistent carbon deposits;
• average service life.

Bamboo

Bamboo sponges can also be used in the kitchen. Advantages these sponges:

• hypoallergenic composition;
• can be used without adding detergents;
• gentle cleaning of surfaces.

• high price;
• service life is short;
• bamboo cannot cope with serious dirt;
• rapid loss of appearance;
• the material absorbs dirt and grease.

Microfiber

Microfiber sponges are becoming increasingly popular thanks to a number of advantages:

• hypoallergenic;
• environmental friendliness;
• safety;
• good moisture absorption;
• careful treatment of surfaces;
• Dishwashing detergents are needed in minimal quantities;
• versatility - suitable for processing various surfaces.

There were also some downsides:

• high price;
• Sponges cannot cope with complex stains;
• The service life is short, since washcloths absorb grease and dirt.

Melamine

Melamine sponges are recommended for cleaning the outer surfaces of dishes that are not in direct contact with food.

Advantages:

• no need to use detergents;
• multifunctionality - suitable for cleaning various kitchen surfaces;
• Melamine copes with medium-sized stains.

Minuses:

• short service life - one use;
• may not cope with heavy carbon deposits;
• high price;
• You cannot wash dishes inside with such a sponge.

Silicone

Silicone dish sponges can seriously compete with conventional types of sponges. The advantages include:

• do not absorb dirt and grease;
• bright colors;
• easy to care for the sponge itself;
• delicate attitude towards the surface of the dishes.

Flaws:

• price;
• do not form abundant foam;
• consumption of dishwashing gel increases;
• cannot cope with persistent carbon deposits.

In addition to the popular options listed, there are hybrid models that combine several types of materials. For example, foam rubber covered with cellulose, etc.

Production

Sponges are produced industrially, using special machines and additional equipment. The quality of the sponge depends on compliance with the entire technological process, compliance with glue standards and the equipment itself.

The standard line includes several machines:

1. Mixer for preparing the composition.
2. Belt conveyor or block molds.
3. Band machine (horizontal or vertical).
4. Equipment for dosing components, etc.

You can watch the making of sponges in the video:

Rules of care

Kitchen sponges require high-quality care. Otherwise, they can become a breeding ground for pathogens, lose their appearance and functionality, and acquire an unpleasant odor.

Preventive care measures include:

1. Keeping washcloths clean. It needs to be washed after use.
2. Store with good ventilation, allowing excess water to drain off.
3. When the sponge wears out, it must be replaced with a new one. It is also necessary to remember the expiration date of washcloths. Silicone ones last the longest; they are replaced after a few months of use.

Conclusion

Sponges for washing dishes are a simple but quite effective tool for maintaining cleanliness. Having several options from different materials in your arsenal, it will not be a problem to keep pots, pans, cups and plates clean without harm to your health.