Review of silicone sponges for washing dishes: pros and cons, cost, user reviews
Washing dishes by hand is a routine task, and comfortable, high-quality sponges can help you cope with it.
Silicone washcloths are relatively new devices that are becoming increasingly popular.
We will tell you more about silicone sponges for washing dishes in the article.
Content
Features of a silicone washcloth
Most manufacturers produce silicone sponges in bright colors. They are shaped more like potholders and do not have much volume..
The structure of the material, although soft, allows it to retain its shape, not deform during use, and not react to heat when in contact with hot surfaces. To create dish scourers, food grade silicone is used, which can safely come into contact with food.
Advantages and disadvantages
Silicone sponges have advantages and some disadvantages. The advantages include the following:
bright colors;- The washcloth is easy to keep clean - the surface is easy to clean;
- Using a sponge, light stains can be removed from dishes even without additional use of detergents;
- long service life;
- ease of use and storage;
- can also be used for washing vegetables and fruits;
- creates pleasant tactile sensations;
- suitable for washing various types of surfaces, even Teflon;
- does not leave scratches;
- environmental friendliness of the material;
- does not promote the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms;
- does not damage surfaces;
- resistance to abrasion, loss of shape and color.
Despite the extensive list of advantages, not without its drawbacks either. These include:
- A silicone sponge will not cope with complex dried-on stains;
- when wet, silicone easily slips out of your hands;
- the surface does not absorb water;
- the cost is higher than that of conventional foam sponges;
- Not a lot of foam is formed from the detergent, and it does not stay on the surface; as a result, the consumption of the gel increases.
5 rules of application
Its service life and condition directly depend on proper care of the sponge. The requirements are not complicated:
- After each use, the sponge should be rinsed thoroughly. It is better to do this under running hot water.
- Once every couple of weeks, the washcloth should be disinfected by immersing it in boiling water for 2 minutes.
- Depending on the intensity of service, the sponge is replaced every 3-6 months.
- When washing dishes with a silicone sponge, it is not necessary to use dish gel - simple stains can be dealt with even without them.
- If you use dish gel, its consumption will be greater than when using a foam sponge, since silicone does not contribute to the formation and retention of lush foam.
Selection rules
All silicone sponges have common basic characteristics. Their main differences:
- color;
- form;
- washcloth size;
- bristle length;
- the presence of bristles on both sides or only on one side.
Size
Too large or very small washcloths are inconvenient because they are difficult to hold in your hand and do work with. The same requirement for convenience applies to the shape of the sponge.
Bristles
The absence of bristles on one side allows the silicone device to be used as an oven mitt or a stand for hot dishes. Soft short bristles are convenient for washing dishes, including thin glass, as well as washing the sink and stove.
Long bristles are more suitable for cleaning large surfaces, for example, a tiled wall, and are not suitable for tidying up teas and glasses.
Individually or in a set
Sponges are sold individually and in sets. The set may include products of different colors, shapes and sizes. Since silicone sponges can be used for different purposes, choosing a set of 2-3 pieces can be quite justified.
Top 5 best products
When choosing silicone sponges for the kitchen You can focus on the top of the best companies whose products are well-deservedly respected from buyers.
Faberlic
Sponges are suitable for washing vegetables and dishes. Manufacturer's recommended service life is up to 3 months. Among the advantages is easy care of the sponge itself.
Cons: high cost and inability to remove dried stains. Price – about 300 rubles.
Video review of Faberlic silicone sponge:
Bradex
Silicone sponges TM Bradex (China) sold as a set of two (green and yellow). Each has a convenient ergonomic shape and size 125 x 70 mm. Convenient size allows you to use the washcloth as a sponge.
The surface of the brush contains 3,000 silicone bristles. The material is gentle even on non-stick coatings that are sensitive to mechanical stress.
Price – from 300 rubles per set.
Better Sponge (set)
Composition: soft food grade silicone. The set includes 3 sponges, differing in size and color. The set allows you to purchase several brushes, which can be used not only for washing dishes, but also for cleaning upholstery, etc. Price – about 300 rubles.
KuchenLand Manny
Durable and environmentally friendly silicone sponges have an interesting attractive design and convenient size. KuchenLand Manny is convenient to use in the kitchen not only for cleaning dishes, but also for washing other surfaces.
Models differ in shape and color, allowing you to choose the option that you like best. Price – from 150 rubles.
Magic Brush Gloves
In addition to the usual forms of silicone sponges, some manufacturers produce silicone gloves, one of the surfaces of which is equipped with bristles for better washing of dirty dishes. At the same time, the skin of the hands is protected from the effects of detergents and drying.
The size is selected similarly to the size range of household gloves. Price - about 500 rubles for two gloves.
Alternative options
In addition to silicone sponges for washing dishes and kitchen utensils Sponges made from the following materials can also be used:
- microfiber;
- foam;
- bamboo;
- plastic;
- metal;
- cellulose;
- melamine.
Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, which must be taken into account when using.
Customers' opinions
There are different opinions about silicone sponges. Some consumers like ease of use and the ability to keep dishes clean without detergents.
But, on the other hand, such sponges are not universal enough - they cannot be used to thoroughly wash, for example, a burnt frying pan, and processing small cutlery takes too much time.
Recommendations
When choosing silicone sponges The following recommendations may help:
- Along with the sponges, it is convenient to purchase a special holder with them. It will allow you to store the washcloths in a suspended state, allowing the water to drain.
- After using the washcloths, they themselves need to be cleaned of dirt and stored only clean.
- The sponge can be washed in the dishwasher - it is convenient and hygienic.
Conclusion
Silicone sponges for dishes are a convenient universal means of maintaining cleanliness that will come in handy around the house. With proper use, such washcloths serve for quite a long time without losing their appearance and performance characteristics.
