It would seem that a sponge is a small and inconspicuous thing, but without it it is hard to imagine modern life. In the arsenal of each housewife, as a rule, there are several of them: for washing dishes, baths, toilet, wiping off dust, etc.
Foam sponges
Most often found in the kitchen. The detergent on it foams perfectly, the sponge cleans the dirty surface well and carefully. The back (abrasive) side easily removes burnt food and fat. Advantages: the cheapest on the market, sold everywhere, can be used for any utensil. Disadvantages: These sponges must be changed every 7-10 days, otherwise harmful bacteria and viruses develop in them.
Embossed foam sponges (profile)
Oversized sponges with an abrasive cleaning layer, profiled. Ideal for removing dirt from surfaces. The special profile protects fingers and nails when washing dishes or cleaning. The cleaning layer is abrasive. The rest does not differ from ordinary foam sponges.
Porous sponge with grip
These sponges are usually sold in a set of two. One of the sponges for removing dirt from Teflon and delicate surfaces, the other for coarse cleaning of dirt, carbon deposits and other things. Advantages: comfortable to hold in the hand, there is no chance of injuring your hands during intensive cleaning. More durable than standard foam sponges. Disadvantages: the sponge is foam rubber and requires periodic change, it is more expensive than usual, because of its unpopularity, it is rarely found in stores.
Foamed polyurethane foam sponges
Due to the absence of an abrasive layer, they are suitable for washing all types of dishes. The sponge consists of two layers: cleaning and foaming. Polyurethane foam is impregnated with special antimicrobial additives, which eliminates the appearance of odor. Advantages: suitable even for delicate cleaning of non-stick cookware, glass, Teflon. They have a longer service life compared to foam rubber. Disadvantages: a rather big price for a sponge.
Metal sponges
They are simply irreplaceable in any kitchen. Made of fine stainless steel shavings. Advantages: indispensable for cleaning burnt food and old fat. Disadvantages: over time, they begin to crumble, and small chips can severely injure hands, therefore, with frequent use, it is necessary to change the sponge to a new one.
Hard cloth sponges
Suitable not only for washing dishes, but also for intensive cleaning of carbon deposits, old deposits on pots, pans, cauldrons. Suitable for cleaning plumbing fixtures. Advantages: versatile, low price. Disadvantages: due to constant humidity, it becomes slippery and an unpleasant odor appears.
Dishwashing sponge with dispenser
These sponges have appeared quite recently. They are a sponge with a plastic handle, into which the detergent is poured. Advantages: due to this construction of the sponge, there is no contact of the skin of the hands with household chemicals. The detergent is used very economically. Disadvantages: the foam layer of the sponge itself wears out quickly.
