All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
Loading...
Even in a world of steam cleaners and robotic vacuums, a humble sponge and a good scouring pad remain the go-to tools for fast, effective cleaning. They’re nimble, cheap, and perfect for tackling everything from sticky cereal bowls to baked-on lasagne. Pick the wrong type and you’ll scratch surfaces or replace them more often than you should; pick the right one and you’ll save time, money, and a fair bit of elbow grease.
In the UK market you’ll find specialist shops like Nordic Nest alongside high-street staples and big online retailers, all offering a surprising range of materials and designs. This guide helps you cut through the choice—what to buy, where to shop, and how to care for your sponges so they last longer and work better.
Not all sponges are created equal. Some are soft and absorbent for gentle wiping, while others have a rough, abrasive side built to tackle grime. Use the wrong one on non-stick pans or polished steel and you’ll end up with scratches; use the right one and those same stains wipe away in a few swipes. Choosing the correct tool saves surfaces and reduces the need for harsh chemicals.
Beyond surface protection, material choice affects hygiene. Natural cellulose and plant-based loofah can be composted, but they may hold moisture longer. Microfiber dries quickly and lifts grease well, while heavy-duty scouring pads offer brute force for grills and oven racks. Understanding these differences first makes shopping easier—and smarter.
Whether you prefer shopping online or browsing a high street aisle, the UK has plenty of options. Below are stores known for quality, variety, and reliable pricing—use this as your shortlist when hunting for the perfect sponge or scouring pad.
Nordic Nest excels at Scandinavian-style homewares and carries premium cleaning tools that blend design and function. Notable picks include the Brabantia Sinkside Sponge Microfiber 3-pack in Jade Green—great for keeping by the sink—plus natural-fibre options like the Iris Hantverk Kitchen Sponge 2-pack (Loofah) and Meraki Reseda Cleaning Sponge 2-pack in Nature tones. These items are stylish, often more durable than supermarket buys, and designed to sit neatly on countertops without pooling water.
If you like your cleaning tools to look as good as they perform, Nordic Nest is a smart stop. Their sponges often feature thoughtful design touches—like quick-drain shapes or color-coded packs for different tasks—which helps keep cleaning hygienic and efficient.
John Lewis is a solid choice for branded household goods. Look here for premium names like Brabantia, Joseph Joseph, and E-cloth, plus curated multi-packs. John Lewis often offers higher-end microfiber and silicone options that are gentle on non-stick surfaces yet powerful on grease.
Lakeland is great for kitchen gear and innovative cleaning products. You’ll find a selection of scouring pads, reusable cloths, and specialty sponges for ovens and grills. Their focus tends to be practical solutions—things designed to make cleaning quicker and less of a chore.
For budget-friendly everyday sponges and scouring pads, Wilko is hard to beat. They stock a wide range of cellulose sponges, heavy-duty pads, and value multi-packs. If you want to buy in bulk for a household that goes through sponges quickly, Wilko keeps costs low without sacrificing basic quality.
Amazon offers the widest selection—everything from household-brand staples like Scotch-Brite and Vileda to boutique items like Iris Hantverk or Meraki. The advantage is choice and customer reviews, which can be a helpful guide to real-world durability and performance. Watch for multi-pack deals which often reduce cost per use.
Dunelm offers a mid-range selection that balances value and quality. It’s a good place to find attractive kitchen accessories alongside practical cleaning tools, including anti-bacterial sponges and eco ranges. Dunelm often carries seasonal or home-matching colours, which is handy if you want coordinated kitchenware.
Supermarket chains like Tesco and Sainsbury’s are ideal for convenient shopping. They stock everyday sponges, scouring pads, and branded options at competitive prices. Since you’re likely already there for groceries, adding a pack of sponges to your trolley is quick and practical.
Material matters more than you might think. Below are the main sponge and pad materials, what they’re best for, and where you’ll typically find them.
Cellulose sponges are soft, absorbent, and excellent for general-purpose wiping and washing. They’re typically about 4 x 2.5 inches and soak up water well, making them ideal for counters, dishes, and light mess. They’re affordable and compostable when worn out, although they can stay damp and harbour bacteria if not dried properly.
Microfiber cuts grease and lifts dirt with minimal detergent. They’re soft on surfaces and fast-drying, often found in smaller sizes or folded cloths. Microfiber can be machine-washed, which helps keep them hygienic for longer. A typical microfiber cloth packs into a 12 x 12 inch square, but many brands sell smaller folded models that fit a hand.
Natural loofah and other plant-based sponges are compostable and attractive to eco-conscious shoppers. They’re often smaller—around 3 to 4 inches long—and have a rough texture that’s good for scrubbing fruit and vegetables or gentle dishwashing. They’re biodegradable but wear faster than synthetic alternatives.
Scouring pads come in various grit levels, from gentle to heavily abrasive. Use the softer green pads for pots and pans, and reserve steel wool or metal mesh for oven racks and grills. Be careful with non-stick cookware—an abrasive pad can remove the coating in a few passes. Pads are sold in sizes around 5 x 3 inches or as narrow hand-held strips for tight jobs.
Match the sponge to the surface and type of mess. A single-surface approach creates problems: scratches on pans, bacteria on counters, and more frequent replacements. Here’s how to pair sponges with tasks.
Use soft microfiber or a non-abrasive cellulose sponge to protect non-stick surfaces. Never use metal scouring pads; an abrasive action can destroy the non-stick coating in minutes. If stubborn residue remains, soak the pan first in hot water and a mild detergent, then lift residue with a soft sponge.
Steel wool or a coarse scouring pad excels here. For sealed stainless surfaces, start with a non-scratch pad to avoid dulling the finish, then escalate only if required. For grills and oven racks, an aggressive pad will save time and effort.
Microfiber is the winner for glass. It lifts fingerprints and grease without streaking and uses less cleaning fluid. Soft cellulose sponges also work well for general cleaning but might leave fibres if the quality is low—so choose a tightly woven microfiber for the cleanest finish.
For sink bays and floor-level cleaning, larger heavy-duty sponges or scrubbing pads are useful. Consider sponge mops or handheld scrubbers that accept replaceable pads—these cut down on hand strain and are great for bigger areas.
Sponges are a breeding ground for bacteria if ignored. With a few simple habits you can extend their usefulness and keep your kitchen healthier.
Rinse and wring sponges after each use, store them upright to air dry, and heat-disinfect weekly. Microwave a damp sponge for 1 to 2 minutes (watch carefully and use a microwave-safe sponge) or run them through a hot dishwasher cycle if the material allows. Replace heavily worn or permanently odorous sponges—most will last between 1 and 4 weeks depending on use and care.
If sustainability matters, look for natural cellulose or loofah sponges, and products made from recycled polyester or compostable fibres. Brands like Meraki and Iris Hantverk offer natural or biodegradable choices that suit greener kitchens. Remember that not all materials are compostable—microfibers and synthetic scourers usually belong in general waste or specialised recycling streams.
Reduce waste by buying durable options and by using separate sponges for dishes, counters, and bathrooms to avoid cross-contamination that forces premature replacements.
Cheap sponges are tempting, but frequent replacements can add up. Calculate cost per use by dividing pack price by expected uses. For example, a 6-pack at £3 might sound cheap, but if each sponge only lasts a week in a busy kitchen, that adds up. A higher-quality microfiber or branded pack could cost more upfront but last two to three times longer—making it better value in the long run.
Buying in multi-packs from retailers like Amazon, Tesco, or Wilko often reduces the per-sponge price. Specialist shops like Nordic Nest or John Lewis might charge a premium for design and longevity, which can be worth it if you prefer fewer replacements and a tidier sink area.
Before you buy, ask yourself: What surfaces will I clean? Do I need eco-friendly options? How often will I replace them? Look for non-scratch labels for delicate cookware, anti-bacterial or quick-dry features for hygiene, and consider pack size relative to household needs. If aesthetics matter, brands at higher-end stores offer coordinated colours and attractive storage solutions.
Choosing the right sponge or scouring pad in the UK comes down to understanding materials, matching tools to tasks, and picking a reliable retailer. Whether you shop Nordic Nest for design-led picks like the Brabantia Sinkside Sponge Microfiber, Iris Hantverk loofah sponges, and Meraki Reseda options, or you stick with high-street names for value, there’s a perfect match out there. Care for your sponges properly and you’ll keep surfaces pristine, reduce waste, and save money over time—one swipe at a time.
| Sponges & Scouring Pads | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Iris Hantverk Iris Hantverk Kitchen Sponge 2-pack Loofah | £ 8,60 | |
| Meraki Reseda Cleaning Sponge 2-pack Nature | £ 10,- |
