In recent times, attention to personal hygiene and the cleaning of domestic environments has grown exponentially. We are spending more time cleaning and sanitizing the surfaces and the various corners of the house, but are we sure that we have thought of everything? Even if we have probably never noticed it, there is an object of daily use that can hide a thousand pitfalls. This is the kitchen sponge we use to wash the dishes, but often also to clean the stove, cupboards, and sink.
There are a variety of models that are available with different characteristics and functions. This can confuse buyers who are not certain of the features to look for when purchasing. To make it easier for you, we’ve made a decision to create a guide to choosing the right kitchen sponge. We have listed the essential aspects to be considered when picking.
The Right Material
As we said, deciding which sponge to buy is not that easy since the products sold online and in household goods stores could, at first glance, all look the same. However, to avoid making a wrong choice, a few small factors can make a difference. The first element of comparison is certainly the materials with which these objects are made and, among the most common, are polyurethane and cellulose, ideal especially for cleaning dishes.
Generally speaking, synthetic fiber sponges lend themselves to many uses and have excellent degreasing properties: flat microfibre sponges, for example, absorb water well and are able to deeply capture even the most microscopic dirt particles, leaving the surfaces perfectly dry and without unsightly halos, while those made of polycondensed melamine foam (the so-called “magic sponges”) are ideal for removing stains from walls and floors thanks to their abrasive surface, similar to very thin sandpaper.
From a hygiene point of perspective but the best sponge is the one made of silicone, which is also drying quicker, helps prevent the development of stagnation in water that occurs inside cell walls of cellulose as well as microfibres, thereby hindering the spread of bacteria and germs.
In addition, it can be washed comfortably in the dishwasher and lasts longer. Despite the good characteristics offered, the silicone sponges are not without defects since they are slippery and difficult to grip when wet, not to mention that they do not always prove effective against the most stubborn dirt.
From the practicality of use, a winning choice is certainly the brushes for dishes always produced in silicone or with other materials, such as polypropylene. Thanks to the flexible bristles, they can easily reach even the corners and small crevices to remove accumulations of dirt with minimal effort. At the same time, the handle makes them more comfortable to handle. However, to always maintain high hygiene standards, care must be taken to carefully clean the bristles after use to eliminate any residual food and dirt.
The Rule of Colors
Have you ever wondered why sponges, especially those sold in packs of several pieces, often have different colors? This is not an aesthetic question, but a device designed to distinguish them based on the type of use they will be intended for.
Choosing sponges of a different color is therefore useful not to confuse the one used for washing dishes with those used to clean other household surfaces, on which residues of the chemical substances contained in the cleaning detergents may remain. Suitable for contact with the dishes in which we eat.
An Eye Also to the Environment
Suppose you care about protecting the environment for sale. In that case, you can also find ecological sponges made of bamboo or Luffa vegetable fiber, completely similar to the traditional ones but which have the particularity of being 100% biodegradable and therefore disposable in the organic.
Although not sold at low prices compared to the market average, these compostable sponges offer numerous advantages and ensure greater longevity: in contact with water, the natural fibers of which they are composed expand and soften to remove dirt and stains. It is difficult without scratching the dishes and, once dry, they can be easily compressed for storage without taking up too much space in the kitchen.
Furthermore, unlike synthetic products, they are hypoallergenic and far more hygienic because they limit the proliferation of germs and bacteria, preventing them from contaminating the surfaces that will be cleaned later.
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