Even if you know instinctively that your kitchen sponge can get pretty nasty, the numbers still might shock you: 54 billion bacteria per cubic centimeter (yes, billion with a B) can be found on a kitchen sponge. For those keeping track, that’s similar to concentrations of bacteria you might find in your toilet. Ew.
According to previous HuffPost reporting, this sponge conundrum is made worse by the fact that cleaning your sponges may not be as effective as you’d hope — in fact, it can even increase certain types of bacteria. Not all scientists agree on this front: NPR argued that sponges can be effectively cleaned, but both the experts cited in that story and in the study referenced in previous HuffPost reporting concluded with a suggestion of replacing kitchen sponges on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
Buying new sponges every couple of weeks can be costly, though, not to mention wasteful when longer-lasting alternatives exist. Enter: These bamboo scrub brushes you can find on Amazon, just $10 for a pack of three. That’s slightly more than a three-pack of regular kitchen sponges, but considering how much longer you can keep using them, it’ll save you money in the long run.
3-Pack Bamboo Dish Brushes at Amazon
A set of three Subekyu bamboo dish brushes. Dish brushes were found to have lower bacterial levels than sponges in a 2022 study, mostly because the brush bristles dry much faster, killing more harmful bacteria. The use of a handle also prevents hand contact with the cleaning surface. Dish brushes can also be replaced less frequently, with experts recommending every three to four months rather than every couple weeks.
These brushes have ergonomic bamboo handles and high-density sisal bristles that are firm without scratching to tackle caked-on food, grease, stains and more. Bamboo has natural antibacterial properties and sisal fibers have antimicrobial properties, too. Each brush also has an attached loop so you can hang it up to dry afterward (there’s also an included ceramic base to keep the brush off your counter). Plus, how gorgeous do these look compared to a boring old sponge?
“Love these brushes! Comes in handy for all those stubborn spots on dishes,” one reviewer wrote. “And no waste! Lasts much longer than sponges and doesn’t hold bacteria.” Another reviewer raved about how the brushes needing less soap than a porous sponge helped them extend the life of their dish soap supply. And in addition to cleaning dishes, reviewers also mention using the brushes to wash produce.
With over 5,000 5-star ratings and such a low price, these brushes can be an easy swap if you’re looking to toss your sponges.
More Sponge Alternatives
Want more options? Check out these other sponge alternatives that can clean dishes without holding onto as much bacteria:
Set of Six Dishwashing Brushes
A handy set of six dishwashing brushes. While the classic palm brush with the short handle is great, maybe you’d prefer to have a few different brushes on hand for dishes of different shapes and sizes. This set of six with bamboo handles and nylon bristles is perfect for that: It includes a palm brush like the one above, but also has a bottle brush, a rounder dish brush with a built-in scraper and three stainless steel straw brushes of different lengths. Both of the taller brushes have loops at the end for easy hanging so they can air-dry faster.
Promising review: “The brushes fits nicely with my sink organizer. The bristles are stiff and works really well. I like how the handles are constructed nicely, it makes my cleaning dishes/pots and veggies way. I use the smallest brush for cleaning my veggies. It’s easy to keep these brushes clean as well after each use.” — Sim Evora
$10 at Amazon
Silicone Suction-Cup Sponge
A unique suction-cup silicone sponge. Previous HuffPost reporting recommended buying a silicone scrubber because silicone is non-porous, meaning there are fewer nooks and crannies for bacteria to hide and collect. This water-tight sponge can be cleaned just by tossing it in the dishwasher. The flexible, non-scratch sponge has a unique ergonomic grip that can go between your fingers, and the handle also doubles as a suction cup so you can just stick it on your kitchen wall to air dry if you don’t have a hook to hang brushes or other kitchen tools on. The handle is even collapsible to take up less space. You can get just one sponge to start, or a pack of two or three.
$6+ at Amazon
Non-Absorbent Silicone Sponges with Peachy Scent
Or a set of three non-absorbent silicone sponges with a peachy scent. If you’re really attached to the classic shape of a kitchen sponge, you can get one made with fast-drying, non-absorbent silicone for less accumulation of bacteria. This three-pack of Peachy Clean sponges is breathable to reduce unwanted growth of bacteria and odor, and also have — as the name suggests — a pleasant peachy scent. The silicone is non-scratch so you can use it on many different surfaces including non-stick cookware, and the sponges last longer than traditional sponges, according to both the brand and reviewers who have put them to the test.
Promising review: “I love these as an alternative to other sponges. Except for the faint scent they come with which fades over time, the don’t smell at all. You can tell when the soap is completely out once you’re done washing the dishes. Unlike a regular sponge, when you squeeze these the water will eventually run clear. I don’t worry about mildew, mold, or gross bacteria hiding in the nooks and crannies. I’ve used 3 in about 6 months. Definitely could have stretched them longer. You’ll start to notice they fade in color and mine had some bigger holes from getting caught on forks and knives, so that’s when I replaced them. Highly highly recommend. If you’re like me and find sponges generally revolting, these are awesome.” — M
3-pack: $17 at Amazon
