When it comes to cleaning products, two brands I consistently find myself reaching for are Scotch-Brite and Scrub Daddy. Both have become household staples, known for their simple designs, reliable performance and ability to tackle everyday messes.
From wiping down countertops to scrubbing greasy pans, each brand offers kitchen sponges designed for different cleaning needs and surfaces. Scotch-Brite has built a long-standing reputation in the household cleaning space, while Scrub Daddy has gained a newer generation of fans through its memorable designs and viral TikTok appearances. Despite their different approaches, both brands have earned a reputation for getting the job done — with mess-free results.
After two weeks of testing both brands, I found that their differences become more noticeable when you put them to work. I used the sponges to clean stovetops, pans, countertops and other surfaces while testing how well they handled sticky residue, grime, grease and tougher messes.
So, which sponge handled everyday messes best? I put both brands through a series of real-world cleaning tests to see where each one shines and which sponge is worth reaching for at home.
How I tested the kitchen sponges
After two weeks of eating at home, I decided to put in some elbow grease and give my small kitchen a thorough cleaning. I was excited to rotate between the sponges throughout the two-week testing period and pay close attention to the small differences in design, feel and performance between Scotch-Brite’s selections and Scrub Daddy’s bestsellers.
I tested all of the sponges on plates, cups, pots, pans and countertops. To keep the comparison consistent, I wet each sponge under the same conditions and paid attention to how quickly they dried afterward. I also used each sponge on different types of food residue and textures to see how well they scrubbed away stuck-on food, grease and everyday messes.
To complement my hands-on testing, I also spoke with product developers from both Scotch-Brite and Scrub Daddy to better understand the design, materials and intended uses behind each sponge. Their insights helped provide additional context on how the sponges are made and what goes into their performance. However, I kept my evaluation independent, basing my conclusions on my own two-week testing experience rather than the brands’ claims. This allowed me to consider the developers’ perspectives while maintaining an unbiased view of how each sponge performed in my kitchen.
Which sponge performs better on greasy pots and pans?
My pick:
The hard, structured sponge is deceiving the first time you touch it. It feels firm and almost rigid, but once I started using the Scrub Mommy to tackle messes and clean dishes, it exceeded my expectations. I didn’t notice any lingering odor, even after using it to scrub my pan after cooking eggs. The textured side, made from polymer foam, was especially effective at removing stuck-on food from plates and tackling greasy messes on pots and pans.
After roughly one week of regular use, the sponge still smells fresh and hasn’t retained any unpleasant odors. This was one of the things that stood out to me, especially after using it on greasy cookware. Another thing I noticed is how much water the sponge holds. You only need a small amount of dish soap to create plenty of suds, which makes it easy to clean several dishes without constantly adding more soap.
According to the Scrub Daddy team, this sponge features a “FlexTexture side that adjusts firmness based on water temperature and a ResoFoam side that is ultra-absorbent, which creates rich suds and rinses quickly.” An explanation of why the sponge continued to hold suds during my dishwashing.
Things to consider:
The downside is that its highly absorbent design means you have to wring it out several times to get rid of excess water. I also found that gripping the sponge for an extended period can make my hand feel slightly tired. Cleaning deeper items, such as blender cups, can be a little uncomfortable because of the sponge’s firm structure and shape. However, neither of these minor inconveniences were enough to deter me from liking the sponge or reaching for it regularly.
The smiley-face design may seem like a small detail, but I genuinely think it makes cleaning feel a little more enjoyable. Reaching for this sponge somehow adds a positive touch to an otherwise mundane chore.
Overall performance:
After repeated use, I noticed a slight bend along the edges, although that could be from my strong grip. Despite that, the sponge has maintained its relatable smiley shape and overall structure. It has been one of the most durable sponges I’ve used, and it continues to perform well after multiple uses.
Overall, the Scrub Mommy exceeded my expectations with its ability to tackle stuck-on food, grease and everyday dishwashing without developing an unpleasant odor. Its durability, strong scrubbing ability and how it produces plenty of suds with a small amount of dish soap make it a sponge I would continue reaching for, particularly when cleaning greasy pots and pans. While it may take some getting used to when cleaning deep containers or gripping it for long periods, those minor drawbacks don’t outweigh its overall performance.
Which sponge is better for everyday use?
My pick:
This sponge was my favorite for tackling everyday messes. Once you run it under water, it becomes highly absorbent and easy to maneuver. I found that it needed about two to three drops of dish soap to create a rich lather, though I did have to reapply soap occasionally since the suds didn’t last as long as I’d hoped. One standout feature is the included drain caddy, which makes it easy to dry the sponge between uses. The sponge has a center hole that slips onto the stand for convenient storage.
The dual-sided design feels durable and comfortable to hold, making it easy to clean plates, cups and cookware. You can even place your fingers through the center hole for a more secure grip while scrubbing.
Things to consider:
While the sponge took slightly longer to dry than its competitor, it showed no signs of wear or deterioration during my two weeks of testing. The textured scrubbing side is also less abrasive, making it a good option for those who want to avoid scratching cookware and other delicate surfaces.
Another option:
I also tested another Scotch-Brite sponge, which proved effective at removing smaller, everyday messes. While it wasn’t as feature-rich, it got the job done efficiently and is a budget-friendly option for shoppers looking for a reliable sponge at an affordable price.
Overall performance:
I think the Scotch-Brite Scrub & Wipe with Drain + Dry Stand is an excellent everyday multitasker when you need to tackle crusty messes, slimy sauces and other sticky residue on dishes. Its flexible design makes it easy to maneuver around tough corners, utensils, and hard-to-reach areas, while the sponge has held its shape well throughout my testing.
My main drawback is that it takes a while to dry, which could mean I’d replace it sooner than some of the other sponges I tested. Still, its durability, flexibility and versatility make it a reliable option for everyday dishwashing.
Frequently asked questions
According to an application engineer at 3M, Myhanh Truong, the best way is to rinse the sponge thoroughly after each use. "Squeeze out excess water and store it in a well-ventilated area so it can dry between uses. You can place these Scotch-Brite sponges in the dishwasher top rack for a refresh."
Senior director of digital communications at the American Cleaning Institute, Jessica Ek, suggests soaking the sponge for five minutes in a solution of one-quart of water to three tablespoons of chlorine bleach and then letting the sponge air-dry.
"Consumers should replace their sponge regularly, especially if it develops odor, visible wear, discoloration or begins to break down. As a general guideline, kitchen sponges are often replaced every two to three weeks, depending on frequency of use and cleaning conditions, but some may last longer even longer. Remember to refresh your sponges in the dishwasher," mentions Truong.
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The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Jannely Espinal has been a fashion and lifestyle journalist for the past seven years. She’s well-versed in product sourcing, selection and testing, especially when it comes to the latest trends in home, style and beauty. Espinal combines her testing process with experts’ insight to select the best products for Shop TODAY’s audience.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are provided independently and without any undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Myhanh Truong is an application engineer at 3M with a focus on product development.
- Jessica Ek is the senior director of digital communications at the American Cleaning Institute.
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