Non-Scratch Kitchen Sponge

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Which one should you buy?

Any non-scratch sponge will look after your nonstick pans; what matters more is how you keep it clean and how often you swap it for a new one.

The humble sponge does more work in a kitchen than almost anything else, and gets less thanks. It washes the pans, wipes the counters and mops up the spills. Then we leave it sitting damp by the sink and wonder why it smells.

Here's the honest truth: the sponge is often the germiest thing in the kitchen. It's warm, it's wet and it's full of tiny bits of food. That doesn't mean you should be scared of it. It just means a little routine goes a long way.

Why non-scratch matters, and why sponges smell

The rough green scourer on a cheap sponge is made for tough, bare surfaces. On nonstick pans, glass and some countertops it leaves fine scratches, and on nonstick those scratches mean the coating wears out sooner. A non-scratch pad still has some bite, just not enough to damage the surface.

The smell is bacteria. Every time you wipe up raw chicken juice or leave the sponge in a puddle, you're giving them a nice home. Some of those bacteria are the ones that make a sponge smell sour. Others can make you ill if you wipe them across a chopping board.

Skura pads are made from polyurethane foam rather than the usual cellulose, which is part of why they're said to stay fresher. Even so, no sponge stays clean on its own.

Skura scrub pads at a glance

What to look for in a kitchen sponge

• Non-scratch. Essential if you own nonstick pans or glass bakeware.

• Dries quickly. A sponge that stays soggy breeds bacteria faster.

• Easy to sanitise. One that's labelled dishwasher-safe or microwave-safe makes the cleaning routine below simple.

• Resists odour. Nice to have, but it's no substitute for cleaning and replacing it.

• Comfortable to hold and tough enough not to shred after a week.

The Skura pads are pleasant to use and hard-wearing. If being able to sanitise in the dishwasher is your priority, the Scrunge is the easier choice.

Who it suits, and who should skip it

Good for you if

• You cook with nonstick pans or glass dishes

• You hate a smelly sponge

• You like a reminder to change it

Skip it if

• You're scrubbing cast iron or burnt stainless steel: use a stiff brush, a chainmail scrubber or a powder cleanser

• You want to sanitise it in the dishwasher and can't confirm the pads are dishwasher-safe: choose the Scrunge

How to keep a sponge clean

Every day

Rinse it well and squeeze it out after every use. Let it dry standing up or on a rack, not sitting in a puddle by the sink.

Every few days: sanitise with heat

Heat works far better than soaking. A quick soak in bleach water, vinegar or lemon juice leaves a lot of germs behind. Use one of these instead:

• Microwave: only if the sponge has no metal in it and the pack says it's microwave-safe. Soak it in water so it's completely wet, then microwave on high for one to two minutes. Leave it in the microwave to cool before you touch it; it will be very hot. Never microwave a dry sponge. It can catch fire.

• Dishwasher: only if the pack says it's dishwasher-safe. Put it on the top rack and run a hot cycle with heated drying.

Every week or two: replace it

Sanitising slows the germs down, but it doesn't reset the sponge. Some bacteria come back quickly, and they're the smelly ones. Swap it for a fresh one about every week or two, and sooner if it smells, looks worn or is falling apart. That four-pack will go further than you think.

Keep two

One for dishes, one for counters. And after raw meat, wipe the counter with a paper towel or a cloth that goes straight in the wash, rather than spreading juices around with your sponge.

Questions people ask

How often should I replace my kitchen sponge?

About every week or two, even if you sanitise it. Sooner if it smells or is breaking up.

Does microwaving a sponge kill bacteria?

Yes, very effectively, as long as the sponge is soaking wet, has no metal in it and is labelled microwave-safe. Never microwave a dry sponge.

Can I put my sponge in the dishwasher?

If it's dishwasher-safe, yes. Use a hot cycle with heated drying. It's one of the best ways to clean it.

Does soaking a sponge in bleach or vinegar work?

Not as well as heat. A short soak leaves a good share of the germs behind. Microwave or dishwasher is better, and regular replacement is best.

Why does my sponge smell?

Bacteria are growing in it. Squeeze it out, let it dry upright between uses, sanitise it every few days, and replace it often.

Use it on

Nonstick pans like my Nonstick Frying Pan.

Updated October 2026. Prices change often, so check before you buy.