The Top 20 Sponges for Tackling Any Surface

Our top pick is this smart sponge from Skura. The quick-drying sponge eliminates the problem of bacteria accumulating once and for all, thanks to odor-resistant polyurethane foam and a monogrammed side that fades to let you know when it's time to toss.

This multi-surface option is stain- and mold-resistant, but its real draw lies in how it reacts to different temperatures. Run it under cold water when you have a tougher mess that requires serious scrubbing, or under warm for light clean-ups. It changes textures from firm to soft depending on your cleaning needs.

If you're okay with branching out from traditional sponges, try this copper cloth for a nonabrasive yet efficient option. Just make sure you only use it when it's wet to avoid scratches, and pop it in the wash to extend its lifespan (which is already fairly long: One reviewer notes hers lasted two years).

Made from nonabrasive microfiber, each of these blue sponges is designed to be used either wet or dry—so if you're looking for a multi-use option, this is it. Because they're made of cloth, all you have to do is rinse them or pop them in the washing machine for a deeper clean, and reuse.

The soft side of this option is made from bamboo rayon fibers, which is odor-resistant and fluffy enough to handle more delicate plates and glassware.

For particularly greasy surfaces or pots and pans, this cellulose sponge comes with a rough pad to cut through the dirt. It has two sides, a FlexTexture® side that stays odor-free for up to two months, and a ResoFoam® side that produces 60% more soap suds than average sponges.

For anyone low on cupboard space: This set of 12 takes up next to no room. When you need a fresh sponge, simply run one of these under tap water to have it expand to its full size. Because they are slightly smaller than regular kitchen sponges, they're great for hard-to-reach areas.

Those tiny little 3D dots on the surface of these sponges hold the key to faster post-meal clean-up. Designed to cut through things like stuck-on cheese or eggs, they'll minimize time spent at the sink; but if you're worried about scratches, use a softer option for more delicate materials.

If you're someone who prefers to have different sponges for different tasks, pick up this egg-shaped one to use on your tub and shower. Specially made to deal with things like soap scum and hard water, reviewers note it cuts down scrubbing time significantly: "Literally cut 20 minutes off my clean time, I scrubbed away scum immediately," writes one.

Made from 100% plant-based materials (the scrubber side uses natural coconut fibers, and the spongey side is wood cellulose), this powerful yet non-scratch option is fully biodegradable so you can feel a little better about tossing it at the end of its lifespan.

A round scrubber can get into corners that some square ones can't—like the bases of pots and pans—making them ideal for kitchens. This set of 30 will last you a long time, and it doesn't hurt that it comes in an array of bright hues.

Another microfiber option we love, these come in a few fun prints and are great for wiping down counters at the end of the day: The softer side absorbs spills and won't scratch your table. Plus, the other side is made out of a scrubber, so you can also use these to do dishes.

Aside from the fact that they look like little Italian rainbow cookies, another perk of these multicolored sponges is their affordability. Consider it an easy way to squeeze just a tiny bit of color into an all-white kitchen.

Yes, you read that right: This 2-in-1 sponge only requires water to work its magic and get rid of any grime and grease you throw its way. No soap or countertop cleaners required.

It may not be multipurpose, but if you have a lot of cast iron cookware, it's worth picking up this chain mail scrubber to deal with hard-to-clean pans. We also like that it's dishwasher-safe so you can clean it easily between uses.

When only something heavy-duty will do, you need a scouring pad. These double-sided picks work on everything from dutch ovens to grills (just don't use them on anything delicate, like crystal or stainless steel). Just like their sponges, Skura's scouring pads are also antimicrobial and odor-resistant.

With a unique shape that fits into crevices and feels more secure in your hand, this non-scratch option is designed to be safe on most surfaces. The odor-proof sponge has one side coated in scrubbing dots and one softer side; and, because it can stand up on its side, it dries quickly to prevent mold.

This set of two is made from mostly plant-derived materials—specifically, walnut shells, which are abrasive and strong enough to get the dishes done without scratching them. Reviewers note they hold up well over time (some even report one pack lasting for months).

Usually, it's enough to hope that whichever sponges you buy remain neutral-scented, but this three-pack goes a step further: Each silicone scrubber is actually infused with a peach fragrance that'll keep your kitchen smelling fresh.

To keep some distance between you and whatever you're cleaning, opt for a sponge wand. This one has a long handle with a grip for control and a soap control button so you don't end up wasting detergent. As for the sponge itself (this set comes with six refills, so you're set for a while), it's made from a cellulose material that won't scratch surfaces or dishes.