Sponges & Scourers

Cleaning sponges are a regular household item designed to make cleaning quick and efficient. Cromwell stock a wide range of sponges and scourers from leading brands Spontex and Brillo in our cleaning and Hygiene collection, so you can be assured of the right product whatever the application.

What are cleaning sponges and scourers?

Cleaning sponges are designed to absorb water wipe away grime and debris from surfaces and items. Scourers are generally slightly more abrasive and are designed to clean stubborn stuck on dirt and grime.

Why sponges and scourers?

They can be used for a wide range of tasks including dishwashing or wiping down surfaces after use, amongst others. Sponges and scourers are fibrous which allows them to hold moisture for easy cleaning and some feature abrasive scouring surfaces to help remove stubborn grime.

When to use sponges and scourers?

Sponges and scourers can be used to perform a variety of cleaning tasks from everyday washing up to deep cleaning of components and machinery.

Types of cleaning sponges and scourers

There are numerous types of cleaning sponges and scourers available, and whilst their general purpose is to clean, some types are more suited to specific applications than others. Below we have listed the most common types along with their features and benefits.

• Cellulose - These are typically made of wood pulp and are fibrous enough to hold liquid for easy cleaning, they are usually used for general cleaning in the kitchen and bathroom and for wiping up spillages.

• Combination - These sponges feature a cellulose body with one side acting as a scouring pad. The soft cellulose side can be used as a gentle cleaning tool, whilst the abrasive side helps to loosen tough grime. They can be used for dishes as well as kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

• Abrasive sponges - These sponges are ideal for hard scrubbing on tough surfaces like grills and cook wear as well as structures like outdoor furniture.

Considerations when choosing a sponge or scourer

Whilst sponges are relatively versatile cleaning tools, there are some types that fair better at cleaning certain things than others. To help aid the correct choice, here are somethings you should consider when choosing a cleaning sponge and scourer.

• The surface being cleaned - Is the surface hard or soft? Has it been treated with a varnish etc? Some polished surfaces can be marred by abrasives so ensure that the surface won't be dulled if you choose to use an abrasive sponge.

• The spillage being cleaned - Sponges are absorbent by nature, so there is a chance that the liquid being absorbed into the sponge will stick around internally for some time. When using a cellulose sponge, ensure you don't mop up juices from raw meat or eggs if you plan to clean other areas not contaminated by these, as you can risk spreading them to other surfaces and transmit harmful bacteria like e-coli.

Sponge and scourers jargon buster

We want to make is easier for you to shop our range of sponges and scourers, so we've outlined some key terminology to help you make a confident purchasing decision.

What are stainless steel wire scourers?

As they sound, stainless steel or just steel wire scourers are manufactured from steel and are used for removing extremely stubborn dirt and grime. WHilst they are highly effective at removing dirt, they also have the potential to remove the surface of some items such as baking trays or glass, and can leave scratches if too much pressure is applied.

FAQs

Are sponges hygienic?

Sponges are absorbent which means they can harbour bacteria like e-coli. To ensure thorough hygienic cleaning, be sure to rinse and wring your sponge out after each used and remove excess grime and debris. Be sure to replace your sponge regularly.