6 Top Benefits of Biodegradable Sponges
There are countless products we can buy to make our lives a little more sustainable. From reusable water bottles and local food items to plastic-free hygiene and cleaning products, there are many fantastic choices. But have you heard of biodegradable sponges?
Most people don’t spend much time thinking their sponges. They are generally made of plastic (which breaks down with use) or real dead sponges, an organism who lives on reefs. While the second option is natural, it still isn’t great either.
The best option? Biodegradable sponges made from cellulose. Read on to learn why we think biodegradable sponges are such a great option, plus where to get them.
1. Hypoallergenic:
They’re naturally hypoallergenic, meaning they’re ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies to some materials and chemicals. You can also use them on little ones without fear of damaging their sensitive skin.
2. Easily removes food:
Cellulose sponges offer a rough enough surface that they easily remove food from plates, dishes, and mugs. Just as you’d use a scouring pad for tougher stains with a plastic sponge, we recommend using a coconut scouring pad for baked-on grease and food.
3. They’re eco-friendly and compostable:
Not only does this mean that they last longer, but it also means that when you’re eventually finished with your sponge, it won’t spend hundreds of years sitting in a landfill alongside piles of plastic. If you’re looking to swap your everyday items for more planet-friendly options, this is a great starting point or next step.
4. Made from wood fibers:
Our sponges are made from cellulose, which means they’re made from wood fibers that naturally biodegrade. Store-bought sponges are usually made of plastic, which does not biodegrade and break down as you use them. This means the sponge is leaving microplastics behind in the water or as residue on your plates, dishes, and cutlery.
Natural sponges are another option, which are a type of organism which grow much like a plant on coral reefs. These sponges can be sustainably grown and harvested, but in many cases, they’re taken directly from reefs which should be avoided at all costs.
5. Multipurpose:
While we use our cellulose sponges primarily for dishes, you can use them for a wide range of applications, such as cleaning your car, floors, and bathroom. You can even use them on yourself for gentle exfoliation!
6. Super aborsbent:
Because natural cellulose sponges are extremely absorbent, they are a fantastic alternative to single-use paper towels and conventional sponges. One sponge absorbs 10-20x their weight in liquid!
How to Care for Your Cellulose Sponges
You’ve likely never given much thought to the care of your cleaning sponges, but we want to give you some top tips to help you make your cellulose sponges last longer. Here are some top tips:
- Rinse your sponge thoroughly after use, squeezing to ensure you flush out the “middle” of the sponge
- Place the sponge in a spot where it can fully dry out – try a small rack, placing on your kitchen windowsill, or loop a piece of string through a corner and hang it from your faucet
- Soak the sponge in vinegar for five minutes from time to time to kill off any bacteria that can accumulate in any type of sponge (alternatively, you can put it through the dishwasher)
- Replace your sponge after 6 months of use (that means our pack of 2 could last you an entire year!)
Get your biodegradable sponges at Free the Ocean
Our cellulose sponges are long-lasting, budget-friendly, good for sensitive skin, multi-purpose, and great for the planet. We also fund the removal of ten pieces of plastic from the ocean for every set of sponges you buy!
If you’ve been looking to replace your regular sponges with something a little more sustainable, you can purchase your biodegradable sponges here.
