How we pick our products
Welcome to our big bath sponge test 2023. Here we present all the bath sponges we have tested in detail. We have compiled detailed background information and added a summary of customer reviews on the web.
We would like to make your purchase decision easier and help you find the best bath sponge for you.
You will also find answers to frequently asked questions in our guide. Furthermore, you will also find some important information on this page that you should definitely pay attention to if you want to buy a bath sponge.
Summary
- There are two categories of bath sponges: Natural bath sponges and industrially produced synthetic bath sponges.
- With proper cleaning, bath sponges can be used for several weeks.
- Natural bath sponges are generally not suitable for body care if you have easily irritated skin or skin diseases.
The Best Bath Sponge: Our Picks
Buying and evaluation criteria for bath sponges
In the following, we will show you which aspects you can use to decide between the many possible bath sponges.
The criteria you can use to compare the sponges with each other include:
In the following paragraphs, we will explain what is important for each criterion.
Material
The material of the bath sponge is essential for its function. We have already explained the two different types of sponge. Each type of sponge has its advantages and disadvantages; you have to weigh up individually which aspects are most important to you.
If you want to use the bath sponge mainly for body hygiene, you should make sure that it is not too coarse, otherwise your skin could be damaged. There are also sponges that are particularly suitable for skin peeling.
Natural bath sponges are a renewable resource. As a natural product, each sponge can look slightly different and is unique. There are also different types of natural sponges that differ in pore size, structure and coarseness.
Synthetic sponges are industrially manufactured, so the quality is consistent and you can always expect exactly the same product.
Absorbency
The absorbency of a bath sponge describes the ability of the sponge to absorb water. The absorbency of bath sponges is quite important, as a higher absorbency often goes hand in hand with a softer feel.
The absorbency of natural bath sponges is very high; they are known for being able to absorb a particularly large amount of water. Depending on the fibre, plastic bath sponges can be very absorbent, so you have to try out which plastic suits you best.
Price
Price also plays an important role when choosing a bath sponge. Natural bath sponges are usually much more expensive than synthetic bath sponges.
Since a natural bath sponge goes through a longer manufacturing process, it is more expensive than an industrially produced bath sponge made of synthetic fibres. It can be profitable because it usually lasts longer than the cheaper synthetic bath sponges.
Even in the case of artificial bath sponges, there are high-priced products that come close to the natural bath sponge in terms of quality and durability.
It’s up to you: depending on how much you want to spend, which qualities are most important to you in a bath sponge and how often you want to change the sponge, a natural or a synthetic bath sponge can be the right one for you.
Origin
Both natural and synthetic bath sponges have many different origins. Especially with natural bath sponges, the origin can tell you something about the quality.
While natural bath sponges are either extracted directly from the sea as a natural product or are grown in a farm, there are endless possibilities for synthetic sponges.
The synthetic fibre can be made of several types of plastic, and in addition, the production is usually not tied to a specific production site. If you want to know more about the origin of your synthetic bath sponge, you can contact the manufacturer.
Aquafarming is the best-known method of cultivating natural sponges. The severe overexploitation of the oceans by humans leads to greatly reduced natural populations of bath sponges.
If you buy a bath sponge, make sure it is either farmed or Fairtrade labelled.
Natural bath sponges are found throughout the Mediterranean, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. This is also where most of the cultivations are located, as the conditions for the growth of the natural sponge are best there.
The origin of natural bath sponges can often be found on the label or in the product description, but if not, you can of course contact the manufacturer.
Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying a bath sponge
What is a bath sponge?
What types of bath sponges are there?
- Natural bath sponges
- Synthetic bath sponges
With both natural and synthetic bath sponges, you have the choice between numerous types or fibres.
The care, durability and manufacture of the two different bath sponges each have advantages and disadvantages. Depending on what you prefer, a different type of bath sponge is suitable for you. In the following section we would like to make your decision easier.
Natural bath sponge
The biggest advantage of a natural bath sponge is its absorbency. The natural sponge is undisputedly the most absorbent. In addition, it is particularly effective for body care for normal skin, because it promotes blood circulation and frees the skin from dead cells.
As a renewable resource, a natural bath sponge is right for you if you want to live sustainably and environmentally friendly.
Synthetic bath sponge
Compared to a natural bath sponge, most synthetic bath sponges are significantly cheaper, allowing you to change them more often.
If you prefer to change your bath sponge more frequently, a synthetic bath sponge may be the right choice for you. Even if you have neurodermatitis or easily irritated skin, a special synthetic bath sponge can be useful to avoid damaging your skin.
How do I use a bath sponge correctly?
For optimal results in body care, gently move the bath sponge in circular movements over the part of the body to be cleaned.
Depending on how you feel, washing lotions, peelings or even bath salts can also be used in the bath water. In order not to stress the skin too much, you should only use the sponge once a week at the most.
To make your skin even more supple, you can also use so-called bath bombs in addition to the bath sponge. They contain many valuable essential oils that care for and cleanse your skin.
In general, correct application has a lot to do with your well-being. Find out how much foam is good for you and with how much pressure you apply the bath sponge.
As a cleaning utensil, you should pay attention to the cleaning agent used in natural bath sponges: some strong household cleaners destroy the unique structure of the bath sponge.
Otherwise, circular movements and regular rinsing of the sponge are very effective.
What are the alternatives to a bath sponge?
A terry towel can be used as an alternative cleaning utensil. The absorbency is usually not as high as that of a sponge, but terry cloth is cheaper and easier to clean.
How hygienic are bath sponges?
According to studies, there are up to ten million bacteria per square centimetre on a sponge. So there is a risk of spreading the dirt rather than removing it. In the following section, we will explain how to clean your bath sponge to achieve the best results and the longest possible shelf life.
How do I clean a bath sponge?
Plastic bath sponges can be cleaned with household detergents, but you should make sure that you rinse the bath sponge well before using it again to avoid skin irritation.
Why do different bath sponges feel different?
The feeling on the skin is mainly determined by the material and the pore size. The firmer the material and the more finely meshed the structure, the coarser the bath sponge feels on the skin.
Natural bath sponges are usually softer than synthetic bath sponges at first, because their fine, silky texture leaves a pleasant feeling on the skin. However, they can become rougher over time. Proper cleaning can help keep the sponge soft for as long as possible.
How long can I use a bath sponge?
| Type | Useful life |
|---|---|
| Rinse sponge, plastic or natural | Maximum 1 week |
| Natural bath sponge | Maximum one year |
| Synthetic bath sponge | Maximum 6 months |
You should not clean plastic rinsing sponges, just rinse them and use them for a maximum of one week, then dispose of them.
An alternative to the plastic rinsing sponge is the loofah sponge. This plastic-free alternative is presented in an ARD report.
Natural bath sponges should be cleaned thoroughly from time to time. When the sponge starts to become brittle, or when it takes on an increasingly unsightly greyish colour, it is high time to clean it.
Image source: 123rf / 45297525
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