7 ways I use my versatile Scrub Daddy sponge – and why I will never so much as look at another sponge again

If there is one cleaning tool that I go back to time and again, it is my Scrub Daddy sponge. I have gone through so many of them in the last few years, and for good reason – they’re one of the best tools on the market.

From scrubbing stainless steel to polishing glass (yes, you read that right), there is very little this powerhouse sponge can’t do when you use them correctly.

Here, I share the seven ways I use the Scrub Daddy sponge around my house and explain why it should be considered one of the essential cleaning tools everyone needs.

Every way I use my Scrub Daddy sponge around my home

It is no secret that I love the versatile Scrub Daddy products, including the Scrub Daddy Damp Duster, which has become my favorite tool for easily avoiding dusting mistakes making a home dirtier.

The sponge fills in the rest of the cleaning gaps, making light work of the hardest of household cleaning tasks.

It isn't just me who loves this versatile tool, either. Scott Schrader, professional cleaner at CottageCare, shares, 'The Scrub Daddy avoids many of the hygiene issues associated with kitchen sponges.

'Plus, it's FlexTexture hardens in cold water for tough scrubbing, and softens in warm water for gentler cleaning, meaning that one tool can cover multiple jobs without damaging delicate surfaces.

'You’re reducing your bacteria, reducing your odors, and reducing your waste, all while getting better scrubbing capability.'

1. Scrubbing the sink

Cleaning a kitchen sink is one of my least favorite chores. I had no idea before moving out just how often you had to scrub this spot to avoid dreadful watermarks and stuck-on food. Luckily, the Scrub Daddy sponges make light work of both.

While it is usually recommended that you avoid abrasive tools when cleaning stainless steel, the Scrub Daddy sponge’s ability to soften in hot water makes it the perfect gentle abrasive for tackling buildup without risking scratches.

I simply pair the sponge with some quality dish soap, such as Dawn from Walmart, to break down grease, before drying and finishing with a disinfectant spray (the Method anti-bacterial spray from Walmart), following the disinfectant golden rules to properly kill bacteria.

2. Polishing shower glass

I have written about how I clean shower glass with The Pink Stuff before, but the hack would be nothing without a Scrub Daddy sponge. As with the kitchen sink, the trick to cleaning glass shower doors with a Scrub Daddy is to soak it in hot water first to soften the fibers and prevent scratches.

When used with The Pink Stuff, available from Walmart, the Scrub Daddy makes light work of getting rid of hard water stains, mitigating the need for forceful scrubbing, and saving me from an arm ache. It has even worked on shower glass that had not been descaled in years.

I wouldn’t use anything else.

3. Refreshing stovetops

Cleaning a glass stove top is usually a job for a microfiber cloth and some degreasing spray, such as the non-toxic Attitude degreasing spray from Amazon. However, for those occasions where food has been burnt on, the Scrub Daddy sponge saves the day.

For this, I typically use cold water to harden the sponge and take the first few layers of burnt buildup off, before warming the sponge up and using the softer texture to finish the job without scratching the glass.

4. Cleaning dishes

Scrub Daddy sponges are surprisingly useful for handwashing dishes, especially when food is stuck to pots and pans.

While I would never use them on anything non-stick, they have come in handy for refreshing stainless steel pans that I worried may have been lost to an unfortunate cooking accident (leaving the stove on too high).

The Scrub Daddy is also unique because of its smiley face cutouts. They aren't just for decoration – the smile is the perfect tool for passing cutlery through, ensuring a thorough clean between all the prongs and along the handle.

Pairing the sponge with a Scrub Daddy Dishwashing Wand, from Target, can make the task easier, too.

5. Prepping reusable jars

I am always looking for easy ways to stop unnecessary trash at home, and the easiest is reusing glass coffee jars for storing food and keeping it fresh.

To freshen these up, I rely on the Scrub Daddy sponge. Thanks to the eye cutouts and round shape, I can easily use my fingers to twist the sponge around and reach every awkward corner, even when I cannot fit my whole hand inside.

The same goes for cleaning reusable water bottles, where a pair of chopsticks stuck into the eyes allows me to reach the very bottom of the bottle.

6. Removing stickers

Usually, I use Skin So Soft to remove sticker residue, but for those particularly stubborn stickers, the Scrub Daddy sponge lends a hand.

Soaking the sponge with cold water and the sticker with hot water and a little Skin So Soft, from Walmart, I can quickly break up the residue for quick removal.

Just be careful when removing stickers from furniture (especially wooden furniture) that the water or rough abrasive doesn't damage the surface.

7. Cleaning shoes

While you can wash shoes in the washing machine most of the time, there are some tough pairs, such as hiking boots or particularly muddy football boots, that need a good scrub by hand.

Using a cold Scrub Daddy makes light work of the soles of shoes, especially when paired with dish soap (the Palmolive Ultra Pure + Clear Liquid Dish Soap from Target is a good choice if you want to avoid potential staining), while a warm Scrub Daddy is soft enough to remove debris and splashes from the main body of the shoe. Just be sure to avoid any suede sections, which will stain when wet.

Out on the go? I like the Boot Buddy, available at Amazon, which has a built-in scraper and brush, with a water chamber, for cleaning on the move.

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FAQs

Is the Scrub Daddy sponge toxic?

The Scrub Daddy spine is non-toxic. However, its FlexTexture surface is made from engineered polymer foam, meaning it is not the best option if you are looking for cleaning tricks to reduce plastic in your home.

How do you clean a Scrub Daddy sponge?

A Scrub Daddy sponge can be washed in the top rack of your dishwasher or heated up when damp in a microwave for one minute to kill bacteria.

Meet the expert

Scott Schrader

Scott is a cleaning expert at CottageCare, which is a leading home cleaning company with over 41 locations nationwide. He's a big believer in using eco-friendly cleaning solutions like baking soda.

Want to make the best use of the Scrub Daddy range? Check out all the ways to use a Damp Duster at home.