The Best Sponge Holder

Buying Guide

Investing in a sponge holder is one of the best ways to keep your kitchen sink organized. As the name suggests, this device is designed to hold sponges, scrub brushes and other cleaning supplies, making it easier to access them when needed.

Sponge holders also help your kitchen items last longer because they help things drain and dry between uses. This reduces mold, mildew and bacterial growth; the longer they are wet, the more bacteria you get. Your sponge holder should allow plenty of air to flow around your sponges.

You may want a durable, small-profile item that does not get in the way when you’re washing dishes and stays put even if you accidentally bang it with a dish or your hands when you’re using the sink. A good sponge holder will stay in place on its own.

Several types of sponge holders are available, including stainless steel models that can be attached to walls, free-standing plastic holders and suction cup models that adhere to smooth surfaces like the surface of your sink. You’ll want to make sure the installation method is suitable for your needs; for example, suction cups may not work with some types of porous surfaces and tend not to adhere well to curved sink edges.

You’ll have to decide which one is best for you based on your personal preferences and the aesthetic of your kitchen, but with so many options out there, this should not be a problem!

• As with anything you use in the kitchen, you must replace a sponge holder periodically. This is especially true if yours is made of metal that begins to rust or if you clean it only occasionally. Some long-standing gunk can be challenging to remove.
• To ensure your sponge holder stays clean, wipe it down frequently with a food-safe antibacterial cleaner and dry it thoroughly. For stainless steel models, using a mild detergent is also recommended. If you opt for a suction cup-style holder, regularly check the suction cup and clean it as needed.
• Some sponge holders can be placed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning, but check the manufacturer’s instructions before doing this, as others are made of non-heat-resistant plastic and may melt in the dishwasher.
• Part of keeping your sponge holder clean is also caring for the tools you store there. Replace your sponge regularly, every two or three weeks, as sponges can harbor bacteria. Additionally, when cleaning dishes, you should always start with items like forks and spoons and then progress to cups, dishes and, finally, pots or pans. This ensures you don’t pass grime and grease to your less-soiled items.
• Any cooking implements that come into contact with raw meat should be washed separately, and you should sanitize the sponge, if possible. If a dishwasher is an option for you, washing things that touch raw meat in the machine is a good choice, too.
• Finally, if you or anyone in your household has food allergies, be sure the sponge you use does not touch any of those foods. Use a different sponge and sponge holder to clean items for the person with allergies.