Sponges come in a rainbow of colors, but those vibrant shades aren't just decorative -- they're a practical system that indicates a sponge's intended use, texture and absorption level.
Understanding this color-coding system can help prevent surface damage and reduce the risk of cross-contamination in your home.
By selecting the right sponge for each job, you'll safeguard both your belongings and your family's well-being while extending the life of everything from pots and pans to kitchen fixtures.
Below, you'll find a quick guide to sponge colors and a list of their intended uses.
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A guide to sponge colors and their intended uses
Scotch-Brite Green sponges The all-purpose workhorse These scouring pads are the workhorse of the home cleaning world: multipurpose, dependable and ready to tackle just about anything. Often designated for general cleaning and dishwashing, they offer enough scrubbing power for midrange residue but can be employed for tougher stains or even outdoor cleaning tasks. Basically, if you're not sure which sponge to grab, green means go. They're too rough for glass, stainless steel and other sensitive surfaces, but for caked-on cast iron and a filthy fridge, nothing works quite as well. $10 at Amazon
Mr. Scrub Yellow sponges Medium coarseness for sensitive surfaces Yellow sponges are right in the middle -- not too rough, not too soft but often overlooked. They represent a step down in abrasiveness from green. They are suitable for cleaning more delicate surfaces, such as glassware, countertops and kitchen sinks, which require careful treatment to avoid scratches but still develop significant stains and buildup. $10 at Amazon
Lavex Blue sponges A softy for glass and stainless steel When you're dealing with delicate surfaces, reach for a blue sponge. It's the least abrasive option and is ideal for very delicate surfaces such as glass or stainless steel, where a scratch-free shine is the goal. Blue is basically the spa day of sponges -- gentle, calming and leaves everything looking refreshed. $10 at Amazon
The Home Depot Red and pink sponges High-risk areas and bacterial messes These colors are typically reserved for the danger zones, such as cleaning tougher, baked-on food or areas that pose a higher bacterial risk, like the sink where you just rinsed raw chicken (you know, your kitchen's version of a crime scene). Their color is less of an indication of their coarseness but serves as a visual reminder to never, ever use them on clean tableware, unless you enjoy living dangerously. And because they're often employed for hazardous jobs, you may want to stock up on a bundle and simply toss them more frequently than their alternatively colored counterparts. $17 at Amazon $19 at Walmart
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