How to use: Dish SpongesUpdated 4 hours ago
TL;DR: Dish Sponges arrive flat and dehydrated. Soak one in water and it expands to full size, then use it like any sponge with Dishwashing Liquid. Rinse and wring gently without twisting, and let it air-dry fully between uses.
How do I use Dish Sponges?
Four steps
Hydrate. Submerge the sponge or hold it under a running tap. It expands to full size.
Use it. Squeeze out the excess, add Dishwashing Liquid, then wash or wipe as normal.
Rinse and wring. Rinse thoroughly, then squeeze the water out without twisting.
Restore. If it dries out hard between uses, wet it again and it softens.
What to expect on first use
Straight out of the pack the sponge looks flat and skinny. That is normal. It is compressed to save shipping volume and only reaches working size once it has soaked up water.
What are Dish Sponges made from?
What they are made from
Natural wood pulp fibre and cotton. Plastic-free, thick and absorbent, and not treated with anti-fungal agents or any other additives.
Certification and origin
Dish Sponges carry a RoHS certificate and are made in China. Packs ship dehydrated and compressed so each box takes up less space in transit.
How do I care for them?
Everyday care
Rinse after each use, squeeze the water out gently, and store the sponge somewhere airy so it dries fully rather than sitting damp in the sink.
Deeper clean
Machine wash on a gentle or delicate cycle at up to about 30°C. Pop the sponge in a laundry bag to stop it getting caught up in the drum.
⚠ Never use bleach or fabric softener
Both break down the natural cellulose fibres faster and affect how well the sponge composts at end of life. Skip them in the sink and in the machine.
Any tips to get more out of them?
Three habits that help
Store it somewhere airy so it dries. Pre-treat heavy grease with a little Dishwashing Liquid and warm water first. Keep one sponge for delicate items and another for heavy scrubbing.
⚠ Wring, do not twist
Twisting a wet sponge hard snaps the cellulose fibres and is one of the quickest ways to shorten its life. Squeeze the water out gently instead.
Where can I read more about Dish Sponges?
Washing them
Hand rinse or machine wash, plus how to dry and store them. Read the wash guide
How long they last
Expected lifespan and what makes a sponge wear out sooner. Read the lifespan guide
6-pack of wood-pulp cellulose sponges. Plastic-free, machine washable and home compostable.
The natural pairing for dishes, glassware and greasy cookware.
Browse all Dish Sponges articles
Last reviewed: August 2026 · Koh UK