Test Lab: Trader Joe’s Pop-Up Sponges

We know that the Pop-Up Sponges from Trader Joe’s aren’t exactly a new discovery (in fact, the Kitchn and AT:NY blogged them long ago); however, they’re relatively new to us, and they’re our favorite sponges yet …

First off, they’re made from natural vegetable cellulose, which is much greener than the synthetic-y scrubby sponges (also from Trader Joe’s) that we’d been using for the last year or so. Unlike our old sponges, these pop-ups last, and last, and last: We bought a pack of 12 last month and we’ve come nowhere near wearing out the first sponge. They also have some sort of grossness-resistance. Our old sponges trapped bits of food in their crevices and really creeped us out after the first wash — these seem to stay fresh and nasty-free for much longer.

Also, they just feel nice. They’re big and plush and super squishy. They lather up like a dream. They make dishwashing just a tad bit more enjoyable. And we support anything that makes dishwashing even a little less dreary.

We’ve also heard that you can compost these sponges when you’re through with them …

(Image: Stephanie K)