The Best Bath Sponge
1. BAIMEI
Key Features
Pack of 3
Mesh pouf material
3 different colors
6.69 inch diameter
Come with a loop for hanging
Breathable
The BAIMEI Bath Sponges, mesh pouf shower balls are great for the bath too and are made with a well-tied mesh material that won’t come apart. The texture of these circular mesh poufs is soft, fluffy and great for making the most of your shower gel or soap, as they easily produce a rich lather. They are good for gently exfoliating the skin, but still soft enough to be comfortable for everyone to use, including children. We love the large size of these loofahs that makes it easy to quickly clean the whole body, and we love the subtle colors too!
Pros
Substantial, durable mesh
Quickly makes a rich lather, getting the most from your soap or shower gel
Large, circular design
Soft fluffy texture for gentle exfoliation
Easy to hang to dry
Attractive colors to suit your decor
Simple to clean
Cons
Texture of mesh may not be rough enough for anything more than gentle exfoliating
Shape may be a little flatter than expected
2. Suntee Exfoliating
Key Features
Double-sided loofah sponge
Reinforced drawstring
Includes exfoliating pad
38.6-inch long loofah
4.5-inch diameter exfoliating pad
Loop handles
One of the best bath sponges in our review is this double-sided back scrubber, with a rough side for exfoliation and a soft side to gently massage the skin – just what you need for removing dead skin cells all over your body! The Suntee Exfoliating Back Sponge Pad is super easy to use because its length and the looped handles make it possible to reach your whole back – something that’s not possible with all shower sponge loofahs. It also comes with a handy little exfoliating pad, which is ideal for smaller areas like elbows, or even the face. This is a high-quality back scrubber and the strong handles are reinforced for security.
Pros
Easy to reach your whole back
Multipurpose
Natural color that goes well with any decor
Stimulates blood circulation throughout the body
Freshens skin by removing dead skin cells
Machine washable
Easy to hang to dry
Cons
A little narrow
Has a strange smell when wet
Exfoliating side may not be rough enough for everyone
3. myHomeBody Premium
Key Features
Ergonomic shape
4″ rope for hanging
Dimensions: 5.4″ x 5″ x 2.4″
Quality PU Foam material
Comes with reusable zip-lock bag
Pack of 3
The myHomeBody Premium Bath Sponge is designed to look like real sea sponge and produces a lovely thick lather that makes you feel pampered. Unlike some bath sponges that are made from glued together layers of material, this one is made from one solid piece of durable PU foam, so you don’t have to worry about it crumbling or tearing apart. It’s larger than many other sponges, so it’s easy to hold and produces a lot more soapy suds!
Pros
Easy to hold
Large size
Durable – won’t crumble or tear
Produces a luxurious lather
1 solid piece of sponge – no layers
Provides gentle exfoliation
Cons
Rope goes through the sponge, might feel uncomfortable against your skin
Rougher than a real sea sponge
4. Unbounded Memory
Key Features
Pack of 3 in different colors
Double-sided bath sponges
One side for exfoliating, the other with a soft sponge texture
Synthetic foam material
Come with ropes for hanging
Dimensions: 5.7″ x 3.1″ x 1.8″
The Unbounded Memory Bath Sponge is a pack of 3 pretty sponges that you can use to scrub your body and leave your skin feeling clean and invigorated. Each sponge is double-sided, with one side for exfoliating and the other side made of soft sponge for a more gentle skin massage. Each sponge is perfectly sized to make it easy to hold and all come with hanging ropes. These are great as they allow you to keep the sponge off the side of the bath or shelf in the shower and instead hang it up to dry more quickly.
Pros
Durable
Look pretty hanging next to the bath or shower
Ideal for families
Dry quickly and easily using hanging ropes
Versatile
Cons
Exfoliating side may be too soft for some users
Colors may fade over time
5. Constantia Beauty Real Natural Sea
Key Features
Natural sea sponges
Pack of 5 differently sized pieces
No chemical additives
Eco friendly
Biodegradable & naturally sourced
Comes with a lightly sparkly organza drawstring gift bag
The best products in our premium category are Constantia Beauty Real Natural Sea Sponges, luxurious natural sea sponges that come in a pack of 5 pieces in different sizes. This means that they can be used on the body during your bath or shower, or on your face as part of your beauty routine. Perfect for sensitive skin, natural sponges are indulgently soft and produce a rich lather that elevates a simple bath or shower into a luxury pampering session.
Pros
Lots of pieces give lasting value
Soft, luxurious feel
Produce a creamy lather
Natural sponge is best for sensitive skin
Contain natural enzymes – healthier for the skin than synthetic materials
Gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells
Cons
Not very durable – natural sponges wear quickly
Sometimes contain naturally hard spots
Some sponges are a bit too small
6. Neptune Natural Sea Wool Bath Sponge
Key Features
Around 3 to 4 inches in size
100% natural sea sponge
Harvested from the Mediterranean
Eco-friendly
Comes with a mesh bag with hanging hook
The best shower sponge in terms of value for money is the Neptune Natural Sea Wool Bath Sponge, which is a totally natural honeycomb sea wool sponge harvested from the Mediterranean. Hypoallergenic and kind to sensitive skin, this natural sea sponge creates a thick lather that brings a touch of luxury to your bath or shower. The texture feels a little hard at first but soon changes when you soak it, giving a soft sponge that gently massages the skin and leaves it looking fresh and healthy.
Pros
Hypoallergenic
Gentle on sensitive skin
Soaks up lots of water and creates a rich lather
No smell
Great for children
Cons
May be too small for some needs
Too soft to use for exfoliating
7. Evriholder Foam Body
Key Features
Pack of 2 exfoliating sponges
Synthetic foam
4.5 inch diameter
Over 2 inches thick
Dry quickly
Comes with hanging rope and suction cup
This pack of two firm shower sponges is just what you need for a nice scrub in the shower or bath that leaves your skin clean and tingling! The Evriholder Foam Body Sponges are a good size, with a large surface area that creates plenty of lather, and they dry quickly. What makes this even easier are the suction cups that you can attach to the tiles in your bathroom with hanging ropes to keep the sponges off the shelf or side of the bath.
Pros
Soft enough for children or those with sensitive skin
Large size creates lots of lather
Easy to hang to dry
Gentle exfoliation
Durable
Cons
Not machine washable
Texture of the hanging rope is rough
Does not exfoliate as well as a loofah
8. GAINWELL Bath Sponges
Key Features
Pack of 2 shower sponges
Made from wood fiber
Ergonomic, wavy shape
Firm texture
Cotton hanging cords
Dimensions: 5.5″ x 3.5″ x 1.2″
The GAINWELL Bath Sponges are made from 100% natural wood fiber, so they are eco-friendly and also durable, They have an interesting, wavy design and a small size that is comfortable to hold. The texture is soft enough for most skin types and will exfoliate very gently, so your skin looks clean and feels invigorated.
Pros
Absorbs lots of water
Strong and durable
Creates a good lather
Easy to hang to dry
Comfortable to hold
Easy to wring out
Cons
Will not exfoliate as well as a loofah
A bit small
9. Winture Exfoliating Foam Sea
Key Features
Pack of 3 sponges
Comes in 3 colors – red, blue and yellow
Comes with 2 self-adhesive hooks
Hanging ropes
Synthetic fiber
Dimensions: 5 .5″ x 4.2″ x 2.5″
We love this pack of 3 sponges, with their bold colors that will totally brighten up your bathroom! The Winture Exfoliating Foam Sea Sponges are great for the whole family, they have a soft, ever-so-slightly firm texture that allows you to scrub your skin clean with a very gentle exfoliating action. The self-adhesive hooks are a brilliant addition – just secure them on your bathroom wall so you can hang the sponges after use, allowing them to dry quickly and remain odor-free.
Pros
Easy to hang up after use
Dry quickly
‘Bumps’ offer gentle exfoliation
Size and shape make them easy to hold
Durable
Cons
Color fades a little with use
Won’t exfoliate as well as a loofah
10. Wavebeexs Natural Exfoliating Bath Pads
Key Features
Natural loofah
Pack of 8
Double-sided – loofah on one side and 100% cotton towel on the other
Wide hanging loop
Eco friendly
Comes with an adhesive shower hook
The Wavebeexs Natural Exfoliating Bath Pads is a pack of 8 bath loofahs is ideal for thoroughly exfoliating your body, effectively removing dead skin and leaving it looking fresh, clean and glowing. Each pad is easy to hold, thanks to the wide elastic strap that goes around your hand and keeps it in place as you scrub your body. Whilst natural loofah doesn’t produce as much lather with soap or shower gel as a sponge would, it’s great for exfoliating and really leaves your skin feeling well-scrubbed and spotlessly clean!
Pros
Easy to hang
Dry quickly
Premium quality
Elastic hand strap makes them comfortable to hold
Biodegradable
No chemical additives
Provide great exfoliation
Cons
Don’t hold soap as well as a sponge would
Very little lather
Features To Consider With Bath Sponges
Material
When choosing the best shower or bath loofahs or sponges, one of the main considerations is the material they are made from. You have several options. Bath loofahs - often called natural loofah or luffa - are made from a gourd that comes from the cucumber family (not, as some people think, a type of rough sea sponge). Loofahs are a good choice if you are looking for something natural and chemical free that can be used for exfoliating the skin all over your body. Sponges are softer than loofahs and are either made from a synthetic material or are actual sea sponges, which were previously living creatures. Many people believe that a sea sponge is the best type of bath sponge because it is wonderfully soft, gives you a rich lather, and is capable of absorbing lots of water. On the other hand, some people will argue that a synthetic bath sponge is best, as they tend to be more durable than natural ones. A mesh pouf - made of mesh material tied into a circular pattern - is another popular option. And you can even find multi-purpose shower sponge loofahs, with an exfoliating loofah on or side and a soft sponge material on the other.
Quality
The quality of your chosen bath sponge or shower sponge is important and it's worth paying a little extra for something that is well made and will last! If you are looking at products with hanging ropes, for example, or shower sponge loofahs with looped handles, check that the stitching is secure and not likely to come apart after a few uses.
Size and Shape
The size and shape of the shower sponge, loofah, or bath sponge you choose will really depend on what you plan to use it for. If you are looking for products that can be used all over your body, then you want a sponge that is large - or even extra-large. A larger surface area will quickly create a rich foam when you add soap or shower gel and water, which will save you time. Something to bear in mind if you decide to get a natural sponge is that the size can vary quite a bit, as natural sponges were living creatures and thus not uniform in size. Look for a bath sponge with an ergonomic shape that is comfortable to hold. If you want to buy a back scrubber or loofah, then it's best to look for something with a long handle or a shape that makes it easy for you to reach the whole of your back.
Texture
There are 3 main types of texture to think about when buying bath sponges or loofahs. The best one for you will depend on how you want to use it. If you are just looking for something to wash your skin and that feels luxurious, then the best shower sponge would be a natural one rather than one made from synthetic fibers. If you're looking for something that's still soft but may be better for exfoliating your skin, then a synthetic sponge would be great, as these products tend to have a firmer texture. If, however, you want something a bit more abrasive - particularly for scrubbing your back - then it would be best to get a loofah style back scrubber, which has the firmest texture of all.
Function
Think about just how you plan to use your bath or shower sponge before buying, as this will determine which would be the best option for you. If you want to wash your back, for example, then you will need to look at products designed for that purpose, which will often have a long handle to reach the whole of your back. Alternatively, look for a loofah style back scrubber with looped handles, that is long enough to use easily. If your main aim is to exfoliate the skin all over your body, then you want to get a sponge or loofah that is abrasive enough to stand up to the job. If, however, your skin is very sensitive or you want to get a product that's child friendly, the best shower sponge would be one that's very soft. Again, a natural sponge would probably be best as these do not contain any added chemicals that may irritate the skin.
Fragrance
Some bath and shower sponges come pre-filled with soap or shower gel, releasing both a lather and a fragrance when immersed in water. If you decide to get one of these products then be sure to look for one with your favorite fragrance and if you have sensitive skin make sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.
Maintenance
It's important to look after your bath and shower sponges properly to avoid them becoming affected by mildew and to prevent the growth of bacteria. This means making sure that you dry them out thoroughly every time you use them. Loofahs will often have some type of loop to help you hang them and dry them properly, but many sponges in our review have some type of loop attached too. A couple of products in our review even come with suction cups to attach to the wall, which will help you hang the bath sponge of loofah even if you don't have a suitable hook available.
Bath Sponge FAQ
Q: Are they good for bathing?
A bath sponge is perfect for bathing! Not only will it help you thoroughly wash and cleanse the skin all over your body, but it will also make your soap go a long way! The best bath sponge will turn your soap into a rich lather which makes it a pleasure to wash with and will help you feel luxuriously pampered! What's more, the best sponges designed to use in the bath and shower are highly absorbent, so they won't drip everywhere as you wash!
Q: How do you disinfect one?
There are a couple of ways to effectively clean your bath or shower sponge. You should always rinse sponges with warm water every time you use them - then, once every few weeks, you should soak them in a solution of water and baking soda. Another option is to use a bleach solution. If your shower sponge is made of synthetic material you can safely soak it in a solution made up of three-quarters of a cup of bleach in one gallon of warm water. If you have chosen to get a natural bath or shower sponge, you should make the solution with just one-quarter of a cup of bleach in a cup of cool water. No matter what you use to soak your sponge, it is best to leave it in the solution for a minimum of 5 minutes, which will help kill any bacteria. Another good option - if the manufacturer of the product says it's safe - is to throw your bath sponge in the washing machine!
Q: How long can I use?
Using a washing machine to clean your bath or shower sponge is not just quick and easy - it also gives it a long life and means you can use it for up to 3 months! But if you have a shower sponge that can't go in the washing machine - a natural one, for example, then the advice is different. As a rule of thumb, you should replace a shower sponge after you have used it for 6 weeks. A mesh pouf or a loofah should technically be replaced after you have used it for 3 weeks. Of course, if any of these products look discolored or develop an unpleasant smell before this time, then it is best to replace them sooner. This is because they may be harboring mold or dangerous bacteria.
Q: Do they contain soap?
Bath and shower sponges do not usually contain soap, although some do come pre-filled, which will be mentioned on the product packaging. You may find that a brand new shower sponge will feel somewhat soapy, but this is usually because a moisturizing product has been added to keep the sponge supple.
Q: What can I do with used options?
There are lots of environmentally friendly ways to use old bath sponges. The simplest is to use them to wash other items around the home, like the bath or sink. Or you could cut the sponge into small pieces and give it to your kids to dip into paint and create fun, textured pictures. Alternatively, use pieces of sponge to keep your houseplants watered - just place the pieces in the bottom of the pot or vase and they will retain moisture. A mesh pouf shower product can be repurposed too - just unravel it then retie the mesh tightly to make a back scrubber!