The Little-Known Downsides To Scrub Daddy Sponges, According To Users

Even if you don't look for the latest cleaning trends, chances are you've seen the Scrub Daddy sponge in a store, or possibly remember it from Shark Tank, and want to know if it lives up to the hype. The popular sponges are made with a material called FlexTexture, and have been revered for their ability to become more flexible in warm water. And the cute face on the sponge isn't just for show; you can use the mouth for cleaning spoons and other utensils more easily. But if you haven't jumped on buying a Scrub Daddy sponge yet, you may want to stay on the fence. While it does have some great features, there are some drawbacks to these sponges, from the expensive cost to their environmental impact.

Before we dive into the drawbacks, let's first look at the positive things people say about it. Reviews from users do praise the Scrub Daddy's ability to break down hard-to-scrub stains. The handy design isn't abrasive, so the harder you scrub, it won't ruin your dishes or pans. The scrubbing action and lightweight design make it easy for washing and won't leave any scratches on your surfaces, and you can place it in the dishwasher to help clean it and keep odors at bay (although it does claim to be odor resistant). The ergonomic smily face shape allows you to insert your fingers when washing or scrubbing smaller dishes where you need to reach down deep. There are even some helpful tips and tricks to make your Scrub Daddy sponge last longer, to save on overall costs. 

The main downside for most users is how much they cost. The company claims that the lifespan of their sponges is up to two weeks, which means you may be shelling out for new sponges twice a month. Just one sponge costs from $4 to $10.00, depending on location. However, you can get a 12-pack of generic, non-scratch sponges that only costs $7.99. The widely preferred Scotch-Brite non-scratch sponges are only about $1.00 per sponge, and may work just as well for washing and scrubbing. While it seems like a good product overall, you may want to find a more affordable Scrub Daddy alternative. 

The Scrub Daddy's main attraction — getting soft when hot and hard when cold — is actually a downside for some. One Reddit user stated "I don't like to wash dishes in cold water, who likes to have their hands freezing ... and then because of friction heat, within 10 seconds it becomes soft again and useless for surfaces that requires a rougher or harder sponge." Another issue is that the popularity of the sponges has led to counterfeits that disintegrate after one use. Sites like Temu, and even Amazon, have accidentally sold knockoff sponges. To make sure you are getting the real thing, purchase your Scrub Daddy in-store, or from the brand's website.  

Finally, Scrub Daddy sponges are made with a pollution-causing petroleum. They are not recyclable, and the company is still undergoing tests to see if they are biodegradable. While plastic-free sponges are the most environmentally-friendly option, the company does sell a lower-plastic, dye-free version made from coconut husks, called the Scrub Daddy CocoMesh Scrubber.