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)

Comments (5)

I love these sponges. We finally worked through the bag of synthetic sponges from Costco, and I was able to start using the TJ sponges. They clean really nicely (although I need to find something scrubby other than my fingernail) and don't seem to get the disgusting smell that the synthetics do. Plus they seem to rinse out better.

Now that I think about it, I'm going to have to buy some for the office.

posted by KateNonymous on May 14th 2009 at 11:56am
view KateNonymous's profile

I've been wanting to give these a try as well, still have some yellow and greens to use up. As for scrubbies, I'm thinking loofah. Hope to find a local grower at one of farmer's markets in the area...

http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/cleaning/tip-use-a-loofah-to-wash-dishes-078049.

posted by heatherdolores on May 14th 2009 at 5:58pm
view heatherdolores's profile

I recommend cutting them in half. you don't need a huge sponge anyways, and that way when it wears out you have twice as many replacements.

posted by roseslaw on May 14th 2009 at 8:14pm
view roseslaw's profile

i love these, and cut them half to make the pack of them last even longer.

posted by travelingrory on May 15th 2009 at 12:55am
view travelingrory's profile

Oooooh! I can't wait to try these. I have some pink scrubbie sponges to get through first, but I'll definitely pick up a pack of these after that.

And I like the tip from the last two commenters about cutting them in half!

I'm actually trying to grow my own luffas right now. You can follow the progress if you'd like... http://sassypickle.blogspot.com/search/label/the%20luffa%20project

posted by seagal on May 15th 2009 at 1:07pm
view seagal's profile