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Trader Joe's sells pop-up sponges. I've used these for a long time. I don't remember how much they are but I'm sure they're much less than $12-15.

The same sponges at Trader Joe's are $7.

Re: the tip about putting your sponges in the dishwasher, I might add that according to a recent study, microwaving a soaking-wet sponge for about two minutes kills over 90% of the bacteria and viruses that live in there -- and apparently the dishwasher does not get hot enough to do this as effectively.

I do this about once a week (which is not as often as the article says to, but since I'm vegetarian, I'm a less worried about meat contamination), and it gets them smelling nice and fresh.

WebMD

I use the Trader Joe's sponges, which are a heck of a lot cheaper than $12.00. But I also use a washcloth. It depends on what I'm cleaning, I guess.

Another bonus: these sponges are vegetable-based, NOT petroleum-based like most sponges people buy.

That's great to know about the cheaper TJ's version- thanks, guys.

How are they at scrubbing more stubborn foods?

As someone who lives 4 hours from a Trader Joes is there somewhere else to buy the cheaper version?

Oh cool. I saw these at TJ's but wasn't sure how well they would work- sounds like they'll do just fine. & thanks for the microwave trick... will do that now with my current sponge...

heather77: One thing they do lack is a rough side, true. But I don't think the green/scrubby sides of those green and yellow sponges really work well, either. I think it helps to have a scrub brush to use on tough pots.

Elizabeth P: I've become a fan of the copper Chore Boy scrubber. It does the trick on my aluminum and cast iron cookware and it doesn't rust. Granted, it's one more cleaning tool in the sink, but at least I don't have to worry about tossing it any time soon.

I use the one from Trader Joe's that look just like those, and love them.

Ouch on the Williams-Sonoma prices!

Rolen, I've seen 3-packs at my natural foods store, but they are more expensive. Amazon.com has a few different kinds also. Just search for "pop up sponges."

wonder if this applies to all non-petroleum sponges
via
http://www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/chic22.htm

To sanitize a sea sponge, don't use harsh soap. Boiling is not recommended because it shrinks and toughens your sponge and shortens its useful lifetime. The microwave is not recommended either. It changes the molecular structure. A solution of one tablespoon of baking soda, tea tree oil, or cider vinegar in one cup of warm water does the job. Or try a solution of half hydrogen peroxide and half water. Air dry preferably in sunlight and replace about every six months.

it boggles my mind that people buy sponges at william sonoma! i only go in there if i am looking for something quite specific that i know i can only buy there.

Thanks, Elizabeth P. I was wondering if these could cure me of my Dobie habit. The Dobie has a scrubby mesh outer layer.

I grew up with these sponges. My immigrant grandfather used nothing else for cleaning, except maybe a washcloth on occasion... I think they must have been the norm in Europe for decades. And yes the Trader Joes ones are great. Also, copper wool pads... Much more gentle than steel wool, but very affective, and non-rusting! Even gets the sticky glue off of mason jars and from stubborn price tags. Question about copper wool- does anyone know if you can use it on cast iron?

Ooops. Shoulda read catlike's posting before asking my question. he he he... :)

Rolen - maybe you could make friends with someone who lives near a TJ's and have them mail you some - it would still be cheaper than buying them from WS.

For a little extra scrubbing power when needed you can wrap your sponge in one of those plastic mesh bags that produce sometimes comes in - usually does the trick unless it's a particularly sticky situation.

they have them at zabar's on the upper west side. and they are great!

Twist Clean sells some really good ones, which are sold at my nearby Whole Foods. Their sponges are good in general!

Will have to try the Trader Joe's kind.

Ah, the Twist version are available on Amazon for 4 for 3.88

http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Biodegradable-Sponge-Blossoms-Cleaning/dp/B001S2AMBQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1237330443&sr=8-4

Yeow! That's a wee bit expensive. Apart from the flat packing is there anything else that makes these so much better than any other sponge? Sure it makes them easier to store before they're used (that benefit is lost once actually used) but is there really a need for so many sponges on hand at once that flat packing is really worth the added cost?

I don't know what's worse, driving the 2-hour round trip to a Trader Joe's or mail ordering, having the sponges delivered to my door but having more gas burned in the long run. Here's an idea: Let's not guilt us poor sods out here in Soggy Bottom into doing either one. Buy what's cheapest and most convenient for you.

i use the trader joe's sponges but they do fall apart on me kind of quickly, like after a few weeks or so. i wonder if the w-s ones are somehow sturdier? also i like the TJ's sponges because they are 100% vegetable cellulose and can be composted (not sure if w-s's are as well).

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