We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Sponges are a notorious breeding ground for bacteria, with the result that kitchens are often more contaminated with bacteria than the bathroom, according to one study. Some even go so far as to call the dish sponge the dirtiest thing in the average home.
There are two methods of minimizing this sort of bacterial buildup. The first is to microwave your sponges frequently in order to sanitize them. The second is to allow your sponges to dry completely between each use. On that score, a sponge holder can make all the difference.
The best sponge holder prevents bacteria from multiplying by providing adequate ventilation, allowing water to drain. Larger sink caddies help to organize dish-washing tools and clear clutter around the sink.
While choosing a sponge holder might seem like a simple decision, there are several considerations to weigh. This guide will explore several important features to look for as you shop and then offer choices by category for some of the best sponge holders for your kitchen.
- BEST OVERALL: KESOL Adhesive Sponge Holder + Brush Holder
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: iDesign Kitchen Sink Suction Holder
- BEST COUNTERTOP: OXO Stainless Steel Good Grips Sinkware Caddy
- BEST MULTIPURPOSE: S&T INC. Soap Pump Dispenser and Sponge Holder
- BEST FOR DRAINAGE: KOHLER Multi-Purpose Over-the-Sink Drying Rack
- BEST FOR DOUBLE SINKS: Eunion Sink Caddy Sponge Holder Soap Holder
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Sponge Holder
While it’s easy to assume that all sponge holders perform similarly, a number of factors affect their functionality. A sponge holder should have the correct dimensions for the space in question and a design made with high-quality materials. It should have proper ventilation to allow water to drain and fit with the kitchen’s decor. Keep reading to learn more about several of the most important features to look for when choosing the best sponge holder.
Type
While simple sponge holders can accommodate a single sponge, sink caddies may also have room for a dish brush, soap, and other dish-washing tools. Both sponge holders and sink caddies come in several different styles.
- Countertop sink caddies are a good choice for those with small sinks and minimal available counter space. One disadvantage is that the area where water collects will need to be emptied occasionally.
- Trays work well for simply holding a single sponge. The best sponge trays are either ridged or are perforated with a drip tray underneath to allow the sponge to dry properly.
- In-sink sponge holders and caddies are installed on the inside of the sink using either suction cups, a ledge, or another type of adhesive. They’re convenient because the water drips directly into the sink, and they clear out the strip of countertop behind the sink.
- Two-in-one soap dispensers and sponge caddies are typically designed with a sponge tray on top of a soap dispenser and are a great space-saving solution.
- Saddle-style caddies are designed to be used in double sinks, resting on the divider between the two and providing storage on both sides.
Material
Most sponge holders and caddies are made from a combination of plastic, silicone, and stainless steel.
- Plastic or silicone are used for affordable sink caddies and sponge holders. The types of plastic used for kitchen tools and accessories resist both rust and mold development and are easy to clean. Translucent plastic is useful because it allows you to see when dirt and gunk have built up on the bottom of the holder. They aren’t, however, quite as durable as holders made from stainless steel.
- Stainless steel sponge holders tend to be more expensive than their plastic counterparts but are more durable and tend to last longer. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and corrosion so it can stand up to moisture exposure. It’s also easy to clean, and most stainless steel sink caddies are dishwasher safe.
Size/Capacity
Sponge holders vary in size, though most are designed to be compact to take up as little room around the sink as possible. A standard sponge measures approximately 4 inches long and 3 inches wide, so the smallest sponge holders reflect those dimensions.
Larger holders and caddies that either sit on the countertop or in the sink have room for multiple sponges, brushes, or scrubbers.
Additional Features
Some sink caddies include these additional features, each of which provides added benefits.
Suction cups are often used to help in-sink sponge holders adhere to the side of the sink. They allow the sponge holder to be easily moved or removed for cleaning.
A perforated bottom is essential in allowing liquid to drain. The addition of perforated sides provides even better drainage.
An expandable brush holder allows for brushes with long handles to be stored without toppling over.
Multiple storage compartments make it easier to organize all of your dish-washing tools and implements.
Our Top Picks
The following recommendations take into account the abovementioned features to consider when shopping for the best sponge holder, in addition to overall quality and value. Keep reading to discover some of the top options on the market in a variety of categories.
Best Overall
KESOL Adhesive Sponge Holder + Brush Holder
KESOL’s sink caddy is made entirely of stainless steel and has room for a brush and sponge as well as a dishcloth. The design of the device provides excellent drainage so that brushes and sponges dry more quickly. The caddy adheres to the side of the sink using a peel-and-stick adhesive and is designed to remain securely attached to metal, ceramic, tile, or glass. The adhesive can be removed by warming it with a blow dryer.
The caddy is 7.3 inches long, 2.8 inches tall and 2.5 inches deep.
Best Bang For The Buck
iDesign Kitchen Sink Suction Holder
The iDesign in-sink sponge holder has a simple yet effective design and is available at an affordable price. There are holes on both the sides and bottom, ensuring ideal drainage and keeping sponges dry. The translucent plastic design means it’s easy to see when it needs to be cleaned. It’s 6.5 inches wide, 2.5 inches tall, and 2.5 inches deep, and can hold two sponges or scrubbers. Two suction cups adhere the sponge holder to the side of the sink, and will work on any smooth surface including tile, steel, or glass.
Best Countertop
OXO Stainless Steel Good Grips Sinkware Caddy
OXO’s stainless steel countertop caddy has a sleek, modern design that will complement most kitchens’ decor.
The bottom is ventilated, and the drip tray collects water runoff. It has a pour spout so it can be easily emptied into the sink without disassembling the caddy. The divider also includes ventilation holes and separates the caddy into three sections, with space to accommodate two sponges and two brushes. The divider can also be removed to provide open storage.
Its dimensions are 3.8 inches by 5.7 inches by 5.5 inches, and all components should be washed by hand.
Best Multipurpose
Su0026T INC. Soap Pump Dispenser and Sponge Holder
This product does double-duty as both a soap dispenser and a sponge holder. A standard sponge is even included. It has an efficient design, with the 13-ounce soap reservoir on the bottom and the sponge holder above it. To dispense soap, simply press down on the sponge. The device is 4 inches tall and 5.5 inches wide.
One disadvantage to this type of design is that the sponge holder isn’t ventilated, so water won’t drain. While this is still a better solution than letting a sponge sit in the sink, it does mean that the holder will need to be emptied regularly.
Best For Drainage
KOHLER Multi-Purpose Over-the-Sink Drying Rack
If drainage is the top priority, this over-the-sink drying rack from KOHLER is a great solution. Sponges will dry out quickly on this stainless steel rack which expands from 14. 6 inches to 17.6 inches to fit most sinks. The total dimensions when fully expanded are 17.6 inches by 4 inches by 5.5 inches.
The grip edge ensures it stays in place, and there is space to hang dish towels and rags. This model works well for small spaces because it can also double as a drying rack for mugs or cups. The plastic cup can be used for cleaning brushes or storing clean utensils. The cup is available in either white or charcoal, and both the cup and rack itself are dishwasher safe.
Best For Double Sinks
Eunion Sink Caddy Sponge Holder Soap Holder
This plastic, saddle-style sink caddy has two compartments and rests on the divider of a double sink, providing a pocket on either side. One side can be used for a sponge and dish brush, while the other can house clean utensils. It doesn’t require suction cups or any other adhesive and will remain securely in place.
The bottom is perforated with small holes, allowing water to drain so that sponges dry out quickly. Choose from either a blue or white finish. It measures 5.71 inches by 5.51 inches by 4.88 inches.
FAQs About Sponge Holders
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about sponge holders.
Q. What is a sponge holder?
Sponge holders are designed to provide ventilation to allow sponges to dry out and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Q. Where should you keep your sponge holder?
Sponge holders can either be installed inside the sink or rest on the countertop. The best placement for you depends on the size of your sink as well as the availability of counter space.
Sponge holders can also be used in the bathroom. Countertop-style holders can sit on the edge of the sink or tub, while suction-style holders will adhere to bathroom tile.
Q. How often should you change your kitchen sponge?
Kitchen sponges should be sanitized daily by microwaving them for 2 minutes, and they should be discarded after 1 month of use.