Most household scrub pads and sponges are made from plastics or foams, commonly including polyurethane foam and specialty foams that can change texture with water temperature.
These cleaning pads and sponges are designed for multi-surface use and are commonly listed for porcelain, plastic, and kitchen surfaces such as non-stick cookware, stainless steel, and glass.
Disposable cleaning pads are preloaded with cleaner and meant to be popped off and discarded after use. Reusable scrub sponges are designed to rinse clean, resist odors, and can be sanitized (for example, in the dishwasher or microwave) for repeated use.
Scrub pads and eraser-style sponges are reported to remove tough marks such as crayon, ink, scuffs, and soap scum, tackle greasy kitchen messes, and—depending on formulation—address hard-water and lime stains.
Texture-changing foam sponges are described as firmer in cold water for tougher scrubbing and softer in warm water for gentler cleaning.
Although many sponges are labeled scratch-free for numerous surfaces, some scrubbers specifically advise against use on copper, polished surfaces, and wood.