Scrub Daddy vs. Scrub Mommy: Which Sponge Reigns Supreme?

We put these popular cleaning tools to the test to determine the winner.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab put the Scrub Daddy and Scrub Mommy sponges through a series of rigorous tests to determine which one is the better cleaning tool. While both sponges feature a unique "FlexTexture" foam that changes stiffness based on water temperature, the review found that the Scrub Mommy is more versatile for everyday cleaning tasks, while the Scrub Daddy excels at heavy-duty scrubbing.

Why it matters

As two of the most popular cleaning sponges on the market, the Scrub Daddy and Scrub Mommy have developed a loyal following. This head-to-head comparison from the experts at Good Housekeeping provides consumers with a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each sponge, helping them determine which one best fits their cleaning needs.

The details

The review put both sponges through a variety of cleaning tests, including washing dishes and glassware, scrubbing stovetops, bathtubs, and chrome faucets. The Scrub Mommy proved more versatile, handling both gentle washing and tough scrubbing, while also being able to easily maneuver into tight spaces. The Scrub Daddy, on the other hand, was found to be better suited for heavy-duty scrubbing tasks, though it was less flexible than a traditional sponge or cloth for general dishwashing.

  • The review was conducted over several weeks, during which time the tester had plenty of naturally soiled household surfaces to clean in both the kitchen and bathroom.

The players

Scrub Daddy

A cleaning sponge made with a unique "FlexTexture" foam that changes stiffness based on water temperature, making it ideal for heavy-duty scrubbing tasks.

Scrub Mommy

A cleaning sponge also made with the "FlexTexture" foam, but found to be more versatile for everyday cleaning tasks, handling both gentle washing and tough scrubbing.

Carolyn Forté

The executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, who conducted the in-depth review of the Scrub Daddy and Scrub Mommy sponges.

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What they’re saying

“I really enjoyed using Scrub Mommy. The sponge side handled everyday dishes and glassware well, while the scrubby side was there when I needed to tackle stuck-on bits — whether flicking debris off a wood cutting board or wrapping around the rungs of a broiler pan rack.”

— Carolyn Forté, Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director (Good Housekeeping)

“Scrub Daddy is great for heavy-duty scrubbing”

— Carolyn Forté, Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director (Good Housekeeping)

The takeaway

For most everyday cleaning tasks, the Scrub Mommy sponge is the more versatile and effective choice, offering a combination of gentle washing and tough scrubbing power. However, the Scrub Daddy remains the better option for heavy-duty cleaning jobs where maximum scrubbing power is required.