HOME | FEATURE ARCHIVES | NATURAL VS. SYNTHETIC SPONGES

NATURAL VS. SYNTHETIC SPONGES

(November/December 2006)
By Amber Twist

In an industry based on precision and accuracy every detail matters.  Edging out the competition often comes down to choosing the right products and equipment.  This might mean paying extra for a top of the line squeegee or experimenting with various cleaners until you find a solution that provides the desired effect. 

One detail that is often overlooked is the most basic of window cleaning repertoire:  the sponge.   The choices are few, synthetic vs. natural, but in an industry where every aspect of the job must be flawless, it may be worth your while to investigate the pros and cons of each.

According to Mike Waroway of Detroit Sponge, “It is important to have the proper sponge for your needs.”  You wouldn’t, for example, attempt to wipe a cracked and chipping window sill with a soft, kitchen variety sponge.  For this job, you would want a rugged, durable, contractor grade sponge.  In order to make the best possible choice for your job it is important to know as much as possible about the options.

Synthetic Sponges:

In recent years the mass production of synthetic sponges has resulted in their widespread popularity.  Synthetic sponges have a variety of advantages.  According to Mike, “Synthetic sponges are available in contractor grade from Honeycomb, an open, rugged style of sponge that is ideal for cleaning textured surfaces, to fine pore Hydrophyllic (water-loving) sponges which work better on smooth surfaces.”  Hydrophyllic sponges are available in various sub-grades.  Each increase in pore grade results in a greater amount of absorbency and rinse capacity.

Synthetic sponges are manufactured in bulk quantities.  The process involves the mixing of a “recipe” which is pored into sheet forms and cut to specification.  This process yields a uniform sponge that is easy for a window cleaner to cut or trim into a shape or size that makes its use more efficient.

Tim Reinagel of Premier Window Cleaners, in Thomaston, Georgia says, “I use the O Cello boat size.  I cut an inch of the end, and then cut the remaining portion in half.  This is the right size for my hand as the sponge fills my hand, yet is not so large that it hangs out of my fist while wringing.”  Tim adds, “The uniform shape and square edge of the sponge enable me to cleanly wipe the sill without a bulky sponge pushing up against the window itself.”

In addition, synthetic sponges have an even texture and elasticity.  According to Tim this is an important quality.  He says, “The synthetic sponge has a better consistency in my experience.  I seem to have a control over it that is lacking with a natural sponge.  The synthetic sponge can pick up water, leaving the wiped surface of an interior sill virtually dry by the time I move on to the next window.  I find that the natural sponges tend to leave a more pronounced “water trail” and require added attention when working inside an establishment.”  

Natural Sponges:

Prior to the synthetic sponge, natural sea sponges were commonly used and today natural sponges are making a comeback.  Although the natural sponge is rarely as uniform as the synthetic, it is often more dense, firm and durable.  Geof White of Valley Window Cleaning in Appleton, WI says, “I use a natural sea sponge.  I keep one on me at all times.  I use it for wiping up sills and those really dusty outside sills that require some water.  I also have a habit of wiping my rubber with it a lot.  The natural sponges also work great for wetting cut-ups.  Some window cleaners use a wand under the squeegee when fanning inside to catch the drips.  I use my natural sponge instead.” 

Another advantage of the natural sponge is its superior ability to absorb and hold water.  Greg Stellman of Solutions – Window Washing in Jamesville, NY, says, “Here at solutions we use only natural sponges in the medium size.  I find they are more absorbent and if taken care of they last for about three months.”

The debate between natural vs. synthetic sponges comes down to preference.  The synthetic sponge is uniform, even textured and adaptable.  The natural sponge is durable, dense and absorbent.  

 Mike Waroway of Detroit Sponge weighs in by saying that the natural sponge has an unmistakable absorb/expel capacity.  He says, “When you wring out the natural sponge every bit of the dirty water and debris that it contained is expelled.  This results in an uptake of more clean water and less squeezing out the sponge over the course of the day.” 

However, Mike adds that many cleaners prefer the synthetic and with a broad range of styles and availability of synthetic sponges, it is easy for a cleaner to find a product that will produce the results he/she is looking for.  “Ultimately” Mike concludes, “Each cleaner should experiment with both types of sponges to discover what works best for them.” 

READ MORE FROM OUR FEATURE ARCHIVES