What Is a Cellulose Sponge Made Of? How It's Made & How to Use It

Q: Are cellulose sponges good for non-stick pans?

Yes. A plain cellulose sponge without a scouring layer is soft, so it is a gentle choice for non-stick pans, glassware, and other delicate surfaces.

September 4, 2026

Quick answer: A cellulose sponge is made from cellulose, the fiber found in plant cell walls, usually sourced from wood pulp and sometimes blended with cotton or other plant fibers. The fiber is dissolved, mixed with crystals that create the pores, shaped into blocks, and rinsed, leaving a soft, very absorbent sponge. It's the same basic material paper is made from, just built to hold water.

🧽 Looking for a soft, absorbent everyday sponge? Our Cellulose Kitchen Sponge 15-Pack is gentle on non-stick pans and great for wiping counters.

What is a cellulose sponge?

A cellulose sponge is a manufactured sponge made from processed plant fiber instead of polyurethane foam. You'll recognize it by its irregular, open pores and the way it feels stiff when dry and soft and squishy once it's wet. Cellulose sponges have been around since the mid-1900s and are still one of the most common kitchen sponges in the U.S.

What is a cellulose sponge made of?

Cellulose fiber: The main ingredient, usually from wood pulp. Some sponges add cotton, hemp, or flax fiber for strength.
Reinforcing fibers: Longer fibers are mixed in so the sponge holds together when wet.
Pore-forming crystals: Salt-like crystals (often sodium sulfate) are blended in during manufacturing and later washed out. The spaces they leave behind become the sponge's pores.
Scrub layer (on some sponges): Many "cellulose" sponges have a green or blue scouring pad glued to one side, and that layer is often nylon or polyester. Check the label if you want to know exactly what's in yours.

How cellulose sponges are made

Soften the fiber: Wood pulp is treated so the cellulose can be dissolved into a thick, honey-like liquid.
Mix: Reinforcing fibers, color, and pore-forming crystals are stirred in.
Shape and set: The mixture is poured into large molds and heated so the cellulose firms up into a solid block.
Rinse: The crystals are washed out, leaving the familiar network of holes.
Cut and dry: Blocks are sliced into sponges. Some are compressed flat and expand the first time they get wet.

Cellulose vs. regular foam sponges

	Cellulose sponge	Typical foam sponge
Main material	Plant-derived cellulose fiber	Polyurethane foam
Feel	Stiff when dry, soft when wet	Soft and springy
Absorbency	Holds a lot of water	Holds less water
Best for	Wiping spills, counters, delicate cookware	General washing

Not sure what your current sponge is made of? Here's how to check what's really in your kitchen sponge.

Cellulose vs. loofah: which should you use?

Texture: Cellulose is soft and absorbent. Loofah is firm and fibrous, closer to a light scrubber.
How it's made: Cellulose is manufactured from processed fiber. Loofah is the dried fiber of a luffa gourd, used close to how it grows.
Best for: Cellulose is great for wiping, soaking up spills, and gentle cleaning of non-stick pans and glassware. Loofah is better for stuck-on food, grease, and pots that need scrubbing power.

Many kitchens keep both: a cellulose sponge for wiping and a loofah scrub sponge for scrubbing. Our loofah sponges are compostable and USDA Certified Biobased. For a full side-by-side, read Loofah vs. Cellulose Sponges.

How to care for a cellulose sponge

Rinse and wring after every use. Cellulose holds a lot of water, and a sponge left soggy is what starts to smell.
Air-dry it. Stand it on its edge or use a sponge holder with airflow, not a closed dish.
Keep it away from high heat when dry. A dry cellulose sponge can scorch.
Know when to replace it. Swap it out when it stops springing back, tears at the edges, or keeps an odor after rinsing.

For more on odors, see how to get rid of a smelly sponge.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my cellulose sponge hard?

That's normal. Cellulose sponges stiffen as they dry. Run one under warm water for a few seconds and it softens right back up.

Is a cellulose sponge the same as a regular sponge?

No. A regular kitchen sponge is usually polyurethane foam. A cellulose sponge is made from processed plant fiber, so it feels different and absorbs more water.

Are cellulose sponges good for non-stick pans?

Yes. A plain cellulose sponge (without a scouring layer) is soft, so it's a gentle choice for non-stick pans, glassware, and other delicate surfaces.

How long does a cellulose sponge last?

It depends on how often you use it and how well it dries. Replace it when it loses its shape, starts falling apart, or holds onto an odor.

What's the difference between cellulose and loofah?

Cellulose is a manufactured sponge made from processed plant fiber and is soft and absorbent. Loofah is the dried fiber of a gourd and is firmer, with more scrubbing power.