Smelly Sponge Fix: How to Clean Your Esembly Go Two Sponge

Quick answer

Clean your Esembly Go Two Sponge after every use by rinsing it thoroughly and squeezing out excess water, then let it air dry completely. For a smelly sponge, sanitize it with a diluted vinegar soak or microwave it damp for one minute, and replace it when the odor persists or the sponge breaks down.

Why the two-sided design changes how you clean it

The Esembly Go Two Sponge combines a forever sponge side with a compostable sudser side. That means you can't treat it like a single-material sponge: the sudser breaks down over time, while the forever sponge is built to last. Cleaning should focus on both sides without accelerating the sudser's wear.

• Rinse both sides after each use to remove food and soap residue.
• Avoid harsh chemicals that could degrade the compostable sudser faster.
• Let the sponge dry completely between uses to prevent bacterial growth.

When a quick rinse isn't enough

If your sponge still smells after rinsing and air drying, it's time for a deeper clean. A smelly sponge is a sign that bacteria have settled in. You can sanitize it by soaking in a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water for five minutes, then rinsing well. Alternatively, microwave a damp sponge on high for one minute—but make sure it's completely wet to avoid fire risk.

• Never microwave a dry sponge.
• Avoid bleaching the sudser side, as it may damage the compostable material.
• If odor returns within a day or two, replace the sponge.

How long should the Go Two Sponge last?

There's no fixed lifespan because it depends on how often you use it and how well you care for it. The forever sponge side can last for months with proper care, while the sudser side will naturally wear down faster. Replace the entire sponge when the sudser side becomes thin, torn, or starts to disintegrate, or when the forever sponge develops a persistent odor or visible mold.

Diagnose your sponge problem

• Symptom: Mild odor after normal use: Rinse thoroughly with warm water, squeeze out excess, and let air dry completely. If odor persists, proceed to deeper clean.
• Symptom: Strong, persistent smell: Soak in diluted white vinegar (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) for 5 minutes, then rinse and dry. Or microwave damp sponge for 1 minute. If smell remains, replace. Never microwave a dry sponge.
• Symptom: Sudser side is thin, torn, or crumbling: Replace the sponge. The compostable sudser is designed to break down, and a deteriorating sudser can leave residue.
• Symptom: Forever sponge side has mold or won't come clean: Discard and replace. Mold can't be safely removed from porous sponge material.

Product facts

• Go Two™ Sponge (Final Sale): Made of 1 part forever sponge and 1 part compostable sudser. This dual-material design means you need to clean both sides gently and expect the sudser to wear out before the forever sponge.