About Spontex
Spontex: The UK's Leading Cleaning Tools Brand Since 1932 Introduction to Spontex Spontex stands as the UK's leading branded manufacturer of household cleaning tools, bringing innovation to kitchens and homes for over ninety years. From their revolutionary invention of the world's first cellulose sponge in 1932 to today's comprehensive range of sponges, scourers, cloths, gloves, and floorcare products, Spontex has made cleaning better, quicker, and easier for generations of British households. The brand name itself combines "sponge" and "textile" — a fitting etymology for a company that revolutionised how we clean. With headquarters now in Paris and products sold in more than 80 countries, Spontex has grown from French innovation into a truly global cleaning brand whilst maintaining its commitment to quality and sustainability. At Grocefully, we help you compare Spontex prices across UK supermarkets, ensuring you can equip your cleaning cupboard with trusted products at the best available prices. Whether you need sponge scourers for washing up, rubber gloves for protection, or microfibre cloths for surfaces, price comparison helps you find better value. The Spontex Story: Pioneering Cellulose Sponges Spontex's history represents genuine innovation in household cleaning — the creation of products that didn't exist before. The First Cellulose Sponge In 1932, Spontex revolutionised cleaning by designing and producing the world's first cellulose sponge. Before this innovation, cleaning relied on natural sea sponges or rags — neither ideal for domestic use. Cellulose sponges, made from wood pulp, offered a superior alternative: absorbent, durable, hygienic, and affordable. This cellulose sponge breakthrough established Spontex as an innovator rather than merely a manufacturer. The company didn't just make existing products; it created entirely new cleaning solutions. This pioneering spirit continues today with ongoing product development and sustainability improvements. French Origins, European Growth Founded in France in 1932, Spontex developed its reputation through quality and innovation. The brand grew internationally throughout the twentieth century, particularly across Europe and the Middle East. The iconic hedgehog mascot became synonymous with effective cleaning, appearing in advertising across multiple countries. Spontex established manufacturing facilities throughout Europe, including in France, Germany, and the UK, ensuring proximity to key markets and consistent quality control. Corporate Evolution Spontex's ownership journey reflects the consolidation of consumer goods brands into larger groups: In 1989, Spontex joined HUTCHINSON-TOTAL, subsequently merging with Mapa to form Mapa Spontex — a powerful combination of cleaning and household protection brands. In April 2010, Jarden Corporation acquired the Mapa Spontex Baby Care and Home Care businesses for approximately $415 million, bringing the brand into a larger consumer products portfolio. The significant change came in April 2016 when Newell Rubbermaid completed its acquisition of Jarden for over $15 billion, forming Newell Brands. This placed Spontex within a major American consumer goods company alongside other household names like Rubbermaid, Coleman, and Calphalon. Today, Mapa Spontex operates within Newell Brands' Commercial Solutions segment, with more than 3,300 employees across 20 countries developing and producing products for the global market. The Spontex Product Range Modern Spontex offers comprehensive cleaning solutions for every household need. Sponges and Sponge Scourers The category that built the brand remains central to Spontex's offering: Spontex Washups are the UK's favourite branded sponge scourers, featuring special stop-grease treatment that keeps them cleaner and efficient for longer. The specially contoured nailguard improves grip whilst protecting hands during washing up. Strong and long-lasting, these remain the bestselling Spontex product in UK supermarkets. Specialist Sponge Scourers are professional-quality products designed for demanding cleaning tasks, offering the performance that commercial cleaners require for domestic users who want superior results. Non-Scratch Sponges provide effective cleaning for delicate surfaces where abrasive scourers might cause damage — ideal for non-stick cookware, glass hobs, and sensitive surfaces. Heavy-Duty Scourers tackle baked-on food and stubborn grime, offering the aggressive cleaning action needed for serious mess. Scourers Beyond sponge combinations, Spontex offers dedicated scouring products: Wire Wool and Metal Scourers for the toughest cleaning challenges — burnt pans, barbecue grills, and industrial-level grime. Stainless Steel Scourers for pots and pans that can withstand abrasive cleaning without damage. Mesh Scourers that combine effectiveness with gentleness, suitable for everyday cleaning tasks. Plastic Scourers for surfaces requiring non-metallic options. Cloths and Wipes Spontex cloths address different cleaning needs: Microfibre Cloths deliver professional-level surface cleaning, trapping dust and dirt without spreading it around. Washable and reusable, microfibre cloths offer both effectiveness and economy. Specialist Sponge Cloths combine the absorbency of cellulose sponges with the versatility of cloths, perfect for wiping surfaces and absorbing spills. All-Purpose Cloths handle general cleaning tasks throughout the home, from kitchen surfaces to bathroom counters. Glass and Window Cloths provide streak-free results on glass and mirrors, designed specifically for these demanding surfaces. Rubber Gloves Hand protection represents a significant part of Spontex's range: Household Gloves protect hands during washing up and cleaning, available in various sizes for comfortable fit and dexterity. Heavy-Duty Gloves offer extra protection for demanding tasks involving harsh chemicals or rough surfaces. Extra-Long Gloves extend protection up the forearm for deeper cleaning tasks or additional protection. Sensitive Skin Gloves feature hypoallergenic materials for those with skin sensitivities or latex allergies. Disposable Gloves provide single-use convenience for particularly messy tasks or when hygiene is paramount. Floorcare Spontex extends beyond hands and surfaces to floor cleaning: Mops and Mop Refills for wet floor cleaning, including flat mops and traditional designs. Brooms and Brushes for sweeping hard floors and outdoor spaces. Dustpans and Brushes for collecting swept debris efficiently. Floor Cloths for mopping and floor maintenance. Specialist and Professional Products Spontex Industrial serves business cleaning needs with professional-grade products designed for commercial environments, from restaurants to offices to industrial facilities. These products offer the durability and performance that professional cleaners demand. Sustainability Commitment Spontex has made meaningful sustainability progress: Cellulose Sponge Materials: 100% of Spontex cellulose sponges are made from wood pulp sourced from eco-managed forests, ensuring responsible forestry practices. Recycled Content: Scouring products contain 100% recycled plastic fibres, giving new life to plastic that might otherwise become waste. 35% of the fibres in Spontex Washups scouring pads are recycled. Packaging Reduction: Spontex has eliminated plastic film from products like Washups, reducing packaging waste as part of their commitment to more sustainable packaging. These aren't just marketing claims — they represent genuine changes to products and processes that reduce environmental impact whilst maintaining the quality Spontex is known for. Quality and Performance Features Understanding Spontex's technical advantages explains why the brand leads the UK market. Stop-Grease Technology The proprietary stop-grease treatment in Spontex Washups and other products keeps sponges cleaner for longer. Grease and food particles are repelled rather than absorbed, maintaining scouring efficiency and extending product life. This means less frequent replacement and better cleaning performance throughout the product's lifespan. Nailguard Design The specially contoured nailguard on Spontex sponge scourers improves grip whilst protecting fingernails during washing up. This ergonomic feature makes extended cleaning sessions more comfortable and protects hands from damage. Durability Engineering Spontex products are designed for longevity. The "strong and long-lasting" claim reflects engineering for durability — products that maintain performance over extended use rather than deteriorating rapidly. This durability represents value: fewer replacements mean lower long-term costs despite any initial premium. Material Quality From cellulose sponges to microfibre cloths to rubber gloves, Spontex uses quality materials appropriate to each product's purpose. This material selection ensures products perform as expected and last as long as they should. Shopping for Spontex in the UK As the UK's leading branded cleaning tools manufacturer, Spontex enjoys extensive retail distribution. Supermarket Availability All major UK supermarkets stock Spontex products: Tesco carries Spontex Washups and other core products Sainsbury's stocks the popular sponge scourers and gloves Asda offers Spontex alongside own-brand alternatives Morrisons includes Spontex in their cleaning aisle Waitrose provides Spontex for quality-conscious shoppers Supermarket availability makes Spontex easy to find during regular grocery shopping. Home and Hardware Retailers Homebase stocks Spontex as part of their home brands offering Robert Dyas includes Spontex in their household section Wilko (where available) offers Spontex products Local hardware stores often carry core Spontex items These retailers may stock different ranges than supermarkets, including specialist products. Online Availability Amazon provides extensive Spontex selection with customer reviews Supermarket websites offer home delivery of Spontex products Specialist cleaning suppliers stock professional ranges The official Spontex website showcases the complete range Online shopping enables access to the full product range beyond what individual stores stock. Trade and Commercial Spontex Industrial products serve business customers through trade suppliers, offering the professional-grade cleaning tools that commercial operations require. Understanding Spontex Pricing Spontex pricing reflects quality positioning in the cleaning tools market. Branded Premium Spontex products typically cost more than supermarket own-brand equivalents. This premium reflects quality materials, durability, and performance features like stop-grease technology. For many households, this premium represents value when products last longer and clean better. Per-Use Economics Evaluating cleaning products on per-use cost rather than purchase price often favours quality brands. A sponge scourer that lasts three weeks costs less per day than a cheaper one that degrades in one week, even at double the initial price. Multi-Pack Value Spontex offers multi-packs that reduce per-unit cost compared to single purchases. The Washups 4-pack and similar bundles provide savings for regular purchasers who know they'll use multiple products. Promotional Opportunities Supermarkets regularly promote Spontex products, offering temporary price reductions or multi-buy deals. Monitoring promotions and stocking up during offers maximises value from the Spontex range. Practical Tips for Spontex Shoppers Compare Across Retailers Spontex prices vary between retailers and can change with promotions. Checking multiple sources identifies current best value for specific products. Match Product to Task The extensive range means products exist for different purposes. Using the right product for each task improves results and value — heavy-duty scourers for tough jobs, non-scratch options for delicate surfaces. Consider Multi-Packs For products you use regularly, multi-packs typically offer better per-unit value than singles. The standard Washups 4-pack suits most households who use sponge scourers for daily washing up. Check Pack Sizes Different retailers may stock different pack sizes. Comparing per-item or per-unit cost ensures accurate value assessment regardless of pack format. Try Before Committing Before buying multi-packs, try individual products to confirm they suit your needs and preferences. Spontex's range is extensive enough that finding the right product for your specific requirements may take some exploration. Caring for Spontex Products Extending product life improves value: Rinse After Use Rinsing sponges and scourers after each use removes food particles and grease, maintaining cleaning efficiency and hygiene. The stop-grease treatment works best when products are kept clean. Allow Drying Letting sponges dry between uses prevents bacterial growth and odour development. Standing sponges on end or using a sponge holder promotes air circulation. Microwave Sanitisation Damp cellulose sponges can be microwaved briefly to kill bacteria and extend usable life. This doesn't work for all sponge types — check product guidance. Replace When Worn Even quality products have finite lives. Replace sponges and scourers when they become worn, lose shape, or develop odours that washing won't remove. Wash Cloths Regularly Microfibre and other cloths should be machine washed regularly to maintain effectiveness. Follow product care instructions for washing temperature and detergent guidance. Store Gloves Properly Rubber gloves last longer when stored properly — ideally hanging to dry fully between uses. Powder or cornstarch inside helps with putting on and preserves the material. Spontex in British Cleaning Culture Spontex has become embedded in UK household routines over decades of presence. The Washing-Up Essential For many British households, "sponge scourers" and "Spontex" are nearly synonymous. The Washups product has achieved the status of category standard — what people picture when they think of washing-up sponges. The Hedgehog Brand The Spontex hedgehog mascot has featured in UK advertising for decades, creating brand recognition that spans generations. The hedgehog's bristles visually connect to scouring effectiveness — a simple but memorable brand association. Quality Expectation Spontex's market leadership reflects consumer trust. When shoppers choose Spontex over cheaper alternatives, they're expressing confidence in quality — an expectation built through consistent product performance over many years. Sustainability Leadership As environmental concerns grow, Spontex's sustainability commitments — recycled content, sustainable forestry, reduced packaging — position the brand for consumers who want responsible products without compromising cleaning effectiveness. Conclusion Spontex's journey from inventing the world's first cellulose sponge in 1932 to leading the UK cleaning tools market today represents sustained innovation and quality commitment. The brand that gave us the modern sponge continues developing products that make cleaning better, quicker, and easier. Now part of global consumer goods company Newell Brands, Spontex maintains the quality and innovation that built its reputation. The comprehensive range — from the bestselling Washups sponge scourers through cloths, gloves, and floorcare products — means Spontex can serve virtually all household cleaning needs. With genuine sustainability progress including recycled content and sustainable sourcing, Spontex addresses modern environmental concerns whilst maintaining the cleaning performance that built the brand's trust over nine decades. Using Grocefully to compare Spontex prices across UK supermarkets helps find the best deals on quality cleaning tools. For households who want effective cleaning products from a trusted brand, Spontex delivers the performance that has made it the UK's leading branded cleaning manufacturer — and smart shopping ensures that quality costs as little as possible.