Even if you haven’t used one of US brand Scrub Daddy’s iconic smiley sponges, you’ll probably have heard of them – and that’s likely down to social media channel, TikTok. The cheery cleaner, which cleverly turns hard in cold water and soft in warm, has firmly earned its spot as an internet icon in recent years, racking up millions of views on TikTok and winning fans the world over. That’s no mean feat for a humble sponge!
But now the brand has added a new product to its roster – the Damp Duster – and the internet is just as enamoured as they are with the original. The #Scrubdaddydampduster tag has already racked up 1.7 million TikTok views, with people trying the spongy cleaner on everything from kitchen surfaces and air vents to bookshelves and photo frames. It’s also gained over 3,700 five star reviews on Amazon to date.
What is the Scrub Daddy Damp Duster?
While the original Scrub Daddy is best kept for use in your kitchen and bathroom, the Damp Duster is a washable, reusable foam duster that can be used to tackle all the surfaces you’d typically use a cloth, like air vents, photo frames, window sills and blinds. However, it differs from regular cloths in a couple of key ways.
Firstly, you can throw away your furniture polish, as it requires nothing more than water to effectively trap dirt and grime. This is good news for those with allergies and sensitive skin, or who are looking to switch to more eco-friendly cleaning methods.
Secondly, as it’s used damp, less dust should end up kicked up into the air during your weekly spruce-up. That means fewer potential irritants floating about – and a cleaner home overall.
But does it live up to the social media hype? Scroll down to see how it fared in my home...
Review: Scrub Daddy Damp Duster
When I tried the duster, it felt similar to a foam dog toy. It’s smaller and narrower than a standard rectangular sponge, so it can squeeze into tight spots better, and the ridged design helps lock in dirt. It also comes pre-moistened, so you can get to work straight away.
I first tackled my bedroom blinds, where the duster swept up all dirt with one quick swipe. The damp fibres ensured grime stuck fast; I gave it a shake to see if anything fell off, and nothing did. It was the same with my bedside table, skirting boards and kitchen appliances: quick and easy cleaning, sans products and no sign of flying dust.
One note? It gets dirty quick quickly – mine needed washing around every four or five swipes, requiring numerous trips to the sink. A swift rinse sufficed, but this did add extra time to the process, so keep a bucket of water on hand for big cleans. Make sure you have a drain protector for your plughole, to help avoid potential clogs, as well.
I’d also advise thoroughly wringing it out after each rinse. When it was too wet, it tended to push dust around rather than wipe it up.
Final thoughts: Scrub Daddy Damp Duster
I’m a fan of the Damp Duster. On all surfaces, it effectively locked in dirt and dust, so I didn’t have to worry about it resting elsewhere in my flat. The shape makes it easy to tackle a good variety of fiddly surfaces, like slatted blinds and the tops of skirting boards. Rewashing it does take some time – but a big clean also can require multiple duster cloths, so it’s not so bad.
Plus, at under £4, it’s a great price for a reusable product – especially as it has a much longer lifespan than a traditional sponge. Treat it well, and your new Damp Duster should last at least a year.
You can pick up the Damp Duster from Amazon here. You can also shop the original famous – and homes shopping editor favourite – Scrub Daddy sponge here.
Lauren was Hearst UK’s Homes and Garden writer, covering the latest trends, sales and product launches for Good Housekeeping, Country Living and House Beautiful, and previously for Cosmopolitan, Red, ELLE, Prima and Harper’s Bazaar. Lauren’s specialism is interiors – whether it’s offering tips on how to perfect a seasonal tablescape or trying out viral kitchenware. She is committed to finding the best-value deals during Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day too, so readers can buy with confidence and save money.
Lauren graduated with a BA in English Literature and Journalism in 2013 and has worked in various editorial roles across the UK, Southeast Asia and North America since 2015. She previously wrote for a local London newspaper, covering everything from entertainment and lifestyle to politics and wellness. When not writing, Lauren can be found bargain hunting for pre-loved trinkets and clothes at various car boot sales across the capital.
Follow Lauren on instagram @laurenkatehannah
