Here you can find answers to the most common enquiries we receive.

Spontex microfibre cloths are made up of thousands of tiny fibres (usually 85% polyester and 15% polyamide), so the number of contact points with the surface is greatly increased compared to non-microfibre cloths. This means that each cloth has extraordinary cleaning power that removes 99% of bacteria with just water. Some of them even remove viruses as well. Watch our video to see just how a microfibre cloth works vs a traditional cloth.
Discover everything you need to know about our microfibres here!

Spontex microfibre cloths made of 85% polyester and 15% polyamide fibres remove some bacteria and viruses when used dry, however their mechanical efficiency is far more limited. That’s why, for maximal efficiency to remove 99% of bacteria and viruses, we recommend using them wet.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to test Spontex microfibre cloths on all surfaces, but our tests carried out by external laboratories guarantee efficiency on common and representative surfaces in the home.

As opposed to standard cotton cloths, Spontex microfibre cloths made of 85% polyester and 15% polyamide fibres remove and catch bacteria and viruses from surfaces. For hygiene purposes, Spontex recommend washing the cloths regularly. Most of our microfibre cloths can be washed in the washing machine up to 500 times.

Spontex microfibre cloths can be washed with standard washing machine detergent, but not fabric softener. We recommend washing the cloths at the temperature written on the cloth’s label.

It is the specific structure of Spontex microfibre cloths that makes them so efficient. So, they will stay efficient against bacteria and viruses as long as they are correctly used and washed.

Spontex microfibre cloths are multipurpose and versatile which makes them suitable for many cleaning tasks, each can be used on multiple surfaces all around the house. Our task specific microfibre cloths have special textures and features, each chosen for a specific room or surface, our Window Cloth and Window Kit are great for tackling streaks and smears on glass surfaces whereas our Kitchen Kit and Microfibre Pads have sponge centres making them great for wiping down kitchen worktops and mopping up spills. Our Bathroom Kit and Scrub & Wipe Cleaning Pad are perfect for tackling bathroom surfaces. Check out our full microfibre range here.

Microfibre cloths can be used on almost any surface however we’d always recommend testing on an inconspicuous area first as cloth colours may run.

Avoid using microfibre cloths on hot surfaces like irons, hobs, oven doors, radiators, etc. as the fibres will likely melt damaging both the surface and the cloth.

Microfibre cloths can be used with cleaning liquids however as they clean so effectively with just water this is not normally necessary.

Bleach can be used with most microfibre cloths but should be avoided as it’s highly likely that it will cause the material to discolour. After using bleach, make sure that the cloth is thoroughly rinsed.

Spontex microfibre cloths are resistant and long lasting, they can be washed and reused again and again. Some of them can even be washed in the washing machine up to 500 times at up to 60°C, but don’t use fabric softener as this can reduce the efficiency of the microfibre.

Spontex microfibre cloths are made to be resistant, efficient, and durable so that they can be used again and again. As with any cleaning cloth the durability will depend on lots of parameters such as frequency of use, surfaces cleaned, etc.

Fabric softener clogs the tiny fibres making them less effective.

It could be that there is fabric softener blocking the fibres, this can be rectified by re-washing without fabric softener. If this doesn’t work, then your microfibre cloths have likely reached the end of their life and should be re-purposed and replaced.

As with any textile, all microfibre cloths can shed a little when washed and micro-particles can be released. We are following research on this issue and actively looking for options to reduce shedding and capture these particles.

We would always suggest testing your cloths on an inconspicuous area of the surface to be cleaned before using them as cloth colours may run. For the same reason, we would also recommend when washing your cloths to do so with similar colours.

Due to the nature of the material the cloth will not look white after it has been used. However, it will be clean after washing at the recommended temperature of 60˚C. Please be advised that this cloth is not suitable for use with bleach.

Unfortunately, textile cloths are not accepted waste for kerbside collection. If your cloths are not too dirty or have not been used with chemicals, we would suggest getting in touch with your local waste facility to find out if you can recycle them there. If this is not possible, even though your cloths may not be fit for their intended use anymore, perhaps they could be used for messier tasks such as cleaning shoes or wiping down gardening tools.

We have worked for several months with our R&D and production teams to optimise our products so that all our 100% cellulose wiping sponges and most of our sponge cloths are now compostable. Our Handy Sponge, Thick Moppets, Decorators Sponges and Sponge Cloths are all compostable in domestic compost bins.

Best practice for home-composting our sponges:
1. Rinse the sponge thoroughly. Any water-soluble chemical left on the sponge after use is small enough not to affect composting.
2. Cut the sponge into small pieces.
3. Throw the pieces into the compost bin, like any other bio-waste.

Products like Thick Moppets, Handy Sponge and Sponge Cloths are made of cellulose, a material of plant origin, they are all 100% biodegradable in less than 3 months.

Yes. 100% of our wood pulp comes from sustainably managed forests and suppliers that have FSC or PEFC certification.

Yes. Both the Thick Moppets and Handy Sponge can be used with diluted bleach, 180ml of bleach for 5L of water.

Yes.

After every use we’d always recommend rinsing your sponge scourers thoroughly and leaving them to dry.

For a deeper clean, we’ve got a few useful tips:

• Pop them in the washing machine (all our sponge scourers can be machine washed up to 40°C) or even in the dishwasher.
• Soak them for 5 minutes in either diluted bleach or full-strength vinegar. Don’t forget to rinse them after soaking.
• For a really quick clean, put them in a suitable container with some clean water and microwave for 30 seconds or so… wait a minute or two before removing as they’ll still be hot.

If you’ve been using your sponge scourer for a while and it’s looking pretty dirty even after washing it, you probably do need to get a new one. We recommend replacing them on a regular basis for washing up but don’t throw them away as they can still be re-used for plenty of other jobs like cleaning your gardening tools or your shoes.

The anti-grease technology is a special treatment that’s applied during production and means that the scourer does not retain grease. This helps it to stay cleaner and efficient for even longer.

Our anti-grease technology doesn't contain ingredients that would typically provoke an allergic reaction however if you have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity it's impossible to say if this would be the case. Our recommendation would be to use the scourers whilst wearing hypoallergenic gloves like Latex Free.

All of the scourers in the non scratch range are specially formulated to avoid scratching so they’re perfect for use on all delicate surfaces. However, we always recommend that the scourer is tested on a small inconspicuous area before commencing with a broader clean.

The scrubbing side of our sponge scourers is made up of recycled plastic fibres (up to 100%), synthetic latex, resins and abrasive fillers. The wiping side of our sponge scourers is made from either polyurethane foam or plant based cellulose. Once the scourer part has been removed the cellulose is 100% biodegradable in less than 3 months. Find out more about the properties of our cellulose sponge scourers here!

We have explored natural scrubbing fibres and recycled polyurethane foams but none have achieved the same high levels of resistance and efficiency as the ones we currently use. We are continuously monitoring and testing different materials in our search for more eco-friendly options that will not compromise the quality and durability of our scourers.

We recommend rinsing your scourer thoroughly after each use to remove any bits of food that may get caught in the fibres. It can also be machine washed at up to 60°C for a deeper clean but don't tumble dry.

We recommend rinsing your dishbrush thoroughly after each use to remove any bits of food stuck in the bristles. You can also pop it in the dishwasher once a week for a deeper clean.

Spontex metal tough scourers are made from stainless steel that is recyclable. Once they have reached the end of their life, they should be taken to your local waste facility for recycling.

As part of our commitment to reduce single-use plastics we no longer use individual bags for any of the scourers in either the Tough Scourers or The Essentials Tough Scourers packs. During transit the scourers may become tangled together so please be careful when removing them from the pack, ensure they do not wrap around fingers or hands. If they become tangled together, do not pull them apart, instead snip them apart carefully with a scissors. Please also be careful when using the scourers. Again, to avoid possible injury, ensure they do not wrap around fingers or hands. If they do become tangled, snip them apart carefully with a scissors, do not pull them apart. It’s advisable to always wear rubber gloves.

Just like any scourer, tiny pieces may come away from the scourers as you use them, this is just normal wear and tear. We’d recommend that you replace your scourer regularly and remove any pieces from your washing up bowl before emptying it in the sink.

Spontex soap pads are filled with lemon fresh soap that's 100% biodegradable, free from animal ingredients and hazardous preservatives. They are also made with 85% recycled steel fibres. Unlike most soap pads they come in a plastic free pack that is 100% recyclable.

No. Our Soap Pads are completely free of any animal ingredients.

No. Our Soap Pads do not have an expiry or ‘use by’ date.

No. Our Soap Pads don't contain any ingredients that are considered harmful and they are free from hazardous preservatives so don't require safety data sheets. As with all cleaners we recommend you keep the products out of reach if you have ‘curious’ children or pets around! It's advisable to wear gloves to protect your hands. If you do get soap in your eyes then rinse carefully with water for several minutes. If when using the product your skin becomes irritated then discontinue use.

From our extensive consumer research we found that the UK as a nation is split, some of us prefer a loose fitting glove whilst others amongst us prefer a snug fitting glove. In our range we have gloves suitable for everyone, use Everyday Gloves if you prefer a looser fit.

After receiving feedback from consumers that the medium size glove was far too tight, we decided to make the glove larger, using a larger glove mould. It is this larger glove mould which stamps the LARGE onto the gloves.

These gloves have been designed specifically with a looser fit. This ensures that they are suitable for all hand sizes and are also easy to remove after cleaning. If you prefer a more snug fit we would recommend our other disposable gloves that are available in either latex, nitrile or vinyl.

The protein from natural rubber can be dispersed through the air via small particles such as the powder in powdered gloves. Inhalation of these small particles is the main cause of an allergic reaction for those who suffer from latex protein allergies. Whilst the powder from the gloves is easily dispersed in the atmosphere, once the powder has fallen and rested upon a surface it cannot disperse as easily again. Even if it did, the amount of protein would be diluted and it’s the concentration of protein that is an important factor in triggering an allergy. The risk from natural rubber is only for those wearing the gloves.

The main raw material of our gloves is natural rubber, also known as latex. Latex is a natural and renewable material which is extracted and processed using little fossil fuel. Our other gloves are made from Nitrile and Vinyl. Some of our gloves have an inner layer which can be made from cotton, polyester, polyamide or mixed materials and some are also externally coated with polymer or with a chlorination treatment.

We’re proud to have partnered with TerraCycle® to launch the UK's first household disposable gloves recycling scheme to keep our disposable gloves out of landfill. To find out more please visit www.spontex.co.uk/recycle. Please remember the handy dispenser packs can also be recycled with your usual household recycling.

COVID-19: If you suspect your disposable gloves may be contaminated then please follow the latest Public Health Guidelines to safely dispose of them. Find out more at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings#waste

To help you find the perfect floorcare solution for your home we’ve created a handy guide! Click here to take a look.

Spontex microfibre mop heads are made up of thousands of tiny fibres, so the number of contact points with the surface are greatly increased compared to non-microfibre mop heads. This means that each mop head has extraordinary cleaning power and eliminates 99% of bacteria with just water. Watch our video to see just how a microfibre mop works vs a traditional mop.

Most of our mops are microfibre, they tend to look different as they are made using various styles of microfibre to ensure they are really suited to the task at hand. Our Easy Max+ Mop for example has a layer of microfibre on a layer of sponge making it perfect for wet mopping, whilst our Extra Flat Mop is made up of numerous microfibre fringes that make it perfect for dusting.

Our mops are made from microfibre so they have thousands of tiny fibres that make them ultra absorbent and efficient at picking up dirt and dust.

Refills are available for all our mops. What’s more all of them are machine washable so they can be reused again and again. Click here to take a look.

Our mop heads can be machine washed and reused again and again. We would recommend washing them regularly, especially after a deep clean, and having at least one spare refill so you always have your mop ready to go. Even though our mop heads are long lasting they may need replacing at some point but this depends very much on usage. If there are visual signs of wear and it still looks pretty dirty even after washing then it’s probably time to replace it. Click here to take a look at our range or refills.

Some mop refills are packed in such a way that tags are needed to hold the refill in the packaging. The tags do create small holes in the fabric but this will not affect performance, it will still be fit for purpose.

The main material used in our mops, brooms and buckets is plastic as this enables us to produce well designed, lightweight and high quality floor products. We are looking at increasing the amount of recycled plastic in our products and are always exploring options for more sustainable materials.

It means that the length of the mop can be easily adjusted to suit your needs or the demands of the job at hand.

The bucket is suitable for self-wringing mops, it's great for both the Easy Max+ Mop and the Twist Mop. It can also be used with other wider flat mops.

To remove the Twist Mop head, simply separate the mop fringes at the scouring tip end of the mop and you’ll find a light blue plastic clip which wraps around and goes through the handle. Push the clip out and then slide the mop head (including the light blue stem) off the handle. This can then be placed in the washing machine! Once it’s clean again, pop it back on by sliding the light blue stem onto the handle, slot the top of the mop head into the handle, line up the holes and push the clip back through.

Screw together the 4 parts of the handle, then attach the mop head and get your bucket ready!

Simply fill the clean water compartment with water up to the max level using the spout.

Clean water is located in a separate tank protected with a lid and is only released by the smart pump mechanism when rinsing the mop. When wringing the mop, the dirty water goes into the other compartment of the bucket, the mop head never comes into contact with the dirty water.
Watch our video to see the system in action.

The Aqua Revolution System X’tra Mop has a locking mechanism that allows the height of the handle to be adjusted whilst mopping. It needs to be in the unlocked position for rinsing and wringing the mop head, otherwise the spinning action won’t start and water won’t come up through the pump.

To rinse and wring your Full Action System mop, place your foot on the mop head, unlock and straighten the handle and then simply clip the head into the bucket. Gently push down on the handle to rinse the mop and then lift above the water line and push down on the handle again to wring out. Pull the handle towards you to unclip the mop, lock the handle at your preferred height and you’re good to go!
Click here to watch our product video for a full demonstration.

A Calypso sponge is made from cellulose with wood pulp from sustainably managed forests and suppliers that have FSC or PEFC certification. This means that the sponge is super absorbent, supple, soft to the touch and 100% biodegradable. A Calypso sponge can absorb up to 20 times its own weight in water, making it ideal for lathering up in the shower or bath.

It really depends on how often you use your sponge as to when you should replace it. Look for visual signs of wear to determine if your sponge needs replacing.

We recommend daily use.

Rinse thoroughly before and after each use and allow to dry.

Yes. It’s machine washable up to 60°C.

Yes. It is gentle on the skin, hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested.

We are committed to making the planet a better place. Our work in sustainability and corporate social responsibility is critical for our employees, consumers, customers, communities and investors. We’re continually striving to keep our workplaces safe, limit the environmental impact of our products and operations and foster an inclusive environment where everyone is empowered to contribute and make an impact. To learn more, please visit www.newellbrands.com/corporate-social-responsibility.

Yes. Packaging is essential for communication and protection during transportation and storage. We are committed to a continuous improvement process to reduce the environmental impact of our primary, secondary and tertiary packaging throughout their entire life cycle. Our commitments are based on the 3 principles of reduce, reuse, recycle.

Our packaging is made from either paper/cardboard or plastic. For our paper/cardboard packaging, we use as much recycled material as possible and wood pulp from sustainably managed forests coupled with water-based printing and varnish to make them 100% recyclable. Our plastic packaging is made from PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene). These are in theory 100% recyclable but unfortunately, the UK is not yet equipped with the industrial facilities to recycle them. However, PE can now be recycled with bags at large supermarkets.

We have tested other materials such as bio sourced plastic however there are still some uncertainties regarding its durability and end of life. We are continuously monitoring emerging materials in our search for more eco-friendly and recyclable options that will not compromise the quality of our packaging.

Reducing and removing single use plastic and any unnecessary packaging is a key priority for us. To date we have rolled out several successful initiatives:

- Soap Pads switched from a plastic and foil pack to a 100% recyclable box saving 1,440kg of plastic and 160kg of foil for every 100,000 packs.

- Handy Sensitive gloves switched from a plastic pouch to cardboard box saving 620kg of plastic for every 100,000 packs.

- Plastic wrap removed from our Handy All Purpose Cloths saving 130kg of plastic for every 100,000 rolls and the cardboard tube was also reduced by 30%.

- Individual plastic bags removed from our Tough Scourers saving 40kg of plastic for every 100,000 packs.

- Film thickness reduced by 20% across our sponges, sponge cloths and reusable gloves.

This is just the start of our journey and we’ve lots more initiatives planned for the near future.

Our disposable gloves can be recycled through our recycling scheme. Our Tough Scourers are made from stainless steel and can be taken to your local waste facility for recycling. Our other products are usually made of mixed materials which makes them unsuitable for recycling within the constraints of existing industrial facilities. Most of our products can be washed and reused multiple times and when they are no longer fit for their intended use we’d always encourage finding a new purpose for them, for instance once your sponge scourer can no longer be used for washing up why not use it to clean shoes or bins.

Products like Thick Moppets, Handy Sponge, Super Absorbent Scourers (sponge part only once scourer part has been removed) and Sponge Cloths are made of cellulose, which is a natural material of plant origin. They are all 100% biodegradable in less than 3 months.

No. Our biodegradable cellulose sponges may be compostable, they are currently undergoing testing to check. As you can imagine such testing takes time to complete, so we will only be able to confirm for definite once it’s complete.

FSC is Forest Stewardship Council and PEFC is Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. Both certifications mean that the endorsed packaging is produced by a certified company that sources materials from responsibly managed forests and has transparency and traceability over the whole process.

Cleaning guidelines are provided on the packaging of all our products. Simply follow the instructions on pack to ensure your product stays in the best possible condition.

Care and usage instructions are provided on the packaging of all our products to help you to get the best performance from them for as long as possible. We are unable to suggest an exact lifespan for any of our products as this will vary according to usage.

Most of our products are not classified as hazardous for human health or the environment according to the European regulation 1272/2008 (CLP) and therefore do not require a Safety Data Sheet. If you have a specific query then please do get in touch.

No. Spontex products are not tested on animals.

Plasti Dip have tested our range of cellulose sponges (Handy Sponge and the Decorators Sponges) and here’s what they had to say “We have tried out the sponges on our Plasti Dip Paint. The results were good. The sponge is great and leaves no marks or fluff of any kind. We are happy for you to be able to tell customers that yes they can use your sponges on our Plasti Dip Multi-purpose Paint.” www.plastidip.co.uk

If you have any further questions regarding Spontex products, then please visit our Contact us page for more information on how to get in touch with the Spontex team. Remember, we're here to help!