There are a variety of sponges available for tackling a range of different cleaning tasks. Here are the most common sponges and their uses: Abrasive: Often made of plastic netting, these sponges suit tough jobs like cleaning your grill, cookware, and outdoor furniture. Cellulose: With small holes for absorbing moisture, these sponges suit cleaning dishes, bathroom surfaces, and kitchen countertops. Wire: Also called steel wool, a wire sponge's flexible fibers are great for cleaning stubborn marks on glass, grills, metal pots and pans, and porcelain tiles. Microfiber: These soft sponges suit dusting and cleaning surfaces that can scratch, including glass, mirrors, and stainless steel.