Disadvantages of sponge yarn?

Dear Community,
A user on Facebook pointed out to me that sponge yarn sheds fibers in the washing machine, which then end up in the wastewater. In your opinion, is cotton a more sustainable and better option for sponges?

I’d like to know
if sponge yarn releases a significant amount of microplastics into the wastewater!

Hi Petra, I’ve already made various small items using sponge yarn. The microplastic issue is certainly true. Even while crocheting, tiny plastic particles fall out of the yarn. That’s why I only crochet with it indoors now. The sponges clean very well, though. It’s also hygienic, since you can wash the yarn at up to 60°C.
Still, I won’t be buying any new sponge yarn.

Yes, it already sheds quite a bit during processing, so some of it is bound to end up in the wastewater during use or when it’s washed as well.

Well, then it’s definitely not for me… it all ends up in the wastewater anyway!
Thanks for the info!

I’ve noticed that there are differences in quality among sponge yarns. One shed a lot just from touching it and while crocheting (it was a soap pouch—I tried it once and then threw it away), while the other shed only slightly when touched or crocheted. That’s why I now only buy sponge yarn in stores where I can feel the yarn for myself.