

🔴 Elevate your car care game with the original Big Red Sponge — because your ride deserves the best!
The Optimum Big Red Sponge is a professional-grade, reusable car wash sponge made in the USA. Featuring a patented cross-cut design and advanced porous foam, it traps dirt effectively while minimizing paint marring. With over 10 square inches more surface area than competitors, it holds more cleaning solution for efficient rinseless or traditional washes. Durable and easy to maintain, it’s the go-to choice for millennial managers who value quality, performance, and a flawless finish.







| ASIN | B078DPCYFV |
| Best Sellers Rank | #21,148 in Automotive ( See Top 100 in Automotive ) #35 in Car Washing Sponges & Mitts |
| Brand | Optimum Polymer Technologies, Inc. |
| Color | Red |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,369) |
| Date First Available | May 13, 2016 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00812779022516 |
| Included Components | Big Red Car Wash Sponge |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Item Weight | 0.24 ounces |
| Item model number | 22516 |
| Manufacturer | OPT |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 22516 |
| Material | Foam |
| Model Name | Big Red Sponge |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Product Dimensions | 7"L x 5"W x 3"Th |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Automotive Surfaces |
| Special Feature | Reduced Marring, Reusable |
| Special Features | Reduced Marring, Reusable |
| Surface Recommendation | Automotive Surfaces |
| UPC | 647409554002 812779023193 812779022516 |
S**R
Expensive But Worth It - Great For Waterless Washes
I love this sponge - forget about the price for a moment - it works great with waterless washes or even with a basic contact bucket wash - holds the suds and when rinsed the dirt is gone
P**H
Great quality sponge for Rinseless wash
I like this Red Big Sponge (RBS). and would recommend anyone who needs to do rinseless wash. (I recently do rinseless wash every weekend with this product and N-914 Rinseless Wash) Will RBS scratch paint? In my experience, BRS with proper use of Rinseless wash solutions including pre-treatment could minimize the risk of scratch. At least, I do not see any major scratches on my paint. Apex Detail's YouTube video tested how various wash media possibly scratch paint. Any contact wash could possibly scratch, but the author concluded that BRS does a good job. Will dirt be really released from RBS? Personally, BRS does a good job to release dirt. When I washed BRS in a bucket with a grit guard, black stains on BRS (dirt) are relatively easily gone. Also, I found that test of Source Garage’s YouTube channel is great. He checked whether he can find any dirt or mud on BRS using a microscope after it is washed in a bucket. As a result, he concluded that BRS does a great job and most trapped dirt is released. How durable is it? How to clean and maintain it? So far, I found it quite durable. I used it every weekend for a month. BRS’s quality has not changed at all. After use, I just washed it with water and try my best to remove dirt. I found the Rag Company’s YouTube video helpful to learn how to maintain it.
K**A
Great for Washing Without Scratching
I’ve been using the Optimum Big Red Sponge for a while now, and it’s been fantastic! It washes my car thoroughly, lifting dirt and grime without any issues. The best part is how gentle it is on my car’s paint—there’s no scratching, even with moderate dirt buildup. Whether I’m using it with a rinseless car wash or traditional soap, it works perfectly every time. The large size also makes the job quicker, and it feels sturdy and reliable. Highly recommend this sponge for anyone looking for a safe, effective way to wash their car!
M**O
The best agitator for ONR if used as directed
I knew what this was when I bought it and though the new Big Black Sponge was available at the same price, I chose this one because I only plan to use a sponge with ONR. It appears to work well as long as you use ONR correctly. I soaked it in ONR 256:1 bucket as instructed for 24hrs prior to use and keep it soaking when storing. Rings out easy, foam structure quality is excellent. Size is large but fits in my moderate to large hands fine. Cost is high, wish it were $10, but I can see the premium when I use it. With ONR, I know many just use wash mitts, mf towels, or cheap sponges, but anyone who claims alternatives are as good or better either haven’t used a BRS, or they didn’t follow Optimum’s directions correctly. I wish Optimum sold the BRS or BBS in a kit with ONR
D**E
Good no rinse washing sponge
Pretty straight forward - grooves to trap dirt when you apply no rinse wash to a pre-soaked vehicle. You don't "wash" with no rinse, you do it with zero pressure so you technically "apply" the product onto the vehicle with this sponge. Pre-soaking removes loose dirt and the sponge will trap the dusty particles in its grooves, effectively "lifting" the contaminants off the car body.
#**R
Best Sponge with ONR
I am an avid Detailer who spends a lot of his weekends detailing cars since his 9-5 doesn't pay enough. Optimum Polymer Technologies and their Big Red Sponge and Optimum No Rinse has made my detailing process a whole lot faster, economical and cleaner! Following Yvan's waterless wash method, I was able to wash, clay and wax this BMW e36 M3 in a little over an hour! No swirls, scratches or fuss which makes me VERY happy. I would say the BMW had a months worth of dust, dirt and pollen on it since it sits outside all day 24/7. As long as you do one pass, flip over, do another pass and then rinse with ONR in a 5 gallon bucket with a grit guard. The big red sponge will not scratch or swirl your paint. Pro tip: With it being a new sponge, soaked it in a 5 gallon bucket filled with water over night be use.
P**O
wash in cold water cycle, store in a gal. size freezer bag
I have been using ONR to wash my car exclusively for over a year now. I was using shaggy, no binding microfiber towels to do the washing by soaking three of them in my pail and changing them out so each large panel was done with a fresh towel. I recently purchased the Big Red Sponge and I am very pleased with my purchase and its efficiency. I can wash the in less time (30 minutes or less) and the sponge actually cleans better than the towels. In SW Florida, dust and pollen are the problems us “Car guys” have to deal with, there are times that pollen falls in drifts! I live in a condominium park under an open shelter so without regular washing my black car looks “Dusty Yellow”. This sponge holds the ONR much better than the rags and holds that dust until it is replaced in the pail where it is released. I then use super soft microfiber towels to dry and polish the panel before moving on. I highly recommend this product if you are persnickety about your car’s appearance.
S**R
Cleans better than microfiber
This is a game changer for my car washes. I've been using ONR for years now, and have been searching for the best sponge/Wash mitt. My detailer mentioned this and after he showed it to me and raved about it, I decided that it was a must. I'm glad I went ahead with the purchase. It cleans great, and despite what it feels like when you first use it, it DOES NOT scratch the paint.
P**R
The Optimum Big Red Car Wash Sponge has quickly become my go-to tool for achieving a spotless and scratch-free shine on my vehicle. As a car enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for products that make the detailing process more efficient, and this sponge has exceeded my expectations. The first thing that caught my attention was the size and thickness of the sponge. It provides a substantial surface area, allowing me to cover more of my car's exterior with each pass. The thickness ensures that the sponge holds an ample amount of soapy water, creating a luxurious and lubricated surface for washing. What sets the Big Red Sponge apart is its unique foam technology. The sponge is designed to release dirt particles easily, preventing them from scratching the paint during the washing process. I've noticed a significant reduction in swirl marks and scratches since incorporating this sponge into my car care routine. It's a game-changer for maintaining the pristine appearance of my vehicle. The ergonomic design and the soft, plush feel of the sponge make it a pleasure to use. It glides smoothly over the surface of the car, and the red color makes it easy to see any dirt particles, prompting me to rinse the sponge before continuing. It's a small detail, but it adds to the overall user experience. The durability of the Optimum Big Red Car Wash Sponge is noteworthy. Despite frequent use, it has held up exceptionally well. The quality materials ensure that it retains its shape and texture, providing a consistent performance over time. Cleaning the sponge after use is a breeze – a quick rinse is usually sufficient to remove most contaminants. The sponge dries relatively quickly, ready for the next car wash session. In conclusion, the Optimum Big Red Car Wash Sponge has become an essential part of my car detailing arsenal. If you're passionate about keeping your vehicle in top-notch condition while minimizing the risk of scratches, this sponge is a must-have. Elevate your car washing experience with the Optimum Big Red – your vehicle deserves the best!
G**A
Excelente esponja para lavar mi auto. La compre con un poco de duda, sobre todo porque nunca había usado una igual. Pero funciona de maravilla utilizando rinseless. No raya la pintura y es muy fácil liberar la suciedad al enjuagarla
M**N
Kein Schwamm wie ein anderer Schwamm ... und nur für eine besondere Anwendung wirklich gedacht und geeignet. Autowäsche mit Rinseless-Waschmitteln. Erfordert nicht nur deswegen eine Umgewöhnung von eingefahrener Waschroutine! Wenn man sich dran gewöhnt hat, funktioniert's extrem effektiv und zeitsparend. Ablauf: Auto mit Rinseless-Mischung (es reichen 4 ml/Liter Wasser) gründlich einnässen, um losen Schmutz anzulösen. Optimal: dann abspülen!! Erneut reichlich einnässen mit der Lösung (es reichen ca. 2,5 L/Auto, wenn' s kein Panzer-SUV ist). Dann erst mit dem Schwamm waschen. NICHT triefnass, sondern nur sehr gut feucht, er darf gerade so nicht tropfen. OHNE DRUCK einfach den Schwamm übers Blech schieben, er darf nur gleiten, nicht rubbeln. Beizeit in Rinseless-Lösung (4 ml/Liter, mehr nicht) eintunken und außerhalb des Eimers ausdrücken. Erneut eintunken und dann in den Eimer bis zur "gerade nicht tropfen"-Sättigung tränken. Wieder waschen uswusw. Auto abtrocknen und gut ist das. Der Schwamm zieht den Dreck wie auch immer er das macht mit Hilfe der Waschlösung an und gibt ihn beim Ausspülen wieder ab. Funktioniert - kratzerfrei (auch wegen der intensiven Vorreingung und der Benetzung der Waschflächen als "Gleitmittel"). Nachteil: Er ist unförmig groß und paßt nicht überall einfach hin. Und wenn man ihn drücken muß, ist der Vorteil des kratzerfreien Gleitens dahin. Habe deshlab auch "Sternabzug erwogen", aber an modernen Autos gibt's kaum solche Engstellen mehr. An einem zerklüfteten Oldie nehme ich für die Engstellen ein langfloriges Mikrofasertuch und wische diese Details gesondert nach. Hält wohl wirklich gut auch über Jahre, so daß das Invest nur einmal schmerzt.
S**R
Top
M**P
"Thou shalt not wash car with sponge" is the most important of the Ten Commandments for detailing enthusiasts, but the Big Red Sponge (BRS) aims to change this perception. Based on my experience, it has. The BRS paired with Optimum No Rinse (ONR) has become my go-to maintenance wash method. It's quick, requires minimal kit, and most importantly is safe for paint. I was skeptical before, but now I'm a convert. All hail Optimum!
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