I've become a fan of steam cleaning. I love how it gives you a deep and long lasting clean that stays comfortable for much longer than a regular spray and wipe. But for all its benefits, steam cleaning relies heavily on technique to achieve optimal results. For example, if you're cleaning grout, you'll need microfiber towels to wipe away dirt and steam-washed dirt so it doesn't settle back onto the floor. What does that have to do with this particular nozzle? Well, in my experience, this is the best brush to use in almost all cases. The short nylon bristles give them extra strength for more effective cleaning while being less harsh than brass brushes which can damage delicate surfaces like floor seams. And the blue dishwashing sponge has some utility, it's very brittle and in most cases less effective than that short nylon brush. Compared to a longer nylon brush there is no comparison in my experience. Longer bristles don't clean well and seem to be more prone to warping and bending due to the high temperature of the steam. I'm not saying long stubble is useless, I just haven't found it yet. If I could only buy one steam head, this would be it. The second option is brass, the third is a dishwashing sponge, and I wouldn't mess with a long-bristled nylon nozzle.