In this work, a magnetic; superhydrophilic/oleophobic (MSHO) sponge was prepared by a facile one-step dipping method. It not only showed excellent capacity for oil-water separation but also could selectively absorb and continuously remove water from bulk oil, which is probably owing to the combination of its high porosity, superhydrophilic and oleophobic nature, as well as its capillary action. The magnetic property of the MSHO sponge made it easily being removed with a magnet. It was believed that the MSHO sponge had potential application prospect in industrial oil products purification and oil spill cleanup. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.