One of the small details I have long overlooked was getting a greener kitchen scrubber for the dishes and counter tops. I have just always bought the spongy ones with a scrubbing pad on the top that you buy in packs of 10. I usually went through them pretty fast because they got stinky and gross looking pretty fast. But I felt guilty every time I tossed one because there was a lot left and I doubt they biodegrade very fast… if they do at all. Not sure what they are made of but I highly doubt they are planet friendly.
A couple weeks ago I stumbled upon yet another great etsy store called Laksaware. The artisan sells some completely awesome crocheted dishcloths. I bought 3 and I have been using them every day and these babies will last a looooong time. Every 2-3 days I toss the dishcloth I have been using in the wash and grab a clean one. No more buying scrubbing sponges!
So do they work? Yep! They are abrasive enough to scrub dishes and yet soft enough to not causes scratches. They also get into tight places quite nicely. I can stuff one down a Popsicle mold and get it clean no problem. They are also made of 100% cotton so they are naturally made and completely biodegradable.
Another eco scrubber I have been using is the Loofah-Art Scrubber from EcoBags. The loofah is actually a plant so you can’t get more green that that! I have a watermelon shaped one and these are perfect for tougher scrubbing jobs and cleaning the kitchen or bath. You can also use them on your body if you would rather too. From the earth they come and to the earth they return… they are 100% biodegradable. They are a bit pricey though at $3.99 so I reserve this for when I really need it and use the crocheted dischcloths for most stuff.
My new place has NO dishwasher… well except for me. :) So far I am pleased as punch with these new eco scrubbers. I don’t miss my old scrubby sponges at all.
These look really great! I’m curious as to what the conventional scrubbing sponges are made of anyway. I have some and the green scrubby part seems to flake off all the time. These look like they’re great quality and I love that they are more earth friendly. Thanks!
The crochet (knitting works, too) washcloths are SO quick and easy to make, too! I have made dozens of them (I knit) and given them away. If I want to learn a new stitch, I use cotton yarn and make a dishcloth- it won’t matter if it’s uneven or a little holey- it’s just for scrubbing dirty dishes! They also make good washcloths for the bath.
So, if anyone wants to learn how to knit or crochet, these are a super first (few) project(s). Or, ask any crafty friend to whip a couple up for you!
I LOVE my crocheted and knit dishcloths and washcloths. My knitting group had a yarn swap a couple of months ago. I took my latest UFO and went just to watch the fun. Much to my surprise I came home with an enormous bag of wonderful yarns because someone traded me for a huge stack of my dishcloths.
I prefer to crochet my kitchen dishcloths—they are slightly heavier and the stitch patterns make for better scrubbing. For our face cloths/wash cloths I knit—much softer and smoother.
The best part is they are a quick small portable project that I can take anywhere.
Enjoy your dishcloths!!
I am currently crocheting a few face cloths for my sister out of cotton yarn. I am going to tackle dish cloths next!
http://www.twistclean.com/
these are also great scubbers/sponges. i’m always looking for new ideas for the kitchen, so thanks.
I have a loofah one too that is an apple shape. I bought it several months ago and it is still going strong. I don’t use it every time, just for the tougher stuff…I also gave some as Christmas gifts last year!
I will definately check out the Etsy site for the crochet ones! What a great idea. I love to support Etsy when I can.
I also have some Skoy Coths that I bought some time ago and those are still going strong too.
Thanks for the info!!
As soon as I read this I jumped on the website and bought some scrubbies. I can’t wait to try them.
Does anyone know how to recycle old dish gloves that have holes? The thought of throwing them in the trash is depressing…
My mom has made me quite a few dish rags and they are the best. I have not bought a dish rag in years.
Another great alternative scrub sponge I came across recently was actually made by the scott companym (I know skocker) they are great scrubbers and are made from the Agave plant.
My husband’s grandma made me some years ago and I am just now needing some new ones. One of my goals this summer is to learn how to knit or crochet so I can make some more. I love them!