Why I Don't Use Eco-Friendly Scrubbers

Abrasive and versatile, scrubbers (or scrubbies, as I call them) are a staple in many kitchens and bathrooms. With the increasing awareness of the effects of microplastics on our environment and our health, it's important to try to limit our exposure to them as much as possible.

Of course, it would be pretty much impossible (and very unrealistic) to try to get rid of all plastic ever. Unfortunately, it's something we will all have to live with to some degree, and it's why I’ve always adopted a “do-what-you-can” attitude towards making healthy swaps. I often make compromises on what's most important to keep or to replace in our home; and to be honest with you, those decisions will change over time for you as they do for me!

While this is more of a personal preference that I'll explain in detail in just a bit, it’s okay if you have a different view on it, if it's something that's very important to you. I'd love to hear what is most important to swap out in your home and why!

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General Uses for Scrubbing Sponges
What I Use A Scrubber For
Why I Don't Use Eco-Friendly Scrubbies
Non-Toxic Options
Conclusion

General Uses for Scrubbing Sponges

Scrubbers come in many different forms and can be used for many different things. Think sponges, abrasive pads, and hard brushes with handles. There are other types that can target specific stains and messes, like pumice stones. (By the way, if you've tried getting that stubborn toilet ring out by pouring just about anything down the toilet with no success, give pumice stones a try. You will be shell-shocked at how pearly white your toilet bowl will be!)

In the kitchen, you can shear off even the most stuck-on food and get your dishes to sparkle using an abrasive brush or pad (and sometimes a little elbow grease). They are also great for cleaning cast iron. I have a little arsenal for cast iron cleaning, so stay tuned for a later post about the best way to clean cast iron!

In the bathroom, sponges work well to get soap scum, grime, and dirt from the corners of the bathtub and grout lines. They pair well with vinegar and baking soda! I love these ScotchBrite pads, especially because they can be put on an extendable handle for quick and easy cleaning!

What I Use a Scrubber For

Besides pumice stones in the bathroom, I personally love to use my regular old plastic kitchen scrubber to get dirt and food off dishes before putting them in the sink. I am not one who usually does the dishes right away or every single day, so this is a great option to keep bugs away and make for a much easier dish-washing session, whether I use the sink or the dishwasher. I don’t like to use anything besides a washcloth to actually wash my dishes, and I’m about to tell you why!

Why I Don't Use Eco-Friendly Scrubbies

1. Expensive

   Plastic-free or good-for-the-planet products are abuzz these days, and for good reason! We could all be better stewards of our bodies and of the wonderful world God has given us to manage. But because of the wonderful effects of greenwashing, we are led to believe that greener is better, but it’s not always the case. Not to mention that eco-friendly isn’t always so eco on the wallet. Some “greener” or plant-based dish scrubbers and sponges can cost much more than traditional plastic ones. Like I often say, it’s important to pick your battles. If there’s anything to be a stickler about when it comes to cleaning, it should be your cleaning products more than anything.

2. Quality is the same or worse

   I’ve found that using eco-friendly scrubbing options in the past has left me unimpressed with the quality, especially for the extra expense. They are going to tear up and need to be replaced eventually, just like their PFAS-filled counterparts. For me, that’s not a worthy trade-off.

3. Not Enough Practicality

   Because of the system I have in place in our kitchen, it’s not really practical for me to have a super fancy, super non-toxic scrubber for my everyday needs. When I scrub my dirty dishes with them, I wash or rinse them thoroughly, preventing those microplastics from ever being ingested. Also, kitchen scrubbers in particular can pick up a lot of bacteria between cleanings, and often need to be replaced. Sometimes, it’s better not to use them for actually cleaning your dishes, because a lot of bacteria can remain and get transferred to your now-clean dishes. Personally, I would rather use these on dirty dishes and clean them with a dishcloth to ensure that they’re getting cleaner.

Non-Toxic Options

Maybe you don’t share the same sentiments as I do, so here are a couple of great alternatives for you to try! Stainless steel or copper wire sponges are other great non-toxic options for your kitchen, and are especially great for use on cast iron for those really stubborn stuck-on messes. If you absolutely don’t want to use plastic, these are still pretty cost-effective and will give you the scrubbing power you’re looking for.

Conclusion

No matter what you choose to scrub your dishes and bathrooms with, you should feel good about what you’re using in your home. There are so many options out there, so it’s best to do what works best for your goals and values in your non-toxic journey.

What is your scrubby of choice and why? Do you agree with my take on this? I would love to hear your thoughts, so let’s start a conversation!

Sources

Merriam-Webster