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I have been on a steady mission to make my home more sustainable for the last few years, and how I clean has been a large part of that. One of the easiest things to replace? My dish sponge.
When creating a non-toxic home, our cleaning chemicals are usually first on the list. However, according to studies, our plastic cleaning products could be releasing microplastics with every use, coating your dishes and utensils if not correctly rinsed. Beyond that, they are washed down the drain, where they have a lasting impact on the environment.
That is why I love these coconut bristle cleaning brushes from Crate & Barrel. With replaceable heads and zero plastic, they are the most sustainable, non-toxic way to clean.
With a replaceable bristle brush head, these coconut bristle scrubbing brushes are a more sustainable alternative to other bamboo brushes or plastic alternatives.
I do not have a dishwasher, so hand-washing dishes is my only option. It is not as quick, but it gives me far greater control over cleaning and caring for cookware, and the products I use to do so.
Avoiding plastic sponges has several benefits, from reducing microplastic release into water and onto utensils to limiting the spread of bacteria. Traditional kitchen sponges are hotbeds for bacteria, even if you clean your kitchen sponges regularly. Coconut bristle brushes, on the other hand, are easier to sanitize. Plus, with the removable, replaceable heads of the Clean by Crate Natural Palm Brushes, you can swap them out for a fresh clean without wasting the handle. Replaceable heads are sold in packs of two, also at Crate & Barrel, and screw securely into place.
Speaking of which, the main body of the brush is made with FSC®-certified bamboo from responsibly managed forests, reducing your environmental impact further.
It is one of those rare kitchen swaps that has no disadvantages. They're more hygienic, less wasteful, and more durable. It certainly helps that they look far nicer than a tired plastic sponge on your counter. At a fraction of the price of the best non-toxic coffee makers and best non-toxic air fryers, it is a small, manageable starter swap that can make a knock-on difference over time.
What Else to Shop
To help you detoxify your kitchen and simplify your cleaning routine, I’ve rounded up a selection of my favourite sustainable, non-toxic essentials to help you create a healthier home.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
This ultra-durable scrubber/sponge combo is made of cellulose, recycled plastic and coconut husk and has a coconut scent.
This German-made wooden dishwashing brush removes tough stuck-on foods, yet its gentle bristles won't scratch nonstick cookware.
Perfect for holding brushes, sponges, and soap, these easy-to-clean ceramic sink organizers are perfect for corralling mess and keeping the area around your sink clean and tidy.
Sponge cloths are plant-based, meaning they are free from plastics and decompose in compost heaps in around 10 months, making them an eco-friendly, hygienic alternative to traditional sponges and paper towels.
Approved by the Environmental Working Group as non-toxic, this gentle dish soap is perfect for caring for delicate pans without the risk of toxic residue.
This water absorbent drying mat helps to keep your counters clean and dry when hand washing, drying quickly to prevent odors and stains.
Next, consider some non-toxic cleaning products to help clean a kitchen with fewer risky chemicals.
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