Making the change to green cleaning tools is better for the environment and it might make your kitchen safer, too. Learn how to care for your new plastic-free sponges, brushes, and reusable dishcloths, and enjoy all-natural tools that work harder and last longer than their synthetic counterparts.
Whether you’re new to the world of sustainable living or you’ve been on a green journey for years, you’ll quickly discover that products made from renewable, plant-based materials aren’t like their petroleum-based counterparts. When it comes to choosing and using plastic-free sponges and other cleaning tools, that difference is what keeps millions of microplastics out of your water, food, and body. And, it’s also why your plant-based tools should be used and cared for a bit differently, too. With simple daily care and easy washing, you’ll discover that your sustainable kitchen scrub brushes will leave your home just as sparkling clean as any other would (and, they’ll look better doing it). And, because they’re designed with their end-of-life (what happens once they’re no longer usable) in mind, you’ll find that disposal isn’t just simple. It’s also zero-waste. Here’s what you need to know about your new cleaning tools:
Daily Use: Plastic-Free Sponge
Bambu’s sponge offers the true gold standard of plastic-free, 100% plant-based cleaning. From the inside out, this plastic-free sponge is made of natural and renewable materials. And it’s designed to last much longer than your usual yellow sponge.
With a new design comes unique use and care. Because this plastic-free sponge is designed for a long life, it’s made with durable materials. While it might feel stiff at first, daily use will soften over time (just like your favorite well-worn pair of jeans).
When using your sponge on a daily basis, wet it thoroughly, then add a small amount of soap to the side of the sponge you wish to use (choose from a coarser side or a smoother side). Scrub and wash as you would with any other sponge, and repeat as needed. Keep in mind that the bamboo fill used in our sponge holds soap longer than a typical sponge, so you’ll notice that you won’t need as much soap to do your dishes.
When you’re ready to store it, rinse the sponge well, and squeeze it to remove excess water and suds. Then, store it in a well-ventilated area. Because of the plastic-free nature of the sponge, you may notice that it takes longer to fully dry out. For best results and quicker drying, we recommend using a vertical sponge holder.
Care + Cleaning: Plastic Free Sponges
Unlike other sponges, ours is designed for a long life. Because it’s not meant to be tossed after a couple of weeks, it’s made to be cleaned and reused. If your sponge starts to smell, or you’re just ready to do a wash, do this. Toss it in with your next load of laundry. Then, let it air dry or add it to the dryer. Either way, you’ll have a fully sanitized, plastic-free sponge ready for use in a few short hours.
End-Of-Life: Plastic Free Sponges
While Bambu’s LongLife sponge is different from other sponges in many ways, its end-of-life is perhaps the biggest difference. Unlike other sponges made of synthetic materials (or even those made of natural materials with added adhesives), our plastic-free sponge has a truly zero-waste disposal. When you’re ready to dispose of your sponge, cut it into small pieces and add it to your compost pile or bin. As a USDA Biobased product, this certified 100% plant-based sponge is compostable and will return to the soil in a few short months.
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Daily Use: Reusable Dishcloth
Say goodbye to paper towels and microplastic shedding microfiber. The reusable dishcloth is a long-lasting solution for cleaning countertops, windows, appliances and more. Because it’s made of organic cotton and hemp, it’s durable and stronger than cellulose or synthetic fibers. And like the plastic-free sponge, this tool will only become better and softer with age.
Use the reusable dishcloth dry for tasks like cleaning windows, or thoroughly wet it to clean sticky countertops. Once your job is done, rinse the reusable dishcloth, wring it out to release excess water, and let it dry out on a dry surface with open air. Laying it across the top of your faucet or on a towel holder is an ideal way to extend time between washes.
Cleaning: Reusable Dishcloth
When you’re ready to give your reusable kitchen cloth dishcloth a thorough clean, simply add it to your laundry. You’ll have a clean dishcloth ready for months more of use:
End-of-Life: Kitchen Cloth Reusable Dishcloth
Ready to say goodbye to your reusable dishcloth? When the time comes, cut it into small pieces and add it to your compost bin. Like the rest of our biodegradable cleaning tools, it’ll return to the soil for a completely clean life cycle.
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Daily Use: Veggie and Kitchen Scrub Brushes
With two kitchen scrub brushes and zero plastic, the bambu cleaning collection makes it easy to say goodbye to harsh metal scrubbers and short-lived plastic brushes. The stiffer Pot & Pan Scrub Brush and the half soft, half stiff Multi-Purpose Veggie Brush are ideal for washing dishes, cleaning vegetables, and even scrubbing pesky appliances such as your stovetop.
For daily use, wet the bristles of your kitchen scrub brushes, add soap (unless scrubbing vegetables), and scrub your item with small, circular motions. Rinse and repeat as needed.
When you’re ready to store your kitchen scrub brushes, rinse them thoroughly to remove soap and any food residue from the bristles. Then, give them a vigorous shake to remove excess water. Store your kitchen brushes bristle-down in a dry, open area so they can dry completely in between uses. Depending on the climate of your home, your water type, and the drying process used, it’s possible that your bamboo handles (like wood) may begin to show signs of wear as time goes on. A slight crack or two in the handle won’t affect the performance of your brushes, but it may give your tools a more rustic appearance.
Cleaning: Kitchen Scrub Brushes
Have you ever wished for a way to clean your kitchen brushes? After weeks and months of use, ensuring that the cleaning tools you use aren’t teeming with bacteria is essential. Luckily, it’s easy to sanitize Bambu kitchen cleaning brushes. Once a week or as desired, soak the bristles of your scrub brushes in white vinegar for an hour. Once the time is up, rinse, shake, and let your freshly sanitized kitchen scrub brushes dry completely.
End-Of-Life: Kitchen Scrub Brushes
When it’s time to dispose of your brushes, they can be safely discarded as yard debris in most areas. Check with your local municipal agency to ensure that this item can be accepted, and before you send it. Just like with bamboo toothbrushes you will need to use pliers to remove the thin wire staples that secure the plant-based bristles to the bamboo handle. Once disposed of, these plant-based brushes are biodegradable and will return to the soil over time.
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Why Choose Plastic-Free Sponges and Cleaning Tools?
There’s no doubt– plastic-free sponges and cleaning tools simply aren’t the same as their synthetic counterparts. And that’s for good reason. Because they’re made entirely of plant-based, all natural materials, they must be constructed differently and given different care.
But when it comes to the end of the road, choosing to opt for plastic-free, plant-based cleaning tools offers a truly zero-waste solution. Cleaning tools made with synthetic materials like plastic, silicone, microfiber, or cellulose with chemical additives last for years in the landfill. And they can’t be recycled. Taking the green route ensures that your daily cleaning routine keeps your home free of chemicals and the planet free from waste.
Ready to make the change to plastic-free sponges, brushes, and reusable dishcloths? Shop our all-new line of kitchen cleaning tools.
