Plastic scrub pads and synthetic sponges wear down quickly, get smelly and end up in the garbage every few weeks. The good news is that natural tools clean pots and pans just as well, and many of them last much longer. Here is how to clean everything from a cereal bowl to a roasting pan without plastic.
The four tools you need
- A dish brush for everyday dishes. A refillable sisal dish brush means you keep the bamboo handle and only replace the head.
- A stiff pot brush for stuck-on food. Natural fibres like sisal and palm are firm without scratching most cookware. A sisal and palm pot scrubber is a good choice.
- A copper scrubby for baked-on mess on sturdy pans. Copper is softer than steel wool, so it scours without being as harsh.
- A soft cloth or sponge for wiping and for delicate surfaces. Swedish dishcloths ($16) rinse clean, dry fast and compost at the end of their life.
If you would rather start with everything in one box, the Pot Cleaning Ultimate Kit ($68.99) adds a solid dish soap bar and a draining bamboo soap dish, and the Ultimate Kitchen Cleaning Kit ($54.99) adds a plant-based cleaning paste for stubborn spots. Both are made by Plantish in British Columbia.
Step by step: from easy to tough
- Everyday dishes. Wet the dish brush, rub it on a solid dish soap bar or add a drop of liquid soap, scrub and rinse.
- Stuck-on food. Fill the pot with hot water and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes, then loosen everything with the pot brush.
- Baked-on or burnt bits. On stainless steel or cast iron, scrub in small circles with a damp copper scrubby. For stubborn spots, work a little cleaning paste in with a damp sponge first.
- Greasy pans. Wipe out excess grease with a scrap of paper or a used cloth before washing, then wash with hot soapy water.
- Dry your tools. Rinse brushes and hang or stand them bristles-down so they dry between uses. That is the secret to making natural tools last.
Which tool for which pan?
| Cookware | Use | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Cast iron | Pot brush, copper scrubby, hot water; dry right away and wipe with a little oil | Long soaks |
| Stainless steel | Dish brush, pot brush, copper scrubby, cleaning paste | Nothing in particular |
| Non-stick | Soft sponge or Swedish dishcloth | Copper scrubby and stiff brushes |
| Enamel and glass | Soft sponge, dish brush, a short soak | Harsh scouring |
Always check your cookware maker's care instructions first.
Questions
How do I clean a natural fibre brush?
Rinse it well after each use and let it dry bristles-down. Every so often, soak the bristles briefly in a vinegar and water mix, then rinse and dry. Avoid the dishwasher and long soaks, which loosen the bristles.
When should I replace a brush head?
When the bristles splay out or stop springing back. With a replaceable head, you keep the handle and only swap the head.
What do I do with old natural tools?
Many plant-fibre brush heads and plant-based sponges can be composted once you remove any metal parts. Copper scrubbies can go to metal recycling. Check your local rules.
Find more swaps in our Plastic-Free Kitchen Kit and our guide to plastic-free kitchen swaps for busy families.
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