Is there an environmentally friendly alternative to sponges besides cloths?

Question

I really like the sponge shape for washing. I can't stand using cloths or rags. I'm thinking along the lines of a cleaning pad of some sort. Anybody know of anything?

Answer 1

You know the mesh bag onions come in? You can take those bags and tie them around a folded up rag. They give a bit more scratchiness.

I crochet my own rags and really prefers those to regular washclothes. You have to use cotton yarn though.

Shaklee makes a sponge that can be machine washed and reused for quite awhile. They are nice too.

Answer 2

Luffa is a natural option.

Answer 3

There are some environmentally friendly sponges that are sold here and there.  You may want to look online; maybe search for "natural dish sponge."

Answer 4

Maybe you don't necessarily need an alternative item just an alternative method. You could try using baking soda vinegar and warm water and soak the dishes in that, it only works well with lightly soiled dishes however. A biodegradable louffa/ hemp sponge cloths (renewable resource) or the sponge itself isn't really that bad, it is a re-usable item, if you want, use eco friendly bleach or phosphate free bleach alternative to clean it. One drop and in the microwave for one minute/ if you're really eco conscious hot water (instead of micro) and soak. Cold regions you can try rinsinig then freezing the sponge every night it kills bacteria and mold the same way.3m has recycled material sponges though I have no idea what  the company means by that claim.Sea sponges are a bad option as their habitat is being depleted.

Answer 5

Do you knit or crochet, or know anybody who does?

I also dislike rags for dish washing, but my friend makes these little crocheted things that are sponge-shaped and can be washed when needed.

I also use those green scrubby pads, but I cut them down to get more use out of them.  They aren't exactly eco-friendly, but cutting them up helps and they last a long time.