We can’t get clean while washing dishes by hand without some scrubber to work on dirt and grime. Over the years, companies have trialed various materials and designs to help homeowners improve their experience. But, we are left debating the best choice: dish sponge vs. brush vs. cloth vs. silicone scrubber vs. ribbon scrubbie. There are reasons that these standard brush, cloth, and sponge tools are still around, and they can be effective. But there is also love for more modern silicone and ribbon options. Let’s examine the pros and cons of these different scrubbers.
The pros and cons of using a dish sponge.
Dish sponges are a common choice with homeowners because of their affordability and the different sizes and textures available. They are highly absorbent, which is excellent for taking up water and holding soap. The suitable materials and designs can also provide a decent texture for scrubbing tougher stains. However, the holes in the material are a breeding ground for bacteria, and it isn’t easy to rinse them thoroughly. They are also bad environmentally because they are so disposable.
The pros and cons of using a dish brush.
The dish brush is another popular choice, especially for those that don’t like the feel of a sponge or handling dirty water too much. A long-handled brush gives you distance and should be easier to clean out than a sponge. You can get some good results, but some options don’t have the same surface area or intensity. They can also still harbor germs if not rinsed and dried correctly. They are one of the better options for an attractive long-term product, but they aren’t perfect.
The pros and cons of using a dishcloth.
Many users will say that you can’t go too wrong with a suitable cloth as there should be a good surface area for dealing with the soap and larger plates. The impact of the cloth can depend on the texture, as rougher clothes can work better. They can be more hygienic if washed frequently, but this requires a washing machine for the best results. Also, be aware that some materials, such as microfiber cloths, are harmful to the environment.
The pros and cons of using a silicone scrubber.
A large demographic is hand washers turning to silicone over traditional sponges. The idea here is that this is more hygienic as it doesn’t hold the dirt and odor as much. There could be some issues with the texture on more challenging jobs, but that depends on the product and the use of nodules or other features. You may also find that these silicone tools last a little longer and come in great colors. So far, this sounds like a winner. But there is an alternative choice.
Why do we prefer fabric ribbon scrubbies at Ohanacrats?
Here at Ohanacrats, we have turned to a completely different set of materials and designs for different types of scrubbers. We use a combination of tulle, ribbon, and Swedish dishcloth for a textured fabric scrubbie that is more attractive and hygienic. The materials are fast drying compared to sponges and clothes, which means less time for bacteria or odor to build up. There is a greater surface area with all these layers for an effective clean, and the layered ribbon creates a floral look. You can use these, rinse them, and leave them dry on a sink rack. If they get badly soiled, you can also put them in the washing machine like a dishcloth. Users are sure to find that these pretty items offer the best of both worlds with cleaning power and hygienic properties.
Is it time to switch to a fabric ribbon scrubber?
As you can see, there is a good reason why we decided to work with fabric and ribbon in our effective scrubbers. This is more effective and hygienic than some of the more common options. Dish brushes aren’t practical for everyone, sponges are unclean, and clothes can be a pain to care for. You are better off with an odor-free scrubbie that stays clean and looks good by the sink.
Shop Ribbon Scrubbie
