Your next plastic-free swap: reusable sponges

So you’ve tried reusable beeswax food wraps and reusable makeup pads, but what’s next? Reusable sponges.

Did you know most sponges are actually made of plastic? Every time you use them, tiny bits of plastic are released into the water and make their way into the ocean. Plus once you’re finished with it, it will just sit in a landfill for hundreds of years! All in all not a great way to wash the dishes.

This is where reusable sponges come in.

Panda reusable sponge

What are reusable sponges made of?

Reusable sponges are 100% plastic free! There are two sponges per pack – one scrubby sponge and one soft sponge. Each sponge features a pretty printed cotton side and five layers of bamboo filling. Bamboo is naturally antibacterial and super absorbent so is the perfect centre.

The scrubby sponge then has a layer of hessian on top of this which is made from recycled coffee sacks so you may get a slither of text or imagery on the back of your sponge. This just adds to the character and saves the coffee sacks from landfill too! The soft sponge has a layer of cotton towelling on the back for gently wiping clean surfaces and crockery. Each sponge has a ribbon loop at the top to hang them up when you’re not using them. The ribbon is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles – how cool is that?!

One soft sponge and one scrubby sponge per pack

How do you look after them?

Reusable sponges are designed to last a long time if they’re well cared for. Use them the same as a regular sponge when you’re doing the washing up or cleaning surfaces but remember to hang them up between uses. Reusable sponges are more absorbent than regular sponges so it’s important they are given time to drain properly.

Lighthouse reusable sponge

When they’re ready for a freshen up just chuck them in with a regular load of laundry then hang them out to dry after. They can also be washed in the top drawer of the dishwasher, though they will need extra drying time if cleaned this way. Please note that the printed cotton fabric may begin to fade slightly over time if it’s washed at high temperatures. As the sponges are made of all natural materials, they’re 100% compostable! Once the sponges reach the end of their life, chop them up into strips and add to your compost heap.

Penguin reusable sponge

Sound good? Click the pictures to be taken to the reusable sponges product pages to give them a go!

Banana reusable sponge