If you wash dishes, you understand the sad sight of a used sponge after a month’s use. These colored sponges use toxic dyes and release microplastics as they degrade. Scotch-Brites contain titanium dioxide which can accumulate in the human body. Many of the commercial dishwashing products that are in almost every household contain some form of toxic and carcinogenic ingredient. Not the mention these sponges harbor bacteria and experts recommend swapping them every week! Polyvinyl alcohol from the covering of dishwasher pods and detergent pods ends up in the ocean alongside phosphates. Over the span of our lifetime, these toxic chemicals can build up and cause detrimental health effects, especially to those with health susceptibilities. Why take the risk? Make the switch to these top 10 sustainable & nontoxic dishwashing products!
Dish Soap Bars
Commercial liquid dish soaps can subject you to toxic chemicals such as methylisothiazolinone which is classified by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a moderate acute toxin when ingested or inhaled. Not just eco-friendly, dish soap bars are concentrated, packing more value for the money compared to liquid dish soaps which often consist of up to 60% water! A little goes a long way with dish soap bars.
Wooden Palm Brushes
Wooden brushes are the perfect complement to dish soap bars. Made entirely of bamboo, you can easily create a lather and wash your dishes, pots, and pans with these ergonomic, palm brushes.
Wooden Brush with Handle
Made with strong hemp bristles that maintain their shape and structure through the toughest abuse and German beechwood handles, these scrubs work perfectly for your bottle-friendly needs. The long handle on these scrubs makes cleaning those narrow water bottles and baby bottles easy.
Dishwashing Powder
Instead of those dishwasher pods that expose you to harmful toxins and microplastics, consider using dishwashing powder in your machine.
Tawashi Brushes
Made entirely using natural coconut fiber, these Tawashi Brushes can delicately clean vegetables and fruits as well as stubborn dirt and grease on all surfaces and cookware. These naturally antimicrobial scrubs only need to be dunked in boiling water and vinegar to clean every few weeks. And finally, they are built to last for years!
Sea Sponges
Ocean-sourced, antibacterial, and doesn’t hold a scent. Well known for their excellent absorption, soft texture, and hardy durability, sea sponges can reach the nooks and crannies of your finest china with ease. Also, they are popularly used as a body scrub, so you know they are safe to handle!
Loofah Sponges
Sourced from a plant, these loofah sponges are a perfect nontoxic alternative to commercial sponges. They provide great scrubbing quality while not scratching dishware.
Dishwasher Tablets
With no plastic covering or film on the tablets, these plastic-free alternatives to liquid pods combine convenience and sustainability.
Eco-friendly Dishwashers
Not only will an eco-friendly dishwasher save you the time and effort of washing your dishes, but it can also clean more effectively! Modern dishwashers adopted a sophisticated system consisting of pumps, filters, and spray jets that recycle water throughout the cleaning cycle. Only new water is utilized at the start and during the final rinse. No need to rinse, just scrape your food into the trash and plop your dishes into the dishwasher. Look for the Energy Star certification from the Environmental Protection Agency which indicates their low energy and water usage.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
A non-toxic, sustainable dishwasher cleaner that you probably already have at home! Just place a bowl of vinegar on the top rack of your dishwasher and run a normal cycle. After your vinegar cycle end, sprinkle baking soda over the bottom of the machine and run it once more. Also, remember to empty your dishwasher filter regularly to prevent any blockages. Say goodbye to any odors!
