Many of us are swapping disposable washing up sponges and cleaning cloths for reusable, more sustainable options.
So what are the best cloths and sponges for a planet-friendly cleaning routine?
The micro-plastics dilemma
I’ll admit, when I discovered microfibre cloths, I loved them. They were a cleaner’s dream – reusable, washable, needed less cleaning product and left dry, streak-free surfaces.
But, there’s a big downside to microfibre cloths and sponges – they’re made of plastic. So every time we wash them, we’re releasing microscopic plastic fibres into our waterways and into the environment. And they stay there forever. Those green and yellow dish sponges, the non-stick kind, – even the brightly coloured, smiley-faced sponges – are all sources of micro-plastics. There’s got to be a better option.
So what’s the best sustainable alternative?
Cotton dishcloths
Remember those white striped cotton knitted dishcloths your Granny used? They’re still a staple of the cleaning aisle, and they do the job when you’re wiping round the kitchen. You can wash and reuse them till they fall apart. However, they don’t leave surfaces dry, so they leave streaks on shiny surfaces.
Bamboo cloths
I bought a pack of bamboo cloths with different coloured edging (perfect for my colour-coded cleaning system!) and wasn’t convinced at first. They feel more open in texture than microfibre, so I wondered whether they’d perform as well.
I’m delighted to say they’ve exceeded my expectations.
They absorb water brilliantly, leave taps and glass with a lovely shine, and are more than good enough for everyday cleaning. While modern microfibre technology probably still has the edge in outright performance, bamboo cloths are an excellent sustainable alternative that I’ve genuinely enjoyed using.
A new life for old towels
I’ve also gone back to something my mum always did – cutting up old cotton towels and tea towels for polishing. It’s a simple way to give worn household textiles a second life before they eventually reach the end of theirs. They make great cleaning cloths for the bathroom and leave a lovely shine on the shower and taps.
Blog writer Clair has a bag of old bath towels in the utility room known in the family as “dog towels” (even though they don’t have a dog!) They’re perfect for wiping muddy bikes, protecting the car boot from wet wellies, and for taking along on camping trips to dry wet equipment.
Best sponge alternatives
There are plenty of alternatives to the old-fashioned, disposable dish sponge. They often claim to be a more sustainable option because they’re washable, reusable and long-lasting. However, many of these sponges are made from microfibre, so we’re back to the micro-plastics problem.
Natural scourers
I tested both bamboo-fibre scourers with a natural sponge base, and coconut-fibre scourers with a natural sponge base.
Both have lasted well, can be cleaned in the dishwasher, and are fully compostable at the end of their life, which is a huge win. However, if I had to recommend one, it would be the bamboo version. I found it more flexible when wet, a better scourer, and overall easier to use than the coconut alternative.
So, this month, bamboo wins for me.
Washing cloths and sponges
If you’re reusing sponges and cloths, you’ll want to make sure they’re thoroughly clean and hygienic after washing.
A ten-minute boil on the stove does the trick (use an old pan for this job). Pop the sponges and cloths in the pan, add a little eco-friendly laundry liquid and a spoonful of green bleach.
After 10 minutes, turn off the heat, allow the pan to cool then pop your sanitised cloths and sponges into the washing machine with your usual cottons wash. They’ll come out hygienic, fresh and clean. For an extra whitening boost, hang outside in the sunshine to dry.
My next test is to see how the bamboo cloths cope with the boil wash. Watch this space!
Final thoughts
As well as helping to reduce plastic in the environment, reusable, eco-friendly options can save you money. So it’s a win for the planet, and a win for your pocket too. This month, bamboo wins for me. Both the cloths and sponges have earned a permanent place in my cleaning kit. .
