For some time we have been struggling to find suitable, biodegradable washing-up equipment. Mr Snail (who does most of the washing-up) likes to use a brush. Most brushes for this job are plastic and the bristles get flattened very quickly, making them useless. First, I found a recycled plastic version with a replaceable head, but the quality was so poor that the head needed replacing after only a few uses. Then, I was delighted to find a wooden brush with natural plant-fibre bristles and replaceable heads. I bought one, along with spare heads, and we gave it a try. Sadly, the heads seemed to last only a short time too, were a less than ideal shape (round) for getting into all the nooks and crannies and repeatedly fell off the handle. Eventually Mr Snail refused to use them any more and returned to a standard plastic brush. The quest continues to find a washing-up brush that actually delivers all we need: a good shape, durable and made from natural materials.
Mostly, I prefer to wash up using a cloth. Crochet cotton cloths are fine unless you want some abrasion and my old abrasive cloth, which I have had for years but is very worn, is plastic (nylon possibly). I was happy, therefore, that Red Apple Yarn sells textured cotton dishcloth yarn and I just had to give it a go. I decided that a loose mesh was likely to prove most useful, and whipped up a crocheted dish cloth in double quick time. I tested it out this morning* and it does a good job, although is only a bit abrasive (it felt more so when I was working it up). For me this is likely to be a good option; for Mr Snail the quest for the perfect brush continues.
-oOo-
* I washed up because Mr Snail was still in bed recovering from yesterday’s 21-mile sponsored walk.
The Snail of Happiness 
Leslie Fritz
/ April 29, 2018I tunisian crochet my dish scrubbies using 100% cotton yarn. I use alternate rows of knit stitch and purl stitch. I also make them small, pretty much sponge size so that people who like washing dishes with sponges like these also. Good luck with your quest!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 29, 2018I can’t convince Mr Snail not to use a brush!!
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coppicelearner
/ April 29, 2018I use a knitted (by me) dishcloth and an abrasive pad made of coconut fibre which I think came from the same place as the coconut shell soap dish you mentioned a few posts ago. It seems to last OK. I can’t help with the brush I’m afraid!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 29, 2018… off to check out the coconut fibre option now – thank you
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katechiconi
/ April 29, 2018I’m with Mr Snail in preferring a brush, but can’t offer a suitable replacement suggestion, I’m afraid…
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Ann Pole
/ April 29, 2018We use the lovely dishcloth that you made, plus the wooden type brush you mentioned. The dishcloth is getting rather worn now though.
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itwasjudith
/ April 29, 2018I wonder if a dishcloth yarn doubled with some metal thread (the like we see used for “design” knitting; like this: http://www.loopknittingshop.com/p/5247/Habu—Ultra-Fine-Silver-Stainless-Steel-Thread) would add the needed abrasive power?
Poor Mr Snail, is he very worn out by the distance-walking? It’s a long way to go, plus the weather must have been not very mild (at least it wasn’t here in London)…
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 29, 2018I’ve got some nettle twine somewhere that I think might add an abrasive element… I will have to dig it out.
Fortunately the weather here in west Wales was good yesterday – mostly sunny but not too warm, with only a very short rain shower. Thank you so much for your sponsorship ❤
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itwasjudith
/ April 29, 2018Twine sounds like a good option too!
You’re most welcome for the sponsorship, and thanks for sharing the info – checking their site, I really found their activities interesting and important 🙂
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 29, 2018Maybe we’ll see you there one day!
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itwasjudith
/ April 29, 2018Possibly 😉
I’m “stalking” a bushcraft workshop (sadly can’t do the one in may).
Many interesting courses…!
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thecontentedcrafter
/ April 29, 2018I too have tried various alternatives to the brush – which I prefer – but none work as well as the little cheapo plastic brush. I console myself with the fact they last so much longer than all those pricey alternatives that don’t work and end up getting tossed out….
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 29, 2018That is exactly Mr Snail’s argument!
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thecontentedcrafter
/ April 29, 2018😀 That doesn’t preclude us from continuing the search though. I shall await your victory post!
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AJ
/ April 30, 2018That cotton sounds intriguing as that’s the only thing I dislike about my cotton cloths
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anne54
/ April 30, 2018How did Mr Snail go on his walk? I hope it was a very successful fund raiser. (Sorry, no help with the washing up brush either.)
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Helen
/ April 30, 2018I also crochet my own cotton dish clothes. For scrubbing burnt on food, I’ve found sodium bicarbonate to be the most effective method.
Like you, I’ve found the wooden brushed with changeable biodegradable heads to be very short lived. I do however use one in the bathroom, where the job is a little less fiddly.
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Nikki
/ May 10, 2018May I suggest a loofah sponge as an alternative to the plastic brush? They are fully biodegradable & last for months on end. I know we tend to only think of them as a “spa item” in the West, but I’ve seen them used as gentle washing tools to great effect in Taiwan! With larger/longer loofah sponges, I simply soak them for a little while & cut them in half/to the desired length & voila! The perfect sponge 🙂
ps. Works well as an exfoliator too!
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Nikki
/ May 10, 2018pps. I’ve also seen them sold as part of a brush – for back scrubbing! I use mine for house cleaning…
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Nikki
/ May 10, 2018Didn’t someone mention growing loofahs/similar plant family a while ago..?
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The Snail of Happiness
/ May 11, 2018I have planted some seeds!
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Nikki
/ May 12, 2018Yay! Looking forward to reading all about it 🙂
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Claire
/ May 10, 2018@Nikki : i use a loofah sponge cut in half too! And a coconut coir scrubber for the baked-on encrusted spots. I can’t get the BF to use them though, he uses a plastic scrubber. Bah..
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