Bamboo brushes are a such an easy switch! There are all kinds of plastic-free brushes out there, they are easy to find in-store and online, and they work just as well as plastic brushes. One thing I love about these completely plant-based brushes is that they are compostable. I was a little worried about the short scrub brushes because their handles feel pretty substantial, but I threw a couple of them in our compost last year and there is no sign of them as we turn the compost this spring. I have tried a bunch of different brands and I don’t find much difference between them. So go ahead and use the brand that you are able to find.
Scrub Away
The kitchen brushes I have been trying all have bamboo handles/heads and plant based bristles. I was worried that the bristles might not be strong enough to clean baked on food, etc… but they have all been tough and effective. I have tried several brands of short handled brushes that offer bristles of different stiffnesses. The stiffer bristles are great on cast iron pans and the softer ones are great on dishes, glasses and pots.
One benefit of plant based brushes is that the bristles do not melt when you clean a hot pan. In before times (when I used plastic brushes) I would clean a hot pan only to find the brush melted and became distorted. Then I would have to toss it and go out to buy a new plastic brush. Ugh! More plastic waste.
Size and type is a personal preference. I like the short handled brushes that fit in the palm of my hand. But my daughter likes the long handled brush with the replaceable heads. There are different shapes and sizes to clean bottles or vegetables or straws. Try them all for plastic-free cleaning.
I do find that the plant-based bristles will smush and get flat after awhile. But I don’t feel badly about throwing the spent brush in the compost bin and bringing out a fresh brush.
All Types of Brushes
The great thing about bamboo brushes with natural bristles is that they work for all types of brushes around your house. Toothbrushes, hairbrushes, hand brooms, toilet brushes are good options for going plastic-free.
Now, I wouldn’t throw out perfectly good plastic brushes that you already have just to replace them with bamboo. That just creates more plastic waste in the short term. But once something is used up, or you need a new brush, make sure you go plant-based.
I have found bamboo brushes at major retailers like Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and Whole Foods. Amazon and other online retailers have lots of options available.
Watch Outs
For some reason, I see many “eco” brushes with sneaky plastic parts or packaging. Be on the lookout for plastic when buying your brushes. Look for plastic-free claims. Watch out for claims like :
- Uses Less Plastic
- Recyclable Plastic
- Plastic Neutral (what is that?!)
And be on the lookout for products that make eco claims, but don’t mention plastic. The kitchen brushes in the picture on the right say “made of sustainable bamboo” but the fail to mention the plastic ring and the plastic bristles. The Ecotools and Full Circle brands are big offenders.
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