What are they?
Natural pads and brushes for washing up, household cleaning and personal care, made from sustainable loofah plants and coconuts.
How much do they cost?
A LoofCo washing up pad is £2.75 at the time of writing this.
Why did I choose them?
I’ve often picked these up at health food and zero waste stores, but put them down again as they felt too rough. Today, I decided to read the cardboard packaging and – guess what? They soften in water. It was finally time to give them a try.
Do they work?
Yes! I’m really impressed with these products. Not only are they plastic-free, biodegradable, and compostable, but they actually work.
The LoofCo washing up pad becomes softer and more flexible in water, but still has enough scrub to tackle mucky pans. And a little washing up liquid lathers up nicely.
How to care for the LoofCo washing up pad
It just needs squeezing out after each use (there’s a handy string to hang it up). It can go through the washing machine a few times, or you can wash it by hand. When it’s worn out (after about 3 months) it can go on the compost heap.
What are the alternatives?
I’ve tried silicone scourers, which don’t scrub enough, and recycled washing up sponges, which are generally inflexible and end up coming apart, so you’re left with an ineffective sponge and a seperate, also fairly useless, scourer.
I’ve also used my regular synthetic scourers to death, putting them through the washing machine over and over again in a bid to extend the lifespan of the regular kitchen sponge.
All bad options.
How eco are they?
LoofCo say:
LoofCo farming practices are sustainable and to the highest environmental standards. Coconut and Loofah are both renewable raw materials that absorb CO2 when growing.
Furthermore, we use coconut fibres and husks that are left over from coconut food and oil production which would otherwise be wasted or burnt.
All elements of LoofCo products are 100% compostable and biodegradable, except the metal core of the brushes which is recyclable. Our cardboard packaging is recyclable.
All-in-all?
I know it’s sad to get excited about a washing up sponge. But I am.
I’m happy I’ve found something that’s plastic-free and works. I like the price, and the fact that it’s not going to ruin my pans (or leave them crusty).
I’m ready to sign up for the whole LoofCo range – how about you?
What do you think? Let me know!