Swedish dishcloths have been around for 30 years or so. Unlike microfiber cloths that leach plastics, these are made from cellulose (wood pulp) and cotton so biodegrade after use. Designed to last for months, then just cut up and compost or bin to naturally break down.
Choose unscented dishwash brands for pregnancy/nursing, affected medical conditions, babies and pets (citrus oils are pet-toxic).
This eco-friendly washing-up kit includes a bar of solid dish-wash soap (vegan and free from palm) to wash your dishes and a beechwood pot brush .Add on a soap rack to drain the bar inbetween uses.
Designed to replace plastic bottles of of dishwash liquid, this is made with organic coconut oil (for bubbles), UK-mined white clay (scrubbiness), sodium lactate (naturally fermenting sugars in corn and beets) and essential oils of lemon and eucalyptus.
To use, fill the sink with water, and rub a brush or dishcloth over the bar to coat, clean dishes and rinse. You can also use the bar to remove stains (rub with the bar and add to laundry) and to clean surfaces (rub a warm wet sponge over the bar and wipe surfaces, before rinsing with water).
plastic-free washing-up tools
Seep is a wonderful company that offers a large range of plastic-free cleaning tools for your kitchen (or bathroom). Made from quality materials and sold in plastic-free packaging, all these items are designed to last – and then can be cut up and composted at end of life. Sold in packs or on subscription, the range includes:
- Sponge cloths are also made from wood pulp, perfect for wiping spills and large surfaces. They make good alternatives to disposable paper towels (we don’t recommend the washing-up cloths as they are made from non-biodegradable polyester, so use these sponge cloths instead).
- Eco pop-up sponges are sold flat. Just run under the tap to watch them transform into a compostable cellulose sponges.
- Dogbone sponges are the eco alternative to those big curved yellow sponges for big jobs, made from cellulose (wood pulp). You can use these to clean the kitchen or bathroom (if using to clean your car, use a waterless car wash to avoid oily water going down storm drains).
- Fair trade Latex gloves are sold in plastic-free packaging. Avoid for latex allergies or irritation (also keep away from children, pets and people with dementia – one patient recently died from swallowing one).
a quality stainless steel washing-up bowl
This stainless steel washing-up bowl is a bit more expensive than a plastic one from the supermarket, but it’s designed to last a lifetime, does not support the oil industry (plastic is made from oil) and won’t go gunky and mouldy!
Made from quality 18/8 stainless steel, this bowl carries a 15-year guarantee and won’t stain or attract grease, nor rust. It fits modern, butler or farmhouse-style sinks and is responsibly made in China. With a capacity of 10 litres, a portion of sales benefit environmental nonprofits.
an eco-washing-up bowl & drainer
ReBorn is a fabulous homegrown company. Not only does it offer high quality kitchen accessories made from recycled plastic (sourced in the UK), but everything is made in a factory in Wiltshire. Some items are more expensive than what you’d find in supermarkets. But they are designed to last years and create real jobs in local towns, and also keep carbon footprint low. They make good investments for business too (cafes, restaurants, hotels etc).
The washing up bowl has a generous 9-litre capacity with large carry handles, and legs to elevate the bowl for easy draining. The integrated plug can be set to strain water, and the bowl is easily disassembled for easy cleaning. It even has an integrated rail to hang damp dishcloths, and a sloping non-slip base to collect water out of sight (for draining later).
The mini draining rack is ideal for small kitchens. It holds up to 6 dinner plates (with extra space for cups and bowls). It also has a removable cutlery basket (with draining holes) and again has a non-slip base and can be easily cleaned. The cutlery holder has two sections, to keep utensils upright and organised.
how to dry your dishes, naturally
You can of course just leave them to dry in the sun (or use an organic cotton or linen tea towel). However, a better idea from Finland is a dish-drying cabinet. Around since the 40s, this is made of wire and dowels, and lets dishes drip-dry into the sink.
organic dishwash powder in a brown paper bag
Greenscents Dishwasher Powder is made with natural ingredients, sold in a brown paper bag with a plastic seal that is easily separated and recycled. The unique formulation is powered with natural botanicals and probiotics, and scented with eucalyptus oil. Free from bleach and chemicals, just one heaped teaspoon is enough for a full wash. Certified organic, it’s also vegan and free from palm oil. One pouch (for 30 dishwasher cycles) costs £.850. To use, scrape all food waste first and stack your dishwasher, then place one teaspoon in the soap dispenser, close and run as normal. For hard water, fill the rinse aid dispenser with vinegar, and add extra salt to prevent limescale build-up.
