Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

drmeow

(5,299 posts)
Sat Aug 3, 2024, 10:31 AM Aug 2024

Looking for non-plastic pot scrubber

Last edited Sat Aug 3, 2024, 11:35 AM - Edit history (1)

Can anyone recommend sustainable pot scrubber. I bought a pack of these coconut husk ones which were OK for light to moderate cleaning but could not handle dirtier pots. They also start to shred and bits on the dishes as they get old.

I also have a bamboo scraper which I like but is limited


I've seen the sisal scrubbing brushes but it seems like they scratch non-stick cookware and I can't get rid of my non-stick stuff yet (as much as I'd like to).

I've seen loofah, walnut, and rigidized terrycloth.

What do people find works best (including is there a better brand of coconut husk ones that works better)?

On edit: I've tried the baking soda options and they do not work on some of my pots

14 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Looking for non-plastic pot scrubber (Original Post) drmeow Aug 2024 OP
Stop scrubbing, use baking soda in a tad of water and let sit for a day or two? bucolic_frolic Aug 2024 #1
Yes. Even better, after sprinkle with baking txwhitedove Aug 2024 #2
Baking soda and vinegar. Water and detergent heated in pot, left standing niyad Aug 2024 #3
I am trying to avoid drmeow Aug 2024 #7
A large dog... Ocelot II Aug 2024 #4
Salt and a sponge. Jacoby365 Aug 2024 #5
I use this for my cast iron drmeow Aug 2024 #6
Try stainless steel or copper scrubbers LuvLoogie Aug 2024 #8
Stainless steel definitely isn't safe for non-stick drmeow Aug 2024 #9
If you have to scrub nonstick, then you probably LuvLoogie Aug 2024 #10
My spouse heats up sausages drmeow Aug 2024 #11
Yeah, better to use your seasoned, iron skillet LuvLoogie Aug 2024 #12
After 20 years of marriage drmeow Aug 2024 #13
Try something like this for the circulon LuvLoogie Aug 2024 #14

bucolic_frolic

(47,130 posts)
1. Stop scrubbing, use baking soda in a tad of water and let sit for a day or two?
Sat Aug 3, 2024, 10:37 AM
Aug 2024

I hate the war on pots and pans.

txwhitedove

(4,013 posts)
2. Yes. Even better, after sprinkle with baking
Sat Aug 3, 2024, 10:41 AM
Aug 2024

soda, pour or spray on some vinegar and let sit a few minutes to loosen stuck grime.

niyad

(120,272 posts)
3. Baking soda and vinegar. Water and detergent heated in pot, left standing
Sat Aug 3, 2024, 10:57 AM
Aug 2024

til cool. repeat as necessary. use old face cloths to wash. And, for future reference, lining pans with aluminum foil and disposing after use is an option.

drmeow

(5,299 posts)
7. I am trying to avoid
Sat Aug 3, 2024, 11:44 AM
Aug 2024

adding to the waste stream. Aluminum foil is a single use convenience that eventually makes it to the dump. I've opted for elbow grease - but I need effective tools for that. The scrubbing pads I'm using are compostable.

drmeow

(5,299 posts)
9. Stainless steel definitely isn't safe for non-stick
Sat Aug 3, 2024, 12:27 PM
Aug 2024

Is copper? I was looking at those but had concerns about scratching the pots I have that are non-stick (I can't really replace them, as much as I'd like to).

LuvLoogie

(7,551 posts)
10. If you have to scrub nonstick, then you probably
Sat Aug 3, 2024, 02:08 PM
Aug 2024

should replace them. Depending on the manufacturer, they might have info on cleaning the cookware. Not all non-stick are the same in that regard. Also, don't hesitate to use some oil while cooking in nonstick pans. Just make sure the pan doesn't get too hot that you burn the oil. What you're using for scrub pads currently should be enough to clean your nonstick cookware.

drmeow

(5,299 posts)
11. My spouse heats up sausages
Sat Aug 3, 2024, 02:12 PM
Aug 2024

in non-stick pans without any oil or water - it leaves deposits which are incredibly difficult to get off. That's the only thing I really need heavy duty scrubbing for on my non-stick cookware!

LuvLoogie

(7,551 posts)
12. Yeah, better to use your seasoned, iron skillet
Sat Aug 3, 2024, 02:19 PM
Aug 2024

for sausages. Tell them it's like using a rechargeable screwdriver like a prybar when they do that.

drmeow

(5,299 posts)
13. After 20 years of marriage
Sat Aug 3, 2024, 05:10 PM
Aug 2024

I know what I can change and I know what I can't. I'll put some elbow grease into it!

I do have some other Circulon that have narrow circular grooves in the bottom (it was a thing they did many years ago). We gotten rid of most of them because they are so hard to clean but there are a few pots that we rarely use (roasting pan, for example) which are still in good shape but every time I use them I have to scrub them with a bristle brush or a pot scrubber. I've got some plastic ones that will get those pans clean but I'd definitely prefer to find a non-plastic alternative (even baking soda doesn't work). The brushes I have are still in pretty good shape and working so maybe I'll just forget about getting a green alternative until I don't need it anymore!

LuvLoogie

(7,551 posts)
14. Try something like this for the circulon
Sat Aug 3, 2024, 05:17 PM
Aug 2024

Mexican Natural Fiber Root Brush Scrubber - Escobeta - 5.5" Traditional Handmade https://a.co/d/iSUmyL3

Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Frugal and Energy Efficient Living»Looking for non-plastic p...