If you are considering making the switch from a conventional plastic sponge scourer to plastic-free eco-friendly sponge scourers, you're in the right place - you would be doing something genuinely brilliant for your home and the planet. Traditional kitchen sponges are made from synthetic plastic foam that sheds microplastics every time you use them, ending up in your water and your food. The SEEP scourer is different - made from cellulose wood pulp and natural loofah. That's it. No plastic. No synthetic foam. No toxins. Both materials are 100% compostable at the end of their life, which means nothing goes to landfill and nothing sheds microplastics into your water while you're using it.
Read our blog on Microplastics From Conventional Kitchen Sponges
Here's everything you need to know to look after your new plastic-free sponge scourer properly.
Soften It Before First Use (and After Drying)
If your SEEP sponge scourer feels stiff particularly when it's brand new or after it's dried out completely, give it a quick soak in warm water for a minute or two. The cellulose fibres will soften and become pliable almost immediately.
It's the nature of natural, plant-based materials behaving as they should.
Check out our full SEEP range: Shop SEEP
Rinse Thoroughly After Every Use & Let It Dry Fully Between Uses
This is the single most important thing you can do. After washing up or wiping surfaces, rinse your SEEP eco sponge scourer well under warm running water to remove food particles, grease, and soap residue. Give it a gentle squeeze to make sure water runs clear through both the cellulose and loofah sides.
Why it matters: Trapped food debris causes sponges to smell and harbour bacteria. A quick, thorough rinse after every use dramatically extends the life of your scourer and keeps it hygienic.
Once rinsed, stand your sponge scourer upright or lay it somewhere with good airflow. The goal is to let it dry out fully between uses.
Browse our Low-Waste Dishwashing Products
Why it matters: A consistently damp scourer is where bacteria and odours develop.
Freshen It Up in the Dishwasher or Washing Machine
For a deeper clean, pop your SEEP scourer in the top rack of the dishwasher, or toss it in the washing machine at 30°C or 40°C. This kills bacteria, removes any lingering odours, and refreshes the fibres.
I'd suggest doing this once or twice a week if you're using it daily, or whenever it starts to look or smell less than fresh.
Important: avoid high temperatures - very hot washes can break down the natural fibres faster than necessary.
Use on the Right Surfaces
The loofah side is designed for light-to-medium scrubbing: baked-on food, stubborn residue, and general washing up. It is safe to use on non-stick pans, but as with any scourer, use gentle pressure to protect the coating.
The soft cellulose side is ideal for wiping surfaces, mopping up spills, and general cleaning where you need good absorption without abrasion.
Know When It’s Time to Replace
Even with great care, your SEEP scourer won't last forever. When it starts to break down, fray at the edges, or simply isn't performing as well as it once did, it's time for a fresh one.
The good news? When it's done, it goes straight into your home compost bin. Both the cellulose and loofah fibres will biodegrade naturally - no plastic waste, no landfill, no guilt.
Browse SEEP Eco Sponge Scourers
Why It’s Worth the Switch
Conventional plastic sponges and scourers shed microplastic particles every single time they're used. Those particles pass through water treatment systems and end up in rivers, oceans, and eventually in the food chain. By switching to the SEEP Eco Sponge Scourer, you're removing one more source of plastic pollution from your home - and your kitchen sink - for good.
It's a small swap. But small swaps, made consistently, genuinely add up.
Interested in finding more low-waste dishwashing products? Shop Low-Waste Sustainable Dishwashing Tools