This Dish Sponge Alternative Makes De-Griming Dirty Dishes Easier Than Ever

Scrubbing greasy, grimy dishes shouldn't always take an absurd amount of elbow grease, but it often can. Even if your sponge comes equipped with a scrubbing side, sometimes stuck-on food can be hard to tackle, and your scrubber might not be up to the task. Thankfully, cleaning gurus around the world have shared their secret, letting everyone in on the Kamenoko Tawashi Scrubber. Originally created in Japan in 1907, this invention changed the way people cleaned everything from pots and pans to sinks and countertops and is now a household staple in its country of origin. When it was first introduced, many also used it to remove dirt and residue from their vegetables, making it a versatile product to keep in the home.

Made up of strong palm fibers, it can battle stuck on food, grease, and even burner scars without harming your dishes. The scrubber is more durable than most cleaners on the market and can handle intense contact with your cooking items, but the main reason people swear by these is their ability to leave even fancy pieces without scratches. While it lasts up to six months even after being used for hard jobs like stuck on leftovers or scouring (as opposed to kitchen sponges which need to be replaced often) when the time comes to get rid of it you won't feel guilty since it is biodegradable. The fibers don't hold mildew, either, keeping unappealing smells at bay.

The Kamenoko Tawashi Scrubber can be found on websites all over the internet, including Amazon and Global Kitchen Japan which, each of which promises less work for you with better results than a standard sponge. The palm fibers also act as a natural anti-bacterial brush, so you can hold off on adding an abundance of dish soap to try and loosen up whatever is sticking to your dishware. The fibers can easily get under the toughest build-up, and due to the compact form the bristles are held in, they don't fall out as easily as other bristles or lose their strength after a few washes.

The translation in English for this small but powerful scrubber is "small or little turtle" (Kamenoko) and "scrubber" (Tawashi), hence why many of these cleaners come in the compact shape of a turtle. You can also buy versions that come with a handle, but the tighter the fibers, the longer it will last. While the Kamenoko Tawashi might be compared to steel wool upon occasion, the two are very different since steel wool can leave scuffs in its wake. Even though Shark Tank's Scrub Daddy has proven effective at removing grime, these Japanese scrubbers last longer than most variations on the market, too. Stick to the former option for almost everything in your kitchen, but avoid using it on fine china or crystal to play it safe. For the low price point — usually $10 or less — this household staple will become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.