9 Things You Didn't Realize You Could Be Cleaning With A Scrub Daddy

Invented in 2006 by Aaron Krause as a more comfortable way to wash his hands after working on machinery repairs, the Scrub Daddy took a few years to become a household name. It wasn't until the product was featured on Shark Tank in 2012 that it really took off. The smiley-faced sponge is constructed from a unique polymer foam, which gives it tough scrubbing power while also being gentle enough not to scratch the surface of the item you're cleaning. Although most people use their Scrub Daddy to wipe down kitchen countertops, stovetops, and pots and pans, the handy sponge is actually extremely versatile, offering many unexpected uses that may surprise you.

The best part about the Scrub Daddy is its ability to change texture based on the temperature of the water. Set the sponge in warm water, and it softens for a gentler clean, such as wiping dirt off glass. Put the sponge in cold water, and it will firm up, allowing for an easier way to scrub stuck-on foods and built-up grease and grime. This means your Scrub Daddy can tackle much more than just dishes — it can also remove algae from fish tanks, lift pet fur from sofas, and even scrub pesticides off produce. When you choose the right Scrub Daddy, you won't have any trouble meeting your cleaning needs.

Tree sap is often a problem for car exteriors, as it sticks to the paint and won't come off with just soap and an old rag. Since most sponges and scrubbers are abrasive, they can't be used to remove the sap without damaging the paint on the car. Because of this, you might assume that using a Scrub Daddy on your car's exterior is a bad idea; however, it's actually a safe and effective way to remove tree sap. Made from a unique polymer foam called FlexTexture, Scrub Daddy sponges have been tested in independent studies to confirm that they won't scratch automotive paint. This means you can finally tackle sticky sap without the fear of harming your car's finish. However, it's always a good idea to test the hack in an inconspicuous spot first, just in case.

To safely remove tree sap, start by wetting your Scrub Daddy with warm water to soften it. This will ensure you get the softer texture of the sponge. While you might want to use dish soap, experts are divided on whether or not it's safe to use on your car's exterior. For instance, Kelley Blue Book says it's fine to use sparingly on tougher messes as long as it's non-abrasive, while Consumer Reports advises to skip it since it can potentially strip the protective wax and sealant off the car. However, other alternatives like hand sanitizer or 70% rubbing alcohol diluted with water can also damage the car's wax and sealant, so you need to tread carefully with whichever option you choose. 

Once you choose your cleaner, adhere to the traditional rule of scrubbing in a circular motion. The warm, softened Scrub Daddy will help break down the sap without being too harsh on the paint. Always rinse the car exterior after every cleaning and immediately dry it with a microfiber cloth to prevent any water spots from forming.

Just like with the tree sap on cars, the Scrub Daddy is able to release the adhesive from stickers and price tags to make them quick and easy to remove from your favorite products. This beats traditional methods, such as trying to peel the stickers away with your fingernails or scraping away the price tags with a knife. These approaches are time consuming and have the potential to scratch glass, porcelain, and metal surfaces. The Scrub Daddy offers a better solution by gently, yet effectively, breaking down the sticker residue without the risk of scratching the product's surface. Its FlexTexture material hardens in cooler water, providing the gentle scrubbing power needed to tackle extra sticky adhesive.

To utilize this hack to remove price tags, start by soaking the area with warm, soapy water to loosen the adhesive. Once the label is nice and soft, wet a Scrub Daddy with cold water and begin rubbing it over the sticker. Without much elbow grease, you'll see the label and its adhesive begin to lift right off the product. For extra-sticky residue, apply a few drops of rubbing alcohol to help dissolve the glue. Continue scrubbing with a Scrub Daddy until the surface is clean, then rinse the product before drying it with a microfiber cloth.

Barbecue grills are plagued with grease and stuck-on foods that can be difficult to remove. Most home grillers reach for wire grill brushes to clean their beloved cooking appliance; however, the bristles on these brushes can break off and end up in the food. According to the CDC, this poses serious health risks, including puncturing soft tissues in the neck and even perforating the gastrointestinal tract. Fortunately, you can skip this health risk and get the BBQ grill clean with a Scrub Daddy. This sponge eliminates the need for elbow grease and hard scrubbing, and reduces the amount of time you'll have to spend cleaning.

Wet your Scrub Daddy with cold water to activate the firmer texture that is needed to scrub away dried food particles. Scour the grill using the sponge. To make the job even easier, consider spraying the grill with Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray before you begin. Letting this concentrated dish soap degreaser work on the stuck-on food and grease for about 10 minutes will cause the mess to become softer and more pliable. Thoroughly rinse the grates after cleaning. You can dry them with a clean cloth or set them out to air dry. You can also use the sponge to clean the heat plates, burners, and the grease pan. For an even easier clean, Scrub Daddy actually makes a grill brush called BBQ Daddy that comes on a handle with a built-in scraper.

Bacteria can build up on makeup brushes over time, making regular cleanings a must. Traditional cleaning options are not only time consuming, but many of them are ineffective. For example, rubbing the brushes against a silicone pad won't remove all of the makeup residue trapped in between the bristles. An abrasive sponge may sound like a good idea, but that option can break and damage the bristles on the brush. Using a Scrub Daddy is a far better choice, as it utilizes the FlexTexture foam to allow for gentle cleaning without harming the brushes. Using the Scrub Daddy with cold water is perfect for breaking down foundation and eyeshadow buildup since it will create a firm surface to rub against, while warm water is suited for very delicate brushes. Plus, the sponge's design makes it easy to clean both bristles and brush handles in one go.

To clean makeup brushes with a Scrub Daddy, start by wetting the sponge with cold water. Add a small amount of makeup brush soap directly onto its surface (you can use a gentle dish soap as well). Swirl the brush bristles against the Scrub Daddy, allowing the textured material to lift away all the makeup and grime. Rinse out the sponge and repeat until all of the makeup has been removed. Next, thread the brush handles through the Scrub Daddy's eye and mouth cutouts to release dirt and oils from the handle. Give the brush a final rinse before using a towel to squeeze out excess moisture. Let the bristles completely dry and then the brushes are good to go.

Pet hair sticks to upholstery and can be notoriously difficult to remove. Traditional cleaning methods, such as sticky tape and lint rollers, require going over the same areas multiple times in order to achieve complete hair removal. In addition, you'll need to continuously replace lint roller sheets and then deal with potential sticky residue left behind by the tape. Not only is the Scrub Daddy a more effective option, but it's also reusable. When you use the Scrubby Daddy without wetting it, static electricity forms, attracting loose pet hair. The textured surface of the sponge is then able to grip and hold onto the hair, so you can once again enjoy sitting in a clean sofa or armchair.

Begin removing pet hair from your upholstery with a dry Scrub Daddy. Simply run the sponge up and down the fabric and watch in amazement as the hair comes right up and begins to collect in clumps that you can then pick up and toss in the trash. If you have more deeply embedded fur, you can wet the Scrub Daddy before running it over the fabric. The hair will then stick to the sponge, which you can wash away under a faucet of running water. It is important to note that when tested, Scrub Daddy worked great on most materials; however, it had only average results with suede.

Most produce is coated in dirt, germs, pesticides, and in some cases, wax. While there is no way to remove 100% of these harmful contaminants, properly washing the fruits and vegetables will greatly reduce the risk. However, while doing so helps remove some of the soil and bacteria, it won't rid the wax coatings or pesticide residues. Sticking with traditional scrubbing methods, such as your hands or a paper towel, won't provide enough friction to properly clean the produce. Adding a Scrub Daddy is key, as the FlexTexture foam is gentle enough to scrub bacteria and dirt from berries and tomatoes, yet tough enough to remove wax coatings and pesticide residue from cucumbers, oranges, and applies. Since the Scrub Daddy is non-toxic, it's also a safe and reusable alternative to disposable produce brushes.

Before you wash produce with a Scrub Daddy, you'll need to clean your own hands, as well as the sponge. Afterward, set the fruits and vegetables in a strainer and turn on the faucet. The National Pesticide Information Center reports that this is more effective than soaking the produce in a pot of water. Use cold water for firmer produce, and warm water for more delicate fruits and vegetables. Run the Scrub Daddy over each item while continuing to hold it under the running water. It is important to note that you'll want to designate one Scrub Daddy for use with your food items, so you don't contaminate your edible ingredients with a sponge that has been used with chemical household cleaners. When cleaning carrots or celery, you have the added option of sliding them through the cutouts in the Scrub Daddy. Tip: If you wet the Scrub Daddy with cold water, it can be used to help de-skin carrots and potatoes. To keep the sponge firm, keep a bowl of ice water nearby while using your Scrub Daddy.

When it comes to unexpected ways to get your silverware sparkling clean, using a Scrub Daddy is probably the most surprising. Not only does the sponge's FlexTexture foam cut through grease and stuck-on foods quickly without leaving behind any scratches, but the design of the Scrub Daddy also allows for cleaning both sides of the silverware at once.

This method is really as straightforward as just washing your silverware as you always do. Dip the Scrub Daddy into the soapy water to get it nice and wet. Then, insert one piece of silverware at a time through the smiley face within the sponge. Apply pressure to the sponge and then pull the cutlery out the other side. This will remove grease and grime from both sides of the fork, knife, or spoon in one go. Rinse the silverware to remove any soap residue. If the food is particularly stuck on, you can soak the silverware in warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes beforehand to loosen it up. To clean the Scrub Daddy sponge itself, just toss it in the dishwasher.

Whether you're peeling carrots or washing a dinner plate, preventing food scraps from going down the drain is essential for avoiding clogs and damaging your pipes, especially if you don't have a disposal. Unfortunately, traditional options, such as drain stoppers and mesh strainers, are extremely difficult to clean. One clever disposal hack worth implementing is the use of a Scrub Daddy, as it is able to catch food scraps while still allowing water to flow through the sponge and down the drain. Although the sponge is porous, it's able to capture large food particles, and unlike strainers and mesh screens, it is a cinch to clean, making it a more hygienic option.

To use a Scrub Daddy as a drain guard, place it flat over the drain opening. You can then peel fruits and vegetables right in the sink, gather the peels, and toss the waste in the trash without any worry of food getting down into the pipes. Additionally, you can leave the Sponge Daddy over the drain opening while washing dishes. After the plates, cutlery, and mugs have been cleaned, wait for the water to completely drain through the sponge. Scoop up any food scraps from on top of the sponge and discard them in the trash. Remove the Scrub Daddy, squeeze out any excess moisture, and give it a clean on the top rack of your dishwasher.

Algae buildup in a fish tank can make the glass look murky and affect the overall health of the aquarium. Chemical cleaners are not ideal, as they pose a risk to the fish. Other traditional cleaning options are also problematic, such as abrasive scrub brushes that can scratch glass. Keeping your school of fish happy in a clean tank is better accomplished with the help of a Scrub Daddy. This sponge becomes firm when dipped in cold water, so it can then be used to wipe away stubborn algae buildup without having to work too hard. Since the FlexTexture material isn't abrasive, you won't have to worry about it damaging your tank either.

Once you have temporarily moved the fish and drained the tank, remove the lids. Set them in a bucket of cold water and give them a wipe down with a wet Scrub Daddy. Move over to the aquarium next, dipping the sponge in cold water each time you need to wipe down a wall within the tank. Repeat until all of the algae buildup is gone. You'll find the Scrub Daddy is easy to hold via the "eyes" on the smiley face if you're having trouble cleaning the corners of the tank. Once you're done, rinse the lids and the tank before wiping them dry with a lint-free cloth. If you aren't doing a full-tank clean, you can just remove and clean the lids and not have to drain the water or displace the fish.