Plastic free scouring pads are a great alternative to the traditional washing up scouring sponge, and going plastic free in the kitchen is one of the ways we can all help clean up the planet. Switching to plastic-free washing up sponges is an easy way to make your kitchen more sustainable.
In this review, I’m testing the LoofCo loofah washing up pads, a biodegradable dish sponge option that’s tough on food but gentle on the planet. These eco-friendly washing up pads are perfect for anyone looking to reduce plastic in the kitchen while still keeping their dishes sparkling clean.
Whether you’re after a natural, compostable dish sponge or just want to swap out your old plastic scourers, read on to find out how the LoofCo pads perform in everyday use, how to care for them, and why they’re a top choice for a zero-waste kitchen.
Why are Plastic Scourers bad for the Environment?
So you are at the sink, doing your usual washing up. You have a sponge in hand, the type with a harder plastic scouring pad on one side. Isn’t is awful when they go scraggy? Well, did you know that when using these sponges, you are washing plastic fibres down your sink?
- Traditional plastic sponges release microplastics every time you wash up.
- Microplastics can pass through water treatment plants and end up in rivers, oceans, and lakes.
- These plastics harm wildlife and enter the food chain over time.
- Plastic sponges are non-biodegradable and can sit in landfills for years.
- Plastic-free alternatives, like LoofCo loofah pads, are biodegradable, compostable, and sustainable.
Choosing eco-friendly sponges reduces your household plastic footprint and protects aquatic environments.
LoofCo Washing Up Pad Review – My Honest Experience
I picked up a twin pack of LoofCo plastic-free washing up pads to see if they really work as an alternative to regular scouring sponges. Here’s what I found:
- Made from natural loofah fibres – hard when dry, soft when wet.
- Long-lasting and biodegradable – these pads can be composted or put in your green waste bin when worn out.
- Eco-friendly and plastic-free – no microplastics going down the sink, unlike traditional sponges.
At first, I found them a bit too big for my hands, but that actually turned into a bonus. I cut each pad in half and ended up with four smaller pads from two, which makes washing cups, mugs, and small dishes much easier.
How they perform in the kitchen:
- Strong enough to scrub stuck-on food without scratching non-stick pans.
- Soft enough for everyday washing, but for really baked-on meals (like lasagne or cottage pie), I let the dish soak or use a metal scouring pad.
- Easy to rinse and quick to dry thanks to the open loofah structure, which reduces bacteria build-up compared to plastic sponges.
Why I love them:
- You know every wash is plastic-free, helping reduce your household plastic footprint.
- They support traditional agriculture and fair wages for farmers who grow loofah.
- Cutting them into smaller pieces saves money – you get more pads for less.
The only minor downside:
The packaging sometimes comes with a small amount of bubble wrap. Not ideal, but it’s reusable and small compared to the plastic you’d avoid over months of regular sponges.
Overall, if you’re trying to switch to plastic-free washing up, these pads are practical, eco-friendly, and affordable. I’ll definitely be buying more when these finally wear out.
Caring for your LoofCo Washing Up Pad
The open structure of the loofa makes it easy to clear out any stuck food, and makes it less likely for bacteria to breed, unlike man-made sponges. After using the LoofCo plastic free washing pad, just rinse with water and leave to dry.
Going Plastic Free
I am on a mission to reduce plastic in the home. The more I have become aware of plastic, the more I see it. Just take a quick look around your kitchen or bathroom, and you will see plastic bottles, lids, brushes, make-up and much more. I have decide to eliminate as much plastic as I can, but doing it in a realistic way.
There is a lot of debate as to washing by hand is as eco-friendly as using a dishwasher, as modern dishwashers are very efficient with water use, but as I don’t have an electric dishwasher, I have to wash-up by hand.
I am fed up with buying plastic sponge scourers that don’t last long, and I am determined to have a plastic free washing up system that works! These no plastic scouring pads by LoofCo have been great, and I will be buying more in the distant future when these have worn out. I also think they are great value, especially when cut in half, and will save you money on buying ‘normal’ sponges for months.
Another benefit of buying LoofCo is that it helps support traditional crafts and agriculture, as well as supporting fair wages for farmers.
Final Thoughts: Are LoofCo Washing Up Pads Worth It?
If you’re serious about reducing plastic in your kitchen, switching to a plastic-free washing up sponge is one of the easiest changes you can make. It’s simple, affordable, and something you use every single day.
For me, the LoofCo loofah washing up pads have been a genuinely practical swap. They scrub just as well as traditional plastic scourers, last for months, and can be composted at the end of their life. Knowing that I’m not sending microplastics down the sink every time I wash up feels like a small win — but those small wins add up.
They’re not fancy. They’re not complicated. They just work.
If you’re fed up with flimsy plastic sponges that fall apart and want a biodegradable, eco-friendly dish sponge that actually does the job, these are well worth trying.
Making your home more sustainable doesn’t have to mean big lifestyle changes. Sometimes, it starts with something as simple as the sponge by your sink.
Yes these are fantastic and I also sometimes cut mine in half if I get a big one! Such a versatile plant, I hope soon they will be able to grow more in the UK during the summer months!