Dish brushes can be an overlooked kitchen product, but there’s more to them than meets the eye. There are various materials now available to purchase dish brushes in, and each one comes with its own features and purpose. Some are designed with a strong focus on durability, whereas others are made to be eco-friendly, appealing to a wider audience who feel strongly about sustainability.
Keep reading to find out how to choose the right material for a dish brush, and what the pros and cons of each type are.
Table of Contents
Dish brush vs. dish sponge
Global value of the brush and sponge market
Choosing the right material for a dish brush
Silicone dish brush
Dish brush with natural fiber bristles
Nylon dish brush
Steel wool dish brushes
Final thoughts
Dish brush vs. dish sponge
Both a dish brush and a dish sponge are popular cleaning tools in the kitchen. But there are some differences between the two.
A dish brush has bristles made from silicone, plastic, or natural fibers, and the head of the brush is connected to a long handle. This design allows for optimum reach, and the bristles are known for being more hygienic than a sponge due to the fast-drying nature of the materials. This means it will hold less bacteria over time, though they should still be regularly cleaned or changed. Dish brushes are perfect for scrubbing dishes and pots, as well as pans that may get food stuck to them.
On the other hand, a dish sponge is ideal for more delicate uses. They’re designed to be soft and absorbent, making them much more flexible than a dish brush. This often makes it easier for users to reach into items of different shapes. The big drawback to using a dish sponge is that it traps in moisture and food particles, which will lead to bacteria building up in the sponge. Although cleaning the sponge will help, it’s seen as less hygienic than a dish brush.
Global value of the brush and sponge market
By 2030, the global market value of brushes and sponges is set to reach USD 15.5 billion following a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% between 2024 and 2030. One of the biggest trends that’s shaping this industry is the growth in demand for sustainable materials. This comes as a result of an increase in awareness around environmental issues and the desire to look for alternative materials to plastic.
In 2023, it was Asia Pacific that held the highest market share, at approximately 32%. They were followed by North America and Europe, but in the coming years, Asia Pacific is still expected to have the highest growth in demand.
Choosing the right material for a dish brush
In terms of online searches, dish brushes are proving to be very popular. Google Ads reveals that the term “dish brush” was searched for 12,100 times per month in 2024. The most searches appeared in August, October, and November, when they reached 14,800 per month.
There are a few different materials that the bristles of dish brushes can be made out of, and each one has its own benefits for making cleaning a breeze.
Silicone dish brush
Silicone dish brushes are proving to be very popular among modern consumers. They’re made from food-grade silicone, so the bristles are very flexible and soft to touch. This makes them ideal for use on non-stick pans and other delicate surfaces that are prone to scratches. Silicone is also naturally heat resistant and doesn’t absorb moisture like other materials, so many silicone dish brushes are dishwasher friendly too.
The non-porous nature of silicone offers a much cleaner alternative to traditional bristle brushes, as it doesn’t allow bacteria to build up inside. There are some drawbacks to using silicone dish brushe,s though. Due to the flexible nature of the bristles, these brushes lack the power needed to scrub stubborn residue. Silicone also isn’t biodegradable, so although the brushes are durable, they won’t appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
Dish brush with natural fiber bristles
In recent years, many consumers have turned towards natural fiber dish brushes as a way to live a more eco-conscious life. These bristles are made out of natural materials like tampico or sisal, and in some cases, coconut husk fibers. All of these materials offer firm scrubbing power that works well on all types of food and grease residue. They also feature either a sustainable bamboo handle or a wooden handle, so they’re fully biodegradable.
Dish brushes with natural fibers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including those with long, traditional handles and more compact, rounded brushes for detailed cleaning. The price of these brushes will depend on the size and materials, but they’re generally more expensive than plastic variations.
Due to the sustainable nature of these brushes, there are a few downsides to consider. The bristles are prone to wearing down quicker than other materials, especially with excessive exposure to moisture. They also need proper maintenance to ensure no mold buildup occurs, especially where wood is concerned. In order to give them the longest life possible, using warm water to clean them is recommended.
Nylon dish brush
Another popular material for dish brushes is nylon. Nylon dish brushes are well known for their effective scrubbing power as well as their durability. They’re made from synthetic fibers that are stiff enough to remove tough residue, but soft enough to avoid scratching most surfaces. Nylon brushes are available in different handle lengths as well as shapes, which is useful for buyers who have oddly shaped kitchenware. A big bonus of nylon dish brushes is that they’re less expensive than their synthetic counterparts.
Nylon is much more effective than silicone for heavy-duty scrubbing as it provides a firmer texture to remove grease and baked-on food effectively. However, nylon will wear down over time, especially if it’s being used on a regular basis. This material also isn’t biodegradable, which is something eco-conscious consumers will take into account.
Nylon dish brushes do still offer a great balance between performance and durability though, which is why they’re still highly sought after globally. Some models will be designed with a replaceable head too, so the entire body doesn’t need to be thrown away when it starts to look worn down.
Steel wool dish brushes
Steel wool dish brushes are primarily used for fighting the toughest of messes. They’re made from fine strands of steel, so they provide an abrasive surface that’s not found with other bristle materials. This makes them a good brush for using on outdoor grills, cast iron cookware, and stainless steel.
These dish brushes are usually round and lack a permanent handle. The handle can either be bought separately or as a bundle with the steel wool, and it has small prongs that attach to the scrubber. This means it’s very versatile as it can be used with the brush handle or by hand for hardcore scrubbing.
Since steel wool is abrasive, it will easily scratch certain surfaces such as glass or non-stick coatings, so care is needed when using it. The brush should only be used on harder materials like stainless steel or cast iron. Steel wool is also known to rust easily if it’s not properly dried, which can reduce its effectiveness and overall lifespan. They do need to be washed with hot water to prevent bacteria buildup, though.
However, steel wool brushes are still a popular choice for tough cleaning jobs where other materials and dish sponges won’t quite cut it.
Final thoughts
Knowing what material is right for the bristles of a dish brush is crucial for the maintenance of kitchenware. While synthetic materials such as nylon and silicone offer longevity and can be used on all types of surfaces, steel wool should only be used for specific purposes. But it’s the eco-friendly dish brushes that are truly outshining the rest, as consumer buying habits lean towards a more eco-conscious lifestyle.
