Microfibre cloth set
A machine-washable set that replaces roughly a roll of kitchen paper a week in most households. Wash separately from clothing to keep fibres out of the water system.
Replaces kitchen roll
Cleaning
The cupboard that quietly restocks itself
Kitchen roll, foam sponges and spray bottles get bought on autopilot because running out is inconvenient — which also makes this one of the easiest categories to switch, since the replacement usually costs less over a year than the disposables did.
Everything below is either washable, refillable, or built so only the worn part needs replacing rather than the whole tool.
Wooden dish brush
Only the plant-fibre head needs replacing — the beech handle lasts for years. Dries out properly between uses, unlike a foam sponge.
Replaces throwaway sponges
Silicone dish sponge
Doesn't hold water the way foam does, so it doesn't turn into a bacteria farm and start smelling after a fortnight. Goes in the dishwasher.
Replaces foam sponges
Refillable spray bottle
One good trigger bottle, topped up from a concentrate refill or your own mix, instead of buying a new plastic spray bottle every time the cleaner runs out.
Replaces single-use spray bottles
Reusable mop pads
Washable microfibre pads that clip onto a flat mop head, instead of a fresh disposable pad for every clean.
Replaces disposable mop pads
Buying guide
What to look for in cleaning
01
Replace only the working part
A dish brush or mop with a swappable head means the handle never needs replacing — check that spare heads are actually sold before buying the handle.
02
Dry cloths flat, not folded
A cloth left folded and damp is how mildew smells start. Hang or lay flat between uses, especially with anything used on food surfaces.
03
Concentrates beat spray refills
A concentrate you dilute yourself in a reusable bottle typically works out cheaper per use than buying pre-mixed spray refills, and ships lighter.
FAQ
Cleaning swaps, answered
Are microfibre cloths bad for the environment because of microplastic shedding?
They do shed small amounts of synthetic fibre in the wash, same as fleece clothing — a mesh laundry bag or filter reduces this considerably. The trade-off is that one cloth used for a year replaces dozens of rolls of kitchen paper, so on balance it's still generally the better option, especially with a filter.
How often should a dish sponge be replaced?
A foam sponge is typically replaced every one to two weeks once it starts to smell, because it holds water and never fully dries. A silicone sponge doesn't hold water the same way, so it lasts months rather than days before it needs replacing.
Can you make your own refill for a spray bottle?
Yes — plenty of household cleaning jobs just need diluted white vinegar or a basic soap-and-water mix in a refillable trigger bottle. For anything you'd normally buy a specific cleaner for, a concentrate refill pouch is the simpler swap.
Keep exploring
Other categories
Kitchen & Food Storage Bathroom & Personal Care Bags & Shopping Drinkware