This Japanese Cleaning Tool Is Genius (and Costs Less Than $7)

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Overcooked quinoa, stovetop popcorn, beans, and scrambled eggs—honestly, these have left me with some of the most stubborn messes ever, baked right onto my pots and pans. But not anymore, you guys.

I've tried all sorts of scrubbing methods to get my cookware sparkling. For my beloved cast iron, I'd pour in salt and scrub with a damp paper towel, and for truly burnt disasters (like the time chickpea pasta practically branded its wheel shapes into my stainless steel pot), I'd rely on the holy trinity of vinegar, baking soda, and patience. But now? Armed with a Kamenoko Tawashi brush, I scrub with total ease—I'd even say I luxuriate in it.

I was vaguely familiar with this adorable brown, sea urchin-looking kitchen tool when I first picked up a generic version of the classic Kamenoko design at Muji a few months ago. In-store it was just a few bucks, and online it rarely tops $10. But let me tell you—its durability and function make it feel so much more valuable than the price tag suggests.

The Kamenoko (small turtle) Tawashi (scrubber) has been a beloved household staple in Japan for over a century. It's crafted from palm fibers, which are biodegradable and mold-resistant—meaning this beauty can last you for years. Sustainability and function? I'm here for it.

With just a splash of water, this little scrubbing brush lets me slough stuck-on food off heavy-duty pans and deep-clean lighter messes in mere seconds—it doesn't even need detergent to work its magic. Unlike steel wool, the Tawashi won't scratch delicate surfaces; I use it on dishes and cookware without a single issue. (Though if you have fine china, I'd still stick to a gentle sponge just to be safe.)

It's also amazing for washing fruits and veggies or giving dirt-caked potatoes a proper scrub. When I brought home the cutest yet dustiest pumpkin from my local farmers market, the Tawashi made it shelfie-ready without any extra elbow grease.

When you're done, just give the Tawashi a good rinse and hang it by its tiny hook to dry—until it's time to scrub every surface again, this time with main character energy.

This story was originally published in November 2018 and has since been updated.

Rebecca is most often found digging through troves of vintage treasures, both in-person and online. Ask her to recommend a good book to read or an obscure Instagram account to follow, and you won't be disappointed.

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