Making the Switch from Synthetic to Natural Brushes

brushes

Why go Natural?

For centuries, brushes have been used for grooming and cleaning purposes. Before the world of plastic, natural fibers were the way to do all household cleaning. Although plastic still holds a large role in our lives, somethings are better left to nature. There are many jobs in a household, and not every one the same. Brush-makers take that into consideration when handcrafting each brush. Each brush has a specific wood and bristle for its intended function. Whether the wood be waxed for water use, or sturdy maple for tough jobs. A brush can last you a long time if properly cared for, meaning a one time investment for a tool that can last you years. Aesthetically pleasing to use everyday, while being a very sustainable cleaning tool.

     

     Cleaning with brushes

    • Save money that you would normally spend on replenishing disposable cleaning and grooming products such as sponges, duster pads, mop pads, cotton rounds, etc.
    • If you’re already trying to lead a sustainable lifestyle, a brush will be the perfect addition! From cleaning reusable bottles, to reducing unnecessary daily paper and plastic waste.
    • Brushes are made from natural materials: most bristles are made from sturdy plant fibers or humanely harvested animal hair.
    • Have the assurance of a quality product that will last, as the traditional brush binding technique has not changed much over the last few centuries. 
    • Who doesn’t love a multi-purpose product? Choose a brush with the appropriate fiber or fiber blend to get endless possibilities out of your brush!
    • Last but not least, BIODEGRADABLE! Unlike most household cleaning tools, (Yes sponges we are looking at you).

     

    Fiber Blends To Know:

    To ensure you find the brush that will best meet your needs, it's important to understand what type of fiber or fiber blend the bristles contain.

     

    + Bassine: A coarse plant fiber derived from leaves of the Sago Palm. The plant fibers are converted into brush material through soaking, beating, and drying. Useful for general scrubbing purposes like kitchen brushes and brooms, etc.
    + Horse Hair: Horse hair is cut directly from the animal. Hair from the mane is soft and lacks elasticity, while hair from the tail is strong and elastic. Horse hair is prepared into brush material through washing, combing, boiling, drying, trussing, and usually dying. Horse hair is used for yard brooms, bath brushes, pastry, and shoe brushes. 

    + Union Mixture: A mixture of white fibre and bassine. It´s a strong and water-resistant mixture which is used for vegetable brushes, deck brushes and scrubbing brushes.

     

    + White Fibers: Also known as Mexican fiber or Tampico, these fibers are extracted from the leaves of Agave. The fibers are soaked, threshed, and dried. White fibers are largely made into brooms, nail and bath brushes, etc.

     

    + Loofah: A plant related to the gourd and cucumber family. Organically and sustainably cultivated in Spain, irrigation is done using natural rain and recycled thermal water.

    How to Care for Your New Brush!

    Wash your brush with a gentle and effective soap (such as our Marius Fabre White Block soap) or an antibacterial soap and warm water. Allow your brush to dry bristles side down, and occasionally oil the wood with a food grade oil.


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