Best Scrub Brushes (2026)
The right scrub brush cuts through baked-on food, soap scum, and stubborn grime without destroying your cookware or surfaces. Whether you need a dish brush for daily washing or a heavy-duty option for deep cleaning, these are the top choices.
What to Look For
- Bristle stiffness — Stiff nylon bristles tackle tough messes; softer bristles are gentler on non-stick surfaces
- Handle ergonomics — Angled or contoured handles provide leverage and keep hands out of dirty water
- Built-in scraper — Integrated scrapers lift stuck-on food without switching tools
- Bristle spacing — Well-spaced bristle clusters rinse clean easily and trap less food debris
- Dishwasher safe — Brushes that survive the dishwasher stay more sanitary over time
Best Scrub Brushes
OXO Good Grips Dish Brush — Best Overall
The OXO Dish Brush combines stiff nylon bristles with a built-in scraper and comfortable non-slip handle for everyday dishwashing.
Durable nylon bristles scrub away baked-on food and grease without scratching non-stick cookware. The flared brush head reaches into corners of pots, pans, jars, and bottles. A built-in scraper on the back lifts stubborn stuck-on messes. The soft, non-slip handle stays secure even when wet, and the entire brush is dishwasher safe for easy sanitizing.
Pros:
- Safe for non-stick cookware
- Built-in scraper for stuck-on food
- Flared bristles reach corners
- Dishwasher safe for sanitizing
Cons:
- Bristles may soften over extended use
- No soap dispensing feature
Best for: Daily dish washing and general kitchen cleanup.
Scotch-Brite Pot + Pan Brush — Best for Tough Messes
Scotch-Brite’s dual-bristle design tackles stubborn messes on cookware, stainless steel, and even outdoor furniture without scratching.
This long-handled brush features two types of bristles for versatile cleaning power. The sturdy plastic construction handles tough messes repeatedly without wearing down. Antimicrobial-treated bristles resist odor-causing bacteria. The built-in scraper provides extra leverage for stuck-on food, and the brush rinses clean easily without trapping debris.
Pros:
- Dual bristle types for versatility
- Antimicrobial bristle treatment
- Built-in scraper for tough spots
- Dishwasher safe up to 20 times
Cons:
- Long handle may be awkward for small items
- Bristles are quite stiff
Best for: Heavy-duty scrubbing of pots, pans, grills, and outdoor furniture.
OXO Good Grips Soap Dispensing Dish Brush — Best with Soap Dispenser
The OXO Soap Dispensing Brush delivers dish soap at the push of a button while scrubbing, keeping hands cleaner during washing.
A silicone valve button dispenses soap exactly when needed, preventing leaks and waste. Durable nylon bristles scrub effectively while remaining safe for non-stick cookware. The scraper on the backside removes baked-on food easily. Simply unscrew the handle end to refill with dish soap. Replacement brush heads are available when bristles wear out.
Pros:
- Soap dispenses at the push of a button
- Leak-proof silicone valve
- Safe for non-stick surfaces
- Replaceable brush heads available
Cons:
- Soap button can wear over time
- Requires refilling regularly
Best for: Those who want the convenience of built-in soap dispensing.
Scotch-Brite Odor Resist Soap Control Dishwand — Best Standing Design
This upgraded dishwand stands upright for cleaner storage and faster drying while resisting odor buildup between uses.
The upgraded base allows the dishwand to stand upright, keeping bristles off the counter for faster drying and reduced bacterial growth. Two different non-scratch bristle materials provide scrubbing power while remaining safe on delicate surfaces. A push-button dispenses soap precisely, while a leak-free valve keeps soap contained. The built-in scraper handles stuck-on messes.
Pros:
- Stands upright for hygienic storage
- Odor-resistant bristles
- Precise soap dispensing
- Replaceable scrubbing heads
Cons:
- Proprietary refill heads required
- Standing base adds bulk
Best for: Clean freaks who want the most hygienic dishwand storage solution.
OXO Good Grips Deep Clean Brush Set — Best for Detail Cleaning
The OXO Deep Clean Set includes two brushes sized for scrubbing grout, tile, fixtures, and other detailed cleaning tasks.
This two-brush set handles all the hard-to-clean places where dirt builds up. The large brush is angled perfectly for scrubbing grout, shower door tracks, and stove tops, with a thumb pad on the back for maximum scrubbing force. The small brush features a compact bristle head and pointed profile for cleaning around fixtures and thin grout lines.
Pros:
- Two brush sizes for different tasks
- Angled design for grout and crevices
- Thumb pad for applying pressure
- Non-slip comfortable grips
Cons:
- Not intended for dish washing
- Requires hand-scrubbing effort
Best for: Grout cleaning, bathroom fixtures, stovetops, and detailed deep cleaning.
Scotch-Brite Small Utility Brush — Best Palm-Size
The Scotch-Brite Small Utility Brush fits in your palm for scrubbing cookware, tile, grout, and even fingernails.
This compact brush is small enough to fit in your palm yet sturdy enough for tough scrubbing jobs. The antimicrobial-treated bristles resist odor buildup. Despite strong bristles, it cleans without scratching pots, pans, tile, grout, cutting boards, and utensils. The brush easily rinses clean and can be sanitized in the dishwasher up to 20 times.
Pros:
- Palm-size for close control
- Antimicrobial bristle treatment
- Won’t scratch surfaces
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Small size limits coverage area
- No long handle for pots
Best for: Detail scrubbing, tight spaces, cutting boards, and nail cleaning.
Full Circle Tenacious C Cast Iron Brush — Best for Cast Iron
The Full Circle brush features the stiffest bristles available for scrubbing cast iron and carbon steel cookware without soap.
This brush earned top marks from America’s Test Kitchen for its stiff, durable bristles that cut through cooked-on food faster than any other model. Bristles flare outward to reach into corners, and they’re organized in clusters with spaces between for easy rinsing. The rounded bamboo handle is comfortable, and a plastic scraper provides additional leverage for stubborn spots.
Pros:
- Stiffest bristles available
- Flared design reaches corners
- Rinses clean without trapping food
- Sustainable bamboo handle
Cons:
- Too stiff for non-stick cookware
- Handle may be short for larger hands
Best for: Cast iron skillets, carbon steel pans, and tough baked-on messes.
Rubbermaid Reveal Power Scrubber — Best Electric
The Rubbermaid Reveal takes the elbow grease out of scrubbing with a battery-powered oscillating head and interchangeable brushes.
This electric scrubber features an oscillating brush head that does the scrubbing work for you. Four interchangeable brush heads tackle different surfaces from grout to tubs to stovetops. The compact handheld design provides control for detail work, while the cordless operation runs on AA batteries. It works on ceramics, glass, stainless steel, and more without scratching.
Pros:
- Electric oscillation eliminates hand fatigue
- Four brush heads for different tasks
- Compact design for detail work
- Safe on multiple surfaces
Cons:
- Requires batteries
- Not as powerful as larger electric scrubbers
Best for: Those with arthritis, limited grip strength, or anyone wanting easier deep cleaning.
Verdict
The OXO Good Grips Dish Brush is the best scrub brush for most kitchens. Its stiff nylon bristles handle baked-on food effectively while remaining safe for non-stick surfaces, and the built-in scraper adds versatility without switching tools. It’s dishwasher safe for easy sanitizing.
For tough pots and pans, the Scotch-Brite Pot + Pan Brush delivers heavy-duty scrubbing power with antimicrobial protection. And for detail cleaning of grout, fixtures, and crevices, the OXO Deep Clean Brush Set provides the right tools for those hard-to-reach spots.
