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Posted: 2023-07-24T09:45:00Z | Updated: 2023-07-24T09:45:00Z Kitchens Gadgets That Are Lifesavers For People With Dexterity Limitations | HuffPost Life

Kitchens Gadgets That Are Lifesavers For People With Dexterity Limitations

Whether you have arthritis, weak hands or just like simplified solutions, reviewers say these items make cooking easier.
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Amazon
An under-cabinet jar opener , a chopping rocker knife and an electric peeler .

Reduced mobility and limited dexterity shouldn’t stifle your love of cooking or your independence. Sometimes all you need is a helpful and innovative gadget that can make the tasks you do in the kitchen easier (and maybe even a little fun).

We relied on reviews from people who say they have various dexterity limitations caused by arthritis, surgeries and other life events in order to create this selection of ergonomic kitchen tools  that may help others, too. 

Make life a little easier with items like an automatic stirrer , a nonstick meat masher and an angled knife that was designed by an occupational therapist.

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

1
An under-cabinet jar opener
This ergonomic jar opener covertly mounts beneath your cabinet and uses a V-shaped, carbon steel teeth design that grips onto most jar lids and saves your hands and wrists from unnecessary strain.

Promising Amazon review: "I ordered this because I live alone and my hands are weak and arthritic. I am an occupational and certified hand therapist (retired) and was compelled to write a review! This is exactly what I needed to open jars! It was easy to install and ready to use! I put it under my kitchen cabinet. There are screws included that one could use to make it more secure, but I just used the double sided tape also provided and have had no problems whatsoever." Gracie B
2
An electric peeler
The Starfit Rotato Express is a relatively hands-free alternative to fussing with slippery potatoes and flimsy traditional peelers. This electric peeler also works on more than just potatoes. It can be used for foods like apples, mangos, zucchini, carrots and more, and shoots the removed peel into a neat pile that's easy to discard.

Promising Amazon review: "Having severe arthritis in my hands I was no longer able to peel potatoes. This works like a charm! I highly recommend." Amazon customer
3
Williams Sonoma
A rocking garlic crusher
By combining the force of your own weight with its rocking design, this ergonomic tool crushes cloves of garlic without you having to struggle with the squeeze designs of traditional garlic mincers that rely on hand strength. The backless and stainless steel construction make it easy to scoop out the crushed garlic, and it can be thrown in the dishwasher when it comes time for cleanup.

Promising Amazon reviews: "I have always used a Zyliss garlic press and that requires hand strength. Recently I developed thumb tendonitis and I looked for another product. I saw many here on Amazon and decided on this one after watching the Joseph Joseph product video. You can stand over the crusher and push on the garlic with both hands and squash it. You can scoop garlic into the cooking pan, turn the scoop around and push the garlic peel off the back of the crusher. It cleans up easily." KDWade

"We love garlic! I have small hands and arthritis, and it was hard for me to use the traditional garlic press. This is the solution! Highly recommend!" Chrisp
4
An angled ergonomic knife
Designed by an occupational therapist, this adaptive stainless steel and dishwasher-safe knife allows users to safely slice and cut foods one-handed and can reduce the strain placed on fingers and wrists.

Promising Amazon reviews: "This knife greatly reduces pain if one has arthritis in your hands and shoulders. Good quality." Catherine del Pilar

"I purchased this after having issues with my hand. I could not use a regular knife and was spending so much money purchasing pre-cut food. This is a wonderful knife and easy to use. I never put it far away." FLShopper
5
A twist-action citrus juicer
Unlike the traditional hand-held juicers that require a squeezing motion, this innovative gadget by Joseph Joseph uses a unique twisting action that's significantly easier on hands and wrists. Suitable for juicing lemons and limes, this tool is made from a durable stainless steel and is completely dishwasher-safe.

Promising Amazon reviews: "This is by far the most fabulous juicer I have ever used. It is effortless, which is a blessing for my arthritic hands. It is a bit bulky, but it is worth making room for." ankonagirl

"Most juicers require you to use your thumb in order to squeeze the handle...if you have any thumb weakness or pain, that's problematic. This juicer translates the normal single-handed squeezing motion that requires grip strength into a side-to-side action and uses longer lever arms, so that you can push the arms closed using both hands (putting pressure in your palms, where it doesn't hurt)." Gina Norman
6
A one-step pepper corer
Rather than having to wield a tiny paring knife to cut away a pepper's tricky membrane and core, this tool removes it all in one fell-swoop. Compatible with a variety of peppers, it's made with stainless steel and BPA-free plastic and is safe to wash on the top rack of your dishwasher.

Promising Amazon review: "The reason that I like this product is because of its versatility, convenience, and ease of use. The Chef'n QuickCore pepper corer is an amazing tool that makes coring peppers a breeze. It's dishwasher safe, which makes clean-up a breeze. Although you may still have a few random seeds that get stuck, this tool gets the job done effortlessly. It's a great addition to any kitchen arsenal and I recommend it especially if you have hand pain!" Jelirol92
7
An automatic stirrer
Never break a butter sauce again or let a creamy pure go lumpy thanks to this automatic stirrer that continually mixes contents for you, giving your wrist a much-needed break. The stirrer offers a timer function and multiple settings and is available in either a battery-powered or rechargeable option that lasts up to nine hours per charge.

Promising Uncommon Goods review: "Great for those who have arthritis or shaky hands. Also a lifesaver for moms!" Speedy Boo
8
A chopping rocker knife
This dishwasher-safe knife uses an effortless rocking motion to slice, rather than depending on your finger dexterity. It can effectively chop everything from veggies to chocolate pieces to meats to herbs. It's stainless steel, features an easy-to-grip handle and nestles inside a sheath for safety.

Promising Amazon reviews: "Great knife overall! I bought this for my mother who has Parkinson's and can't grip a regular knife! She loves it!" Lisa Ford

"As someone with mobility issues, this knife has been a game changer. It used to take me about 15-20 minutes to cut two onions, now it only takes me about 3-5 minutes. This knife saves so much time prepping ingredients and saves my hands and arms from unnecessary strain. Very pleased with this knife. It's got a super sharp blade, so be careful when you're washing it and remember to slide the cover back on when you put it away. If you're worried about cutting your fingers, you could try putting on some cut resistant gloves." april33453
9
A nonstick mashing tool
If breaking up ground beef in your pan for taco night is wearing your wrist out, let this clever meat-mashing tool do the work for you. It's made of BPA-free and heat-resistant nylon that's also nonstick and dishwasher-safe. The five non-serrated blades are also great for breaking up softer cooked vegetables, making mashed potatoes or shredding chicken breast, and won't damage the bottoms of your pots or pans.

Promising Amazon review: "Love it! Ive had carpal tunnel surgery and this helps break up ground meat much quicker and better than me using a spatula or a fork, for what seems like forever, and resulting in a painfully throbbing hand and wrist. Will be getting a couple more of these!" grachel
10
A 10-in-1 veggie chopper
This BPA-free chopping tool puts and end to the meticulous cutting, prepping and slicing of vegetables thanks to its versatile collection of 10 different attachments, which include everything from a spiralizer to a dicer to a blade that promises not to squish ripe tomatoes.

Promising Amazon review: "I had two strokes. [It's] hard for me to chop and do prep work in the kitchen. This works great! It locks in place and has many blades attachments." Deb
11
A multi-functional jar and can opener
Perfect for opening soda bottles, stubborn jars and cans with pull tabs, this pair of tools helps facilitate a firm grip on objects, even if your hands and wrists aren't up to the tasks. The jar opener features four different-sized slip-resistant rings to work on various sized bottles or jars.

Promising Amazon review: "If you have arthritis or loss of strength, this is the perfect tool. It works on everything from soda bottles to spaghetti sauce lids. I couldn't open anything myself if I didn't have this handy dandy tool in my house. I wish I wouldn't have waited so long to get this. The price is reasonable and worth every penny." Amazon customer
12
An electric can opener
The Kitchen Mama electric opener makes easy work of opening cans and ensures that no blades come in contact with foods or any sharp edges are left behind. It's battery-operated and starts and stops with just one push of a button.

Promising Amazon review: "...I am in my late 70s, in a wheelchair, and dealing with several different forms of painful arthritis. I still cook for myself and my husband and try to do as much 'from scratch' as I can. That means I open cans on a pretty regular basis. My new Kitchen Mama electric can opener arrived today. I think the next sentence says a LOT. I opened the box, removed the can opener, cleaned it with a food safe disinfecting wipe, installed 4 AA batteries, set a standard size can of chickpeas on the counter, set the can opener down on top of the can, pressed the button, and the can open started rotating around the top of the can. THAT'S IT!!! I didn't have to fidget with positioning. I just sat it on top of the lid with the can opening part where I thought it should sit. No sharp edges, no muss, no fuss. I have only opened several different sized cans before writing this review which is why I promised to come back and report if any problems develop. This can opener is a life changer for me in the kitchen." P. Smith (This review was edited for length. Read the full review .)

Before You Go

Miraculous Kitchen Cleaning Products For Messy Cooks
Wine Away(01 of17)
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I remain devoted to my Wine Away . It's the perfect food and drink stain remover, though I've used it on dirt, mud and vomit stains as well. (What can I say? I have an elderly dog.) Sommeliers, bartenders and matre ds have long sworn by this trusty, never-fail wine-spill solution, which I learned firsthand when I worked as a restaurant hostess right out of college. Its one of those cleaning products that works on even the most unexpected messes.

Promising review: "Awesome product! I had an unfortunate accident where a guest knocked over a glass of port wine from an end table which splashed on white window shades, white window sills, white baseboards, taupe-colored painted walls and white with dark beige carpeting. I left it that way for a few days in order to research the best way to hopefully clean it up without negative results... I eventually landed on a source in the UK which spoke specifically about Wine Away Red Wine Stain Remover... I used it today, after days of doing nothing, mostly because I was afraid to make it worse. Lo and behold! I completely cleaned the window sills, the window shades, the baseboards, the walls and the carpeting! You cannot even tell it happened. No stains or color change to the carpet or the walls or the white painted surfaces. Before you try or use anything, buy this. It cannot be beat! I was afraid I might have to hire a professional to clean the carpet and that I might have to completely repaint walls, but no. I cannot recommend this product more highly! You will not be disappointed, I guarantee it." Sharon Hamilton
(credit:Amazon)
Dyson V11 Animal cordless vacuum(02 of17)
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Have you ever spilled an entire bag of rice on your countertops, stove and floor? Because I have, and this vacuum saved the day. The top handle portion of the vacuum can detach and be used as a little handheld Dustbuster-style vac, making it ideal for cleaning up kitchen messes.

Everything about the Animal line of Dyson cordless stick vacs is designed to make life with pets easier and home care more manageable, though as my story above demonstrates, you don't necessarily need to have a pet to enjoy the benefits. I can't live without my V11 Animal; it has incredibly powerful suction and is even engineered to capture tiny particles like allergens and bacteria. A single charge of the V11 Animal can last up to an hour, which frankly makes it a pleasure to use. It's lightweight, easy to maneuver and leaves my floors even my kitchen floors squeaky clean.

Promising review: "I vacuumed around the kitchen/living area first. my dad had me order him one right after we both saw how much hair/dirt we got out of the carpet and couch in just one vacuum session! He would never spend this much on a product but he said 'it sucks better than a Im not going to finish the rest. Just buy it!! Lol' Meghan
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The Pink Stuff cleaning paste(03 of17)
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There's nothing this cleaning paste can't tackle, from food stains and more. Check out this TikTok in which BuzzFeed Shopping writer Britt Ross uses The Pink Stuff on a dirty sheet pan, pair of white sneakers, and her toaster oven. Spoiler: The results are seriously impressive. And for another testimonial, check out this TikTok in which it's used on the bottom of a burn-stained saucepan! Save your cookware and spare yourself the headache with a jar of this miracle worker.

Promising review: "Got this because TikTok made me do it. I put a smear on a hair dye stain in my shower from six months ago. Thought Id have to let it sit for a while so I rubbed it in with a Scrub Daddy and was ready to let it sit, but it was already gone. Blew my mind. Removed rust stains in the toilet and hard water marks from the tank instantly. Goodbye other cleaners." L. Seitz
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Swedish dishcloths(04 of17)
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I love using Swedish dishcloths instead of paper towels. These particular packs from Swedish Wholesale include 10 dishcloths and are available in eight different colors or an assorted color pack if you prefer a bit of variety. Swedish dishcloths are washing machine-safe, but they also hold up great in the dishwasher. When the cloths have run their course, simply add them to the compost bin. I bought a 10-pack and found that at most, I go through one cloth a month. (Serious cleaning fanatics might go through two.) That means that Ive used 10 compostable dishcloths in the same amount of time I would have used approximately 24 paper towel rolls. Best of all, theyre super multifunctional. I primarily use them to wipe down counters and kitchen appliances, but theyre also great for drying dishes and are safe to use on a variety of surfaces, from marble and tile to stainless steel and wood surfaces.

Promising review: Excellent! Love these! Much better than all-cotton dishcloths because they are VERY absorbent, yet easy to wring out completely (and I mean completely!) after use; when using them to wash dishes, things like jar garlic seeds, tomato seeds, etc., are easily rinsed out, unlike all-cotton cloths; and because you can wring them out completely, they work really well to dry the sink after washing dishes, clean counters off, etc. And as advertised, they dont stink! Today I threw several of them in the washing machine and hung them up to air dry, but discovered too late that Id put one in the dryer. It shrank by at least an inch all around. My husband said, Maybe if you run water on it, it will get big again! He was joking, but it DID return to its normal size when I ran water over it! So, they can be put in the dryer if you want! VERY happy with this purchase, and highly recommend these. JTD
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Bar Keeper's Friend(05 of17)
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You can use this soft cleanser just about anywhere in your home, but it works wonders in the kitchen. It can remove old food stains, clean your oven and stovetop, clean metal cookware and remove, tarnish, soap scum, rust and hard water deposits with ease.

Promising review: "Bar Keepers Friend should really be called 'Homeowner's Magician'! I purchased this cleanser in an attempt to revive our stainless steel knife set, which is a great moderately-priced set that has seen better days, and I'm extremely happy that I did. The cleanser not only took away the rust spots with minimal difficulty, but it returned them to their original luster! After cleaning our knives, I gave it a shot on our porcelain sink, which I typically have to douse in bleach cleaner to remove the stains from, causing the entire kitchen to be filled with noxious fumes... and it worked beautifully! The stains came clean, and it made the sink look pretty enough to eat off of." Kat Ferrari
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A 12-pack of steel wool pads(06 of17)
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What can't steel wool do? These bad boys are a beast in the cleaning arsenal, and can be used to clean, polish, buff and refinish all sorts of surfaces, from cast iron cookware to copper, brass, wood and leather. These pads are made with high-quality, fine-grade metal strands with gentle abrasiveness.

Promising review: "Gentle. Doesnt scratch my stainless steel sink. Works well with cleaning products. Will order again." DeeDoll
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The Ringer original stainless steel cast iron cleaner(07 of17)
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Anytime I use my cast iron pan or skillet, we enter into a battle of wills. I have yet to ever cook in these dishes without nearly harming them or driving myself to the brink in an attempt to clean them properly. This stainless steel cleaner has been an absolute lifesaver. It scrubs off any food residue without damaging the pan or skillet, is easy to clean and can be stored without taking up much space. It's a must in any kitchen with cast iron cookware. Just run it through in the dishwasher after use.

Promising review: "Best thing yet for cast iron. I wish that I had discovered this years ago. So much easier cleaning the crud from my cast iron frying pan than the copper scrubbers that I had been using. Furthermore, it is easy to clean once the job is done, just run hot water over it and hang to dry." James A Dockal
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Oven liners(08 of17)
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I first heard about these oven liners from my mother, who, after seeing the condition of my oven, insisted on sending me a pack. These reusable liners are easy to cut fit the bottom of your oven or microwave, and are made of non-stick, dip-coated fiberglass fabric with a Teflon coating. They can be used in temps up to 500 degrees and are a breeze to clean. You can even use one to line a pan or baking mat, and I've seen my mom put it down on the counter before rolling out baking dough. It's an easy and convenient way to keep your kitchen from getting crusty.

Promising review: "They are fantastic and fit perfectly in my oven. Best oven product on the market. Spills wipe up easily and no more cleaning of oven!!" Joyce Puskar
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Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds biodegradable cleaner(09 of17)
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I love an all-purpose cleaner, and this biodegradable option from Dr. Bronner's is as effective at cleaning even the toughest messes as it is gentle on your skin and the environment. It's made with plant-based surfactants that suds up beautifully, cleaning grease, dirt and much more with ease. You can dilute it or use it as is on everything from floors and dishes to furniture, cars and laundry.

Promising reviews: "Catch-all cleaner fruit, laundry, dishes. Highly concentrated, safe cleaner with a light, pleasant, balsam-like smell. Suds up well and leaves laundry clean, great for cleaning anything. I throw some essential oils into a water mixture with this for floors or kitchen surfaces." Zum
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Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day multi-surface everyday cleaner(10 of17)
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You can't go wrong with classic Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day. The geranium fragrance smells like home and gives your place a vibrant, comforting scent. More importantly, it's an effective multi-surface cleaner that can be used for even the most abhorrent spills and won't damage your countertops or floors.

Promising review: "Works hard and smells great! LOVE Mrs Meyer's products! Geranium is my favorite scent - but the product is more than just a smell-good! It really cleans! The scent doesn't linger so your kitchen won't feel like a perfume counter when you are done - it is fresh and light." Elizabeth Baker
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A broom and dustpan set(11 of17)
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Just last week I dropped and broke an entire pepper shaker, sending peppercorns flying throughout the entire kitchen. This handy broom and dustpan set saved the day, and within minutes it was like nothing had ever occurred. It's available in four different colors and doesn't require any awkward bending or maneuvering. The dustpan has teeth to get hair and debris off the broom bristles, which are made of high-quality, soft yet strong material. Best of all, they lock together for easy storage.

Promising review: "Great product. The combination dust pan and broom is perfect. They are compact, the broom has strong but flexible bristles, the dustpan opens and closes easily. In short, it us EXACTLY what I wanted. I couldn't be happier." Rene' B
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An oven cleaning kit at Etsy(12 of17)
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This cleaning kit from Etsy seller Everneat is much more versatile and effective than you might think at first glance. It's made with plant-based ingredients, pumice powder, probiotics and essential oils that leave ovens, sinks and more gleaming. It can be used on everything from oven walls to oven doors, glass, racks, stovetop burners, stainless steel and cast iron cookware, toaster ovens, air fryers, porcelain sinks, toilet bowls and even grout. It includes a surface cleaner, oven scrub and a metallic scrubber.

Promising review: "I was somewhat skeptical and had this in my cart for a while because I didnt want to spend the money on oven cleaner but this is totally worth it. I should had taken a before and after picture. I bought my oven on 2018 and never cleaned it. This stuff took off all the caked on grease and gunk and it looks brand new!" Sheyla Gonzalez
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Mr. Clean Magic Eraser(13 of17)
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With only a little scrubbing, you can say goodbye to any annoying marks that have been left on the walls, floors, countertops and more for eternity. There's nothing these can't get out, including ancient food stains and more.

Promising review: "This is as magical as unicorns! Buy NOW! I use it everywhere walls, baseboards, mirrors, window panes, cupboards, floors, lamps, glass and faucets everything looks brand new. Just got red hair dye that had been there for over a year off the wall in a minute. Made shower glass look brand-new after five years of hard water stains. This is the cleaning magic wand youve always wanted." Michela
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Microfiber cleaning cloths(14 of17)
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My partner can't live without her microfiber cleaning cloths. They're ideal for surface cleaning and can catch and clear even the ickiest of kitchen disasters. They're reusable and eco-friendly, are machine-washable and made with premium microfiber fabric that is streak-free and professional-grade. Get them in packs of two, six, 12, 24 or 48.

Promising review: "Excellent quality and exactly what we needed for our kitchen and the camper! Will definitely order again if we need more." Jessica Stubbs
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A four-pack of Lysol disinfecting wipes(15 of17)
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Anytime you're cooking with ingredients that can cause cross-contamination, like chicken or eggs, you're going to want to go the extra step when it comes to cleaning. Lysol's popular disinfecting wipes are an absolute game-changer. Not only do they kill a vast majority of viruses and bacteria, but they are also stronger than paper towels. Stock up with this four-pack and don't worry about it again for quite a while.

Promising review: "I have been a Lysol fan for many many years but then the pandemic came along and I fell in love all over again because I knew my trusted cleaner would kill everything and help keep us healthy. I travel with this brand and use it everywhere on everything. No matter how clean anything looks, with this I know it is clean." Angela Stone
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Folex carpet cleaner(16 of17)
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Save your rugs whether they be in the kitchen, under the dining table or beyond with this little wonder. A bottle of Folex spot remover will make even the toughest of stains disappear from furniture, carpets and other fabric surfaces. This includes wine stains, pet accidents, lipstick smeared into furniture and more. It truly can make all sorts of horrific stains disappear quickly, and there's no rinsing or vacuuming involved. To use, apply to the stain, gently agitate with your fingers and blot with an absorbent cloth. It is non-toxic and won't irritate the skin.

Promising review: "I had terrible rust and oil stains all over the seats of my car when I bought it. I tried other cleaners to get it out, but they actually made the stains darker. I took it to the dealership to see if they could get it out and they flat out told me no, so I gave up and lived with it for almost five years. I tried this after it was recommended by a friend. I sprayed it on and literally watched the stain run right off my seat. It was amazing! I thought I was going to have to pay hundreds of dollars to replace the seats in my car because nothing else would work. This stuff really is awesome!" Brittany
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A three-pack of Scrub Daddy sponges(17 of17)
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Scrub Daddys are everywhere and heavily trusted, plus they come in fun colors. They stay firm in colder water for heavy-duty scrubbing and soften when exposed to warm water. You can even use them on stainless steel and cast iron, as they are scratch-free. Clean up after yourself without having to break a sweat thanks to these effective little dudes.

Promising review: "Simply fantastic. I first ordered Scrub Daddy and Scrub Mommy from QVC. I was completely impressed. Most sponges are simply gross after you use them one or two times. I had gotten in the habit of buying them from the dollar store and just throwing them out every week but what a waste. Scrub Daddy is fantastic and very long lasting. They rarely get food stains on them and if they do you can PUT THEM IN THE DISHWASHER! Never had a sponge you could do this with. They come out clean and sanitized. I also love the Scrub Mommy but I am moving out of a place I've lived 10 years and I need scrubbing power. HIGHLY recommend these." Molly S.
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