Is Your Scrub Daddy Sponge A Dirty Fake? Here's How You Can Tell

The mere idea of counterfeit Scrub Daddies may seem absurd, but apparently, that's the world we live in now. Some prefer this smiley cleaning product to traditional sponges because its grittiness allows you to get rid of stuck-on food, and even safely clean knives without getting shredded. However, in recent years, buyers of Scrub Daddies have sometimes found that the product they intended to rely on for clean dishes has turned out to be a fake. In particular, this was the case for those who bought multipacks of the circular scrubber online.

In 2024, Redditor u/General_Ignoranse reported that they purchased a product that appeared legitimate on Amazon, featuring positive reviews and sponsored messages. Then, when they tried to use the scrubbers, they deteriorated quickly, falling apart and crumbling with even slight rubbing. This individual was not alone in their experience, with another person in Maine finding fake Scrub Daddies on the shelves of their local store. Similar to the online-bought ones, their scrubbers disintegrated easily. These products were later found to be counterfeits.

You may think there can't possibly be that much of a difference, considering that most sponges are meant to clean dirty dishes. However, Scrub Daddy prides itself on creating scrubbers, not sponges, with material that makes them long-lasting and effective in vigorous cleaning. Conterifits don't have that scouring strength, though, and using them is a mistake that can leave your dishes pretty nasty. They have a lifespan of at least two weeks, with some people relying on a single Scrub Daddy for a year or more, so it's smart to ensure you're getting the real deal.

Sometimes, the difference between legit and fake Scrub Daddies will be obvious. If you open your online-bought scrubber only to find that the brand name is missing from the orange box, then you're about to be severely disappointed. One TikTok user suggests checking for spelling errors in other parts of the packaging, such as the count or instructions. You should also thoroughly read the product and seller reviews if you're purchasing it online. For those of you buying your Scrub Daddy at a grocery or drug store, however, it can be a bit trickier. 

If you're picking up a Scrub Daddy at your local shop, the difference is going to come down to printing quality and texture. Scrub Daddies are abrasive and scratchy, unless warmed. They are not designed to absorb large amounts of water and are instead intended for scouring. A fake one will feel softer even without warm water, more like a traditional sponge. Counterfeit labels may appear blurry or have odd outlines to the letters. The real packaging also features a bright color called 804 orange, which is more vibrant than false products.

If you're wondering how to know if it's time to toss your sponge, counterfeit Scrub Daddies will let you know in no uncertain terms. The most obvious sign of a fake is that it will begin to disintegrate in just soap and water. If it does, reach out to Scrub Daddy corporate, and they will likely replace the product. Keep in mind that Scrub Daddy has raided and taken down several counterfeiters, so they're fighting the good fight in sussing out fakers.