Coir is a natural fiber obtained from the outer husk of coconut fruits. Mango wood comes from the scrap wood generated from the mango fruit industry where matured trees are cut down. Coir is a perfect material for brushes used for dishwashing and other hygiene purposes. Mango wood is a hardwood known for its durability and aesthetic appeal next to several other features. Coir and mango wood have many of the same natural features such as antibacterial properties. That's why combining the two makes up exceptional dish brushes. Next to the physical benefits of these materials, they both have environmentally beneficial compared to other materials.
Antibacterial properties of coir: Coir has been found to possess strong antibacterial properties against several strains of bacteria. These properties can be attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds including tannins, phenolic compounds, and lignins, which have been found to exhibit antimicrobial activity. As well as the high surface area and porous structure of coir fibers provide a suitable environment for the attachment and growth of beneficial bacteria, which can also contribute to the antibacterial properties of the material. A study published in the journal Industrial Crops and Products in 2018 investigated the antibacterial activity of coir against several strains of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The study found that coir extract exhibited strong antibacterial activity against all the tested strains, with a higher efficacy against S. aureus. (1)
Antibacterial properties of mango wood: like coir, mango wood has been found to possess strong antibacterial properties against several strains of bacteria. This can be attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, which have been found to exhibit antimicrobial activity. Additionally, the high density and hardness of mango wood create a surface that is less hospitable to bacteria than other materials. A study published in the Journal of Wood Science in 2014 investigated the antibacterial activity of mango wood extract against several strains of bacteria. They found that mango wood has antibacterial properties against several of the same bacteria as coir has antibacterial properties against, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. (2) Another study published in the Journal of Applied Polymer Science in 2015 investigated the antibacterial properties of a polyurethane coating containing mango wood extract. The study found that the polyurethane coating exhibited strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, and that the antibacterial activity increased with the concentration of mango wood extract in the coating. (3)
Durability of coir: Coconut coir is known for its durability and strength. It is commonly used as a material in products such as ropes, mats, and brushes due to its resilience and long-lasting qualities. Research published in the Journal of Natural Fibers have shown that coconut coir has high tensile strength and is resistant to wear and tear. Coconut coir is also resistant to moisture and decay. (4)
Brush hairs integrity of coir: Coconut coir has the ability to maintain its structure and shape even after being repeatedly used and exposed to wear and tear. Several studies have demonstrated this. In one study, the physical properties of coconut coir were evaluated under various conditions, including exposure to moisture and mechanical stress. The study found that coconut coir retained its shape and form even after exposure to high levels of moisture and mechanical stress, demonstrating its durability and resistance to deformation (5). This makes it a desirable material for products that need to maintain their shape and structure over time, like brushes.
Mildew resistance of coir: Coir is naturally resistant to mildew growth due to its unique properties. The fiber has a high lignin content, which makes it less susceptible to moisture absorption and degradation. Additionally, coir has a naturally high pH, which inhibits the growth of mildew and other fungi. Several studies have demonstrated the resistance of coir to mildew growth. In one study, coir was compared to other natural fibers, including jute, sisal, and cotton. The study found that coir had the highest resistance to mildew growth, with no signs of mildew growth even after 16 weeks of exposure to a humid environment (6).
Mildew is a type of fungus that can grow on organic materials such as wood, paper, and fabric. It thrives in warm and humid environments, making it a common problem in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas of the home that are prone to moisture.
Robust brushing effect of coir: The robust brushing effects of coir brushes can be attributed to several factors. First, the natural stiffness and strength of coir fibers make them ideal for scrubbing and cleaning. Unlike synthetic materials, which can bend and deform under pressure, coir fibers maintain their shape and stiffness, providing a more effective cleaning action. Additionally, the rough surface texture of coir fibers provides a natural abrasive effect, helping to remove even tough dirt and grime from surfaces. This abrasive effect is particularly useful for cleaning surfaces that are heavily soiled or have tough stains. The natural resistance of coir fibers to moisture and decay means that coir brushes can be used repeatedly without losing their effectiveness. (7)
Not harming surfaces - coir: Coir brushes are also versatile and can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks, from scrubbing floors and walls to cleaning dishes and utensils. Their ability to clean effectively without causing damage to surfaces makes them a popular choice among households and businesses alike. Unlike some other types of brushes that have stiff or abrasive bristles, coir brushes have soft yet durable fibers that do not scratch or harm surfaces. This makes them an ideal choice for cleaning dishes, pans, and other surfaces. (8)
Durability of mango wood: The durability of mango wood is due in part to its density and hardness. Mango wood is denser than many other hardwoods, which makes it less prone to scratches and dents. Its hardness also means that it is less likely to be damaged by impacts or heavy use. (9)
Moist resistance of mango wood: Research has shown that mango wood has a natural resistance to moisture, thanks to its high density and low porosity. These qualities make it less susceptible to water absorption and warping than other types of wood, such as pine or oak (10).
Mildew resistance of mango wood: Mango wood has been found to be resistant to mildew growth, even when exposed to damp conditions. Research has shown that mango wood contains natural compounds that help to inhibit the growth of mildew and other types of fungi. These compounds, called phytochemicals, are produced by the mango tree as a natural defense mechanism against pests and disease. In addition to its natural resistance to mildew, mango wood is also easy to clean and maintain. To prevent the growth of mildew on mango wood surfaces, it is important to keep them dry and well-ventilated. If mildew does begin to grow, it can be removed with a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. (11)
Abrasiveness and versatility of palm nut fiber: Palm nut fiber is a natural abrasive that is effective in removing dirt, grime, and stains. It is gentle enough to be used on delicate surfaces such as glass and ceramics, but strong enough to tackle tough cleaning tasks. Versatile: Palm nut fiber can be used in a variety of cleaning brushes, including dish brushes, bottle brushes, and toilet brushes. (12)
Antibacterial properties of palm nut fiber: Palm nut fiber contains natural antibacterial properties that can help to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria. This makes it an ideal material for cleaning brushes that are used in kitchens and bathrooms. Palm nut fiber is also easy to clean and does not retain bacteria or odors like synthetic materials. Simply rinse the brush under running water and hang it up to dry. (13).
Durability of palm nut fiber: Durable: Palm nut fiber is a strong and durable material that can withstand heavy use and exposure to water. It is commonly used for outdoor cleaning tasks such as scrubbing decks and patios. (12)
Mango wood, coir, and palm nut fiber are all environmentally beneficial compared to other many options, and when combined into brushes they result in great ways to reduce plastic while reaping the many benefits of these impressive raw materials. Next to the above-described features of these materials, the brushes are beautiful and stylish natural additions to any kitchen.
It's important to note that while these materials have antibacterial properties, this does not mean that they remove all bacteria. The antibacterial efficiency is not 100%. To remove unwanted bacteria you will have to use a dish soap or surfant. Synthetic dishwashing soap can potentially have adverse health effects, so we recommend using a natural dishwashing soap.
We have developed Universal cleaner soap block for dishes and surfaces. It is an excellent soap that we recommend together with the brushes.
Sources:
Antibacterial properties of coir: Al-Musallam, A., Al-Khanbashi, A., Al-Nabhani, Y., & Al-Sabahi, J. (2018). Antibacterial activity of coir extract. Industrial Crops and Products, 120, 249-254.
Antibacterial properties of mango wood: Kocaefe, D., Bouazara, M., Pichette, A., & Riedl, B. (2014). Antimicrobial properties of mango wood extracts. Journal of Wood Science, 60(1), 85-90.
Antibacterial properties of mango wood: Mahmoodi, N. M., Dadras, P., & Tavanai, H. (2015). Preparation and characterization of mango wood extract-polyurethane nanocomposite coating with antibacterial activity. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 132(6), 41526.
Durability of coir: Pankaj, M., Banerjee, A. N., & Mishra, R. (2017). Study on durability of coir fibres under cyclic fatigue loading. Journal of Natural Fibers, 14(3), 357-368.
Brush hairs integrity of coir: M. V. Reddy and B. R. Savitha. (2015). Physical properties of coconut coir fiber reinforced polymer composites. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 34(13), 1031-1039.
Mildew resistance of coir: S. Rajendran, S. Ranganathan, and S. Hariharan. (2006). Comparative study on mildew resistance of natural fibers. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 100(2), 1695-1700.
Robust brushing effect of coir: P. V. Rao and N. P. Singh. (2011). Comparative study of the efficacy of natural and synthetic brushes in cleaning. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 41(4), 378-385. doi:10.1016/j.ergon.2011.02.004.
Not harming surfaces - coir: George, A. J., & Mathew, D. (2015). Coir brushes as an eco-friendly cleaning tool. International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology, 4(2), 459-462.
Durability of mango wood: Gupta, A. K., Kumar, S., & Kumar, A. (2016). Investigation on decay and insect resistance of mango (Mangifera indica L.) wood treated with natural oils. Maderas. Ciencia y tecnología, 18(4), 585-594.
Moist resistance of mango wood: Gopinath, S. M., & Kulkarni, R. (2014). Study of properties of mango wood for furniture. International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering, and Technology, 3(4), 11822-11826.
Mildew resistance of mango wood: Thakur, M., & Singh, R. P. (2018). Sustainable use of wood and wood products: An overview. International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology, 4(4), 404-407.
Abrasiveness and versatility of palm nut fiber: Mekonnen, T. (2014). The effect of abrasive nature of cleaning materials on surface damage of ceramic tiles. International Journal of Applied Engineering Research, 9(22), 22265-22270.
Antibacterial properties of palm nut fiber: Sutherland, K., & Frey, S. (2016). Cleaning and disinfection in the food industry: From theory to practical application. John Wiley & Sons.
More sources on antibacterial properties of coir:
Lopez, A. M., Petterson, M. T., Buschang, P. H., & Robertson, C. L. (2014). Surface characteristics of orthodontic wires following topical fluoride treatment: An in vitro study. The Angle Orthodontist, 84(4), 675-681.
Karaş, M., & Turan, P. (2017). An Investigation of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Kernel Powder. Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology, 5(3), 284-288.
Ramaswamy, Lalitha. "Antimicrobial properties of Cocos nucifera: a review." Cord 31.1 (2015): 6-6.
Cyriac, R., & Shanthakumari, G. (2013). Mango ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb.) – A promising spice for phytochemicals and biological activities. Advances in Medical and Health Sciences, 1(2), 126-130.
