Body Brushes
Which dry brush is best for me?
We have a range of body brushes that differ in size and bristle firmness, if you are unsure which brush is the best fit for you then ask yourself a few questions
- Is my skin sensitive/delicate?
If your skin suffers from infection, irritation or inflammation then dry brushing is not recommended for you
If you want to brush the delicate areas of your face, décolletage or bikini line then choose a soft brush made from jute fibre – the soft, jute Face Brush is made for just this reason
If you are new to dry brushing, have aging or sensitive skin then start with the Princess Brush or soft Spa brush, the soft jute fibres are gentle enough not to irritate delicate skin - Can I use my brush in the shower as well as for dry brushing?
If you want to be able to use your body brush both wet or dry then choose one of our sisal brushes with a wooden handle, these brushes will dry more efficiently after use in the shower, remember to allow your brush to dry completely after wet use. Our best wet/dry brushes are Pink, Black and Natural Spa Body Brushes, Palm Body brush, Travel brush, Long-handled Back brush, Back Brush with Cotton Cords and Shower Puffs - I have difficulty reaching my back or toes?
For maximum reach the long handled back brush will help you brush all those tricky areas and can be used both wet or dry, likewise the back brush with cotton strings offers an amazing back, bottom, back of legs and feet scrub. - I just want to dive right in and use the best brush available?
Choose one of our Spa firm Body Brushes, made from sisal these brushes offer a firm bristle that is never harsh or abrasive on your skin.
What is the best technique for dry body brushing?
Slowly and gently! Start by brushing your feet in an upwards direction with gentle strokes both the top and underneath, keep moving up the body brushing towards your lymph nodes which are located behind your knees, in your groin, under your armpits and in your neck below your ears. The aim is to stimulate your lymph fluid towards the nodes which act to filter out harmful substances and waste products, the filtered fluid is then returned to your blood stream.
For a more detailed how to guide to dry brushing read our story or watch how it is done
Is Dry brushing good for your face?
Dry brushing is a great natural exfoliator for your face and decolletage (neck and chest), but as the skin in these areas is more delicate (yes, including the chest, which has thinner skin and contains fewer oil glands than the rest of your body) you need to change your technique accordingly. Choose a gentle, jute fibre brush and we recommend only dry brushing your face, neck and chest 2-3 times a week. Start with clean, dry skin and using gentle sweeping strokes work from the centre outwards and down, continuing down your neck with gentle strokes.
An added benefit of dry face brushing is that it will also gently brush away any makeup residue left after cleansing.
When is the best time to dry body brush?
The best time is before you bathe. Dry body brushing removes the dead cells from your skin and cleans the dirt from your pores, it is a good idea to shower afterwards to wash away any loose skin and dirt.
Many people like to dry body brush in the morning as they feel it energizes them for the day ahead. However dry body brushing can also work to de-stress at the end of the day. The gentle pressure of brushing has a calming effect and the increase in blood flow and stimulation of the nervous system has an energising effect, it works both ways, so find what suits you.
How often should I dry body brush?
2-3 times a week is great, every day is better, but realistically it is about what works for you. Make sure your brush is placed in an accessible location and try to make it a part of your routine, start with a minute at first and build up slowly. Remember it is not a chore but an act of self care.
Can I use my brush in the shower?
Some of our body brushes are suitable for both wet and dry use, these include the Palm Body Brush, Travel Body Brush, Foot Brush and both the Back Brush with Long Handle and with Cotton Cords. These brushes are designed to be used in the shower/bath, however ensure after use, excess water is shaken off and your brush is stored in a well-ventilated area to dry. Our remaining body brushes are for dry use only due to the design and fibres used they retain moisture readily and are more susceptible to mould.
Do I need to wash my dry body brush?
Every time you use your brush you are removing dead skin cells and ingrained dirt from your skin, over time these will build up in your brush fibres. It is therefore important to wash your brush regularly to remove build-up to ensure your brush remains fresh and clean.
How do I care for my dry body brush?
Wash your brush with a mild anti-bacterial soap every two weeks and hang on the line in the sun to dry completely before use. In between washes you can spray your brush with our Eco Max Turmeric Spritzer. Turmeric is naturally anti-fungal and anti-bacterial and will keep your brush clean and smelling fresh.
What are the benefits of dry body brushing?
Dry body brushing is a completely natural and inexpensive way to promote soft and healthy skin, it has a whole range of health benefits with the 5 key benefits outlined below:
- Dry Body Brushing opens the pores and removes dead skin cells acting as a natural exfoliant. Some exfoliating products strip your skin of moisture whereas dry body brushing actually stimulates your skin’s natural oils to reduce dryness.
- The movement of the brush during Dry Body Brushing stimulates cell renewal giving your skin a healthy glow all year round.
- Dry Body Brushing stimulates the circulatory system increasing blood flow while also supporting your lymphatic system to help detoxify the body, this allows your body to rid itself of toxins and your skin to absorb nutrients. This is a very important benefit as your skin is the last part of your body to absorb nutrients and the first to show signs of imbalance and deficiency.
- Dry Body Brushing reduces Keratosis Pilaris which are the bumps on the backs of your arms and generally makes your skin feel smoother.
- Dry Body Brushing is great for stress relief, the gentle pressure has a calming effect and the increase in blood flow and stimulation of the nervous system has an energising effect, which make you feel good.
So the benefits of Body Brushing go beyond nice skin, it is an invigorating experience with immediate effects.
Kitchen Brushes
How long will my ECOMAX Kitchen Brushes last?
A LONG TIME! Our conservative estimate is that your Kitchen Scrubber used every day will keep going strong for 6 months or more. Some customers tell us they have used them for up to a year. Mine lasts me about 8 months before I then relegate it to cleaning the BBQ, how long does yours last?
Will my kitchen brush scratch my pots & pans and kitchen utensils?
NO Our natural fibre brushes will not scratch. Coconut fibres are highly recommended for stainless steel, enamelware and cast iron. Unlike the green nylon scourer, our ECOMAX Kitchen Scrubber will not leave fine scratches on enamelware or take the patina from your cast iron. If you use non-stick pans we have a softer sisal Non-stick Pan brush which will protect the soft non-stick surface of your pan yet provide a little more scrub than a cloth. More info?
Will my dish brush get smelly?
NO Coconut fibre is anti-bacterial and resistant to fungus and mould, so will not produce any odours. We recommend placing your brush in a position to allow draining when not in use.
Will my brush get greasy?
NO Coconut fibre has the ability to absorb the grease and oils from your dirty dishes, pots and pans, rather than congealing on the surface, thus avoiding transfer of grease to other dishes as you wash up. The oil is then rinsed out in the warm water of your sink as you wash up, meaning your ECOMAX brush never feels greasy or is smelly. More info?
Product Care Guide
How to care for and clean body brushes
It is beneficial to remember that your brush is made from natural fibres and much like your cotton bath towel you need to treat it well to prolong its life and stop it developing mildew.
As your brush will accumulate the dead skin cells from daily dry body brushing, spray after each use with our ECOMAX Turmeric cleansing brush spritzer to keep the bristles bacteria free and wash in warm water regularly with an antibacterial soap, shake out excess water and hang brush to dry in the sun.
Never leave your brush soaking in water or in a damp environment.
How to care for and clean Kitchen brushes?
Coconut fibre has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties and the twisted design of the fibres enables debris to be easily rinsed from the brush. Rinse brush well after each use and place brush in a well-ventilated space where it can drain freely.
Giving your brush a regular sunbath on the window sill or outside will allow it to dry well and make use of the suns natural disinfecting ability. Or pop your brush in the dishwasher to clean and refresh (only if it doesn’t have a wooden handle).
Can my Kitchen Brushes go in the dishwasher?
If your brush doesn’t have a wooden handle then yes throw it straight in the dish washer! Your kitchen loofah sponges can also go in the dishwasher.
If your brush does have a wooden handle then best to stay clear of the dish washer as the high heat will dry out the wood and lead to warping and cracking, the sun is your best friend in this case, allow your brushes to drain after use in a well-ventilated area.
How to care for and clean loofah sponges?
Natural loofahs need some love to keep them in tip top condition. Always give them a rinse after each use and squeeze out any excess water. Allow them to dry out between uses by keeping them in a well-ventilated area with lots of sunlight. They’re washing machine and Dishwasher safe. So once a week, pop them in the washing machine in a delicates bag, or put through the dishwasher and line dry in the sun.
Can my loofah go in the washing machine?
For a deep clean pop your loofah in a delicates bag and throw it in the washing machine then line dry in the sun.
How to care for and clean Hemp
Hemp is a natural fibre and much like your cotton bath towel you need to treat it well to prolong its life and stop it developing mildew. So wash weekly in cold water and line dry to keep your hemp product clean.
Planet Loving Credentials
Is my ECOMAX brush biodegradable?
YES ECOMAX brushes will biodegrade with only a small piece of galvanised wire to put in your recycling. ECOMAX Brushes only use natural vegetable fibres which are all biodegradable. More info?
Can I put my brush in the compost bin?
YES All our ECOMAX brushes are biodegradable. You can throw them straight in your compost. The natural vegetable fibres and cotton cord will break down quickly, leaving the galvanised wire which can be recycled. The wooden handle will take longer to breakdown in your compost like thicker sticks, but it will break-down over time.
Do I have to take the wire out of the brush before I put it in my compost bin?
NO The micro-organisms in your compost bin will eat the vegetable fibre from the wire, they are very efficient at it and love coconut fibre. When you spread your compost you can take out the piece of wire that is left and put it in your recycling bin.
How does my ECOMAX brush biodegrade?
MICROORGANISMS EAT IT! Throw your coconut fibre brush in the compost bin and the microorganisms will get busy digesting the cellulose in the natural fibres leaving you with lovely mulch for your garden. The ECOMAX Kitchen Scrubber takes about 4 months to breakdown leaving a small piece of wire to put into your recycling bin when you spread your compost. The wooden handles will take longer, but like any organic material they will breakdown.
Who made my brush?
Our brushes are handmade in Sri Lanka by a small family run company that employs mainly local women. All the women receive training and are paid above award wages for their work while following the 10 Fair Trade principles. As a result, they can now afford to keep their children in school, helping lift entire generations out of poverty. More info?
I love this question and it is one we should all ask about every product we buy!
Is ECOMAX a Fair Trade Business?
YES ECOMAX is a Fair Trader endorsed by the Fair Trade Association of Australia as having Fair Trade at the core of everything we do. As a Fair Trader we follow the 10 principles of fair trade with both our partners in Sri Lanka and the people we work with and employ here in Australia. Our endorsement by the Fair Trade Association of Australia means you can be assured that our supply chain is ethical and abides by the Fair trade principles. More info?
Are ECOMAX Brushes Vegan?
YES Our ECOMAX Brushes are certified Vegan and proudly display the internationally recognised Vegan Society trademark. You can be assured that all our brushes use natural plant fibre bristles and have no animal fibres or hidden ingredients, including in the glues and sealants. Many brushes advertised as natural will use goat, boar or horse hair for their bristles, always check to see what material brushes are made from, don’t assume natural means made from plants. More info?
Is the wood used on ECOMAX Brushes ethically sourced?
Yes All of the timber used in our ECOMAX Brushes is sourced ethically. Our Rubberwood comes from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified plantations, where the trees are only cut down for timber when they have stopped producing rubber. The Alstonia timber is a fast-growing plantation wood that is used for building in Sri Lanka and where possible we use off-cuts from this industry. More info?
Are ECOMAX Brushes chemically treated?
NO, we do not apply any chemical treatments to our brushes to inhibit moulding, bacteria or bugs. We are not required to chemically spray or eradiate our items when importing into Australia as our products are classified as Highly Manufactured items by Australian quarantine (AQIS). Coconut fibre is naturally anti-fungal and antibacterial so it will never get mouldy. No chemicals have been added to the natural fibres unlike many sponges and the green nylon scourer which have chemicals added to them to inhibit moulding. More info?
How do you colour your brushes?
We use reactive dyes (or low-impact dyes) for our coloured brushes (pink, black + blue), these dyes contain no heavy metals or azo’s and are the most sustainable option available to us currently. Our dyes are certified with the highest independent textile compliance standard of Zero Discharge Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC), bluesign® and permitted and certified safe to use under Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
Brushes that contain coloured fibre: Spa Pink, Spa Black, Spa Puff Pink, Spa Puff Black, Spa Puff Blue
How do you bleach coconut fibre while still being mindful of the environment?
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the gentlest bleaching agents and is even used commonly in personal care for whitening your teeth, cleaning contact lenses and as a mild antiseptic for wounds. As for its environmental credentials hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) biodegrades readily to water (H20) and oxygen (O2) in the presence of natural light. The water from this process is then used to water the vegetable gardens around the Kurunegala factory (our second brush factory based in rural Sri Lanka).
Brushes that contain bleached fibre: zerO dish, zerO scourer, zerO bottle, tiger vegie, Premium scourer, Premium dish, Premium bottle, Shoe Brush
Is the sealant on the timber safe?
YES The sealant we use is a water based sealant which is the same sealant as used on children’s toys. It is independently tested and perfectly safe for humans or animals.
Is your packaging eco-friendly?
YES All our boxes and swing tags are made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper and printed using vegetable ink.
Is the paint on the kids range safe?
YES The paint we use is a water based paint specifically designed for used on children’s toys. It is independently tested and perfectly safe for humans or animals.
Where to Buy
Why can’t I buy anything on your website?
We wholesale only. We are not equipped to deal with small orders, please check our stockists for your nearest store.
Help I can’t find this product anywhere
If you have checked your local stockist and online stockists and can’t find where to buy your chosen product send us an email with your location and item you are after and we can check if there are any stockists nearby who can help you out.
Wholesale
Do you wholesale?
Yes. If you have an ABN and have a store that would benefit from natural fibre brushes then sign up and we will be in contact with you.
Do you ship to countries outside of Australia?
Yes. We are able to ship to countries around the world, send us an email and we can give you a shipping quote. If you are in New Zealand, United States or Northern Europe we have distributers covering these areas who will be able to supply you, please send us an email for our distributer near you.
I am interested in becoming a distributor of your products
Great, we currently have distributors based in Western Australia, New Zealand, United States and Finland, if you are outside of these areas please get in touch and we can see if you would be a good fit for our products.
Do you create white label or private products
Yes. We are able to custom print tags for our brushes or discuss products that may suit your own private label, minimum orders required.
Do you create custom products/contract manufacturing?
We have created a range of custom products for clients, let us know your plans and we can cost and quote you, minimums apply.
Help, I can’t login to the wholesale portal
We don’t understand computers, but we will do our best to help you. First try resetting your password, if that doesn’t help send us an email or call us and we work it out together.