Daiso Korea Must-Buy: The $1 PLA Sponge That's Better Than Plastic

Why I Started Looking for an Alternative to Loofah Sponges

I have always been interested in natural sponges, and for a long time, I used a traditional loofah sponge for washing dishes. At first, it seemed like a sustainable and eco-friendly choice, but over time, I realised there were a few drawbacks that made daily use inconvenient.

• Too stiff and thick: It doesn’t bend easily, which makes it hard to clean inside deep bowls, cups, and narrow containers.

• Slow drying: Because of its thickness, the sponge often stays wet for too long.

• Not durable: Small pieces sometimes break off during use.

• Hygiene issues: Since it remains damp, it creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth.

These reasons made me look for a thinner, softer, and faster-drying sponge that is still eco-friendly and safe for daily dishwashing.

Before using a loofah sponge, it appeared thin and flat. But you can see residue from the sponge in the photo, which is one of the cons I mentioned. Also, as seen in the video below, once it gets wet, it becomes very bulky and stiff, making it difficult to bend.

What is PLA? The "Corn-Based" Plastic That Actually Biodegrades

While searching for alternatives, I came across PLA sponges. PLA (polylactic acid) is a biodegradable plastic derived from natural sources like corn starch. It is widely recognised as safe, and in fact, the FDA has approved it for use in food containers.

One of the best things about PLA is that when disposed of under the right conditions, it can biodegrade within a few months through microorganisms—making it a more sustainable choice compared to conventional plastic sponges.

👉Quick Tip: Since PLA is made from starch, it can deform in boiling water. Avoid using it to scrub scorching hot pans straight off the stove—let them cool down first.

The Real Verdict: Why My Husband and I Swapped Loofahs for PLA

Pros of a PLA Sponge: 

After trying it, I found that a PLA kitchen sponge has many advantages:

• Gentle on all surfaces: It feels similar to a typical acrylic sponge and can be used on plastic, wooden, and stainless steel dishes without scratching.

• Easy to clean stains: Even when stained by red foods like chilli oil, the marks can be removed simply by rubbing under water.

• Quick drying: Unlike loofah or regular synthetic sponges, it dries faster, which helps reduce bacteria growth.

• Safe from microplastics: A big plus for health-conscious users who want to avoid harmful residues.

• Good lathering: It foams well with just a small amount of dish soap, making it efficient and cost-effective.

My husband and I both prefer this sponge because it combines eco-friendliness, hygiene, and practicality in everyday dishwashing.

👉When to replace? Even though it dries fast, I recommend swapping it every 3-4 weeks to maintain peak hygiene, just like any other kitchen sponge.

Cons of a PLA Sponge:

Like any product, there are some downsides:

• Limited availability: It seems that 3M Korea produces this sponge, so it’s not easy to find outside of Korea.

• Price differences: In Korea, the price is very affordable—around 1,000 to 1,500 won per piece. However, if purchased online, it becomes much more expensive, especially with international shipping fees.

As seen in the photo, this sponge looks thin and light

Final Thoughts: PLA vs. Loofah Sponge

Switching from a loofah sponge to a PLA sponge has made dishwashing more convenient and hygienic for me. While loofah sponges are natural, they have drawbacks such as stiffness, slow drying, and hygiene issues. On the other hand, PLA sponges are lightweight, quick-drying, safe for all dish types, and eco-friendlier.

If you are looking for a sustainable alternative to loofah or synthetic sponges, a PLA dish sponge could be the perfect solution. The only challenge is finding a reliable supplier outside Korea. 

However, if you’re visiting Korea, these are a total must-buy item! You can easily find them at any Daiso for a bargain. Since they’re super light and flat, they take up zero space in your suitcase—making them the perfect practical souvenir to bring back home.

👉If you are looking for a sustainable kitchen routine, I also recommend using a DIY dish soap with this sponge. I’ve been using Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap as an eco-friendly dish liquid, and it works perfectly together. Check out my guide [How to Make DIY Dish Soap with Dr. Bronner’s].

❗ Limitations to Keep in Mind

While PLA is more sustainable than petroleum-based plastics, it should not be mistaken for a material that naturally vanishes in the environment. For true biodegradation, proper waste management systems and industrial composting facilities are necessary.

*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.