What is the difference between a scrubbing brush and a panel brush, and what is a levang?
Sara IdenforsThis text covers different types of scrubbing brushes and their uses. We describe the differences between various brushes, such as root brushes, panel brushes, Levangs, stove brushes, and bathtub brushes!
Last edited on May 8, 2024
* Root brush: a scrubbing brush whose bristles are made from brush root, or Muhlenbergia macroura, as the plant is actually called. It is a type of grass, but it is not the grass itself that is used—rather, its roots. These roots are particularly tough, resilient, and water-resistant, making them well suited for scrubbing brushes.
* Panel brush: A classic Swedish model of scrubbing brush in which the wooden panel itself is shaped like an S. The bristles can be made of soft Tampico fiber or a coarser union blend.
* Levang: is a scrubbing brush made with a fitting or a hole for mounting on a handle. The Levang can have different shapes and sizes, and the bristles can vary in stiffness.
* Stove brush: A scrubbing brush with a handle, a traditional German model. Stove brushes were frequently used in the past when tiled stoves and cast-iron stoves were found in every home. These had to be both cleaned and blackened, and the stove brush was ideal for the job. The stove brush is pointed at the front to reach all the corners and edges of a stove.
* Bathtub brush: A special brush, round or oval, with the handle extending straight up from the brush, allowing you to reach and scrub the bottom of a deep tub or bathtub
These brushes and several others are available from us at Soapa and are ideally used together with Soapa. Click here to go to the scrubbing brushes!
FAQ about scrubbing brushes
What is Tampico?
Tampico, also sometimes called white fiber, is sometimes referred to as Mexican fiber. The fiber is extracted from the leaves of certain agave species, Agave sisalana and Agave fourcroydes. These plants grow well in Mexico, which is why it is sometimes called Mexican fiber. This is how it is made: the agave plant’s leaves are cut off and processed with mallets so that the fibers come loose. The fibers are then sun-dried and sorted. The fibers are naturally white or light green, but are sometimes dyed black or brown for appearance; this serves no functional purpose.
Tampico is used for sweeping brushes, panel brushes, dish brushes, nail brushes, and bath brushes. It has the useful property of retaining moisture and soap in the bristles. Compared with synthetic fibers, which release all the moisture immediately, the difference is significant. Scrubbing with a Tampico brush may feel somewhat “heavy,” but it produces an even, attractive result and does not damage the surface because the fiber becomes soft when wet. It is well suited to finer materials and less suitable where you want a “scrubby” brush.
What is piassava?
Genuine piassava is extracted from palm leaves. It consists of strands made from the coarse fibers of palm leaves. Some brushes called piassava have stiff plastic bristles, but that is therefore NOT piassava. Genuine piassava should be brown and feel completely natural when you touch it.
The name “piassava” derives from the Portuguese piassaba, which refers specifically to the fibers of palm leaves.
What is rice root?
Rice root comes from the roots of a grass called the zacaton plant. The grass grows mainly in Mexico, at high altitudes. This is how it is made: The roots are washed clean and sorted into bundles. The root is very tough, flexible, and water-resistant. If you buy a rice root product, it may be a good idea to boil it briefly before you start using it. This makes the rice root more durable. If it says “root brush,” the bristles are made specifically from rice root, but note that this term is often used carelessly: you will often hear all scrubbing brushes called root brushes, which is of course incorrect. A root brush has rice root bristles.
What is union blend?
A mixture of white fiber and bassine, blended into a coarser material for brushes, is called a union blend. A union blend consists only of plant fibers; if synthetic bristles are included in the mixture, it is not a genuine union blend. The advantage of a union blend is that it is strong and water-resistant. It is well suited to root vegetable brushes, levangers, and scrubbing brushes.
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Questions and answers
- What is the main difference between a root brush and a stove brush?
A root brush is made from rice root and is used to scrub vertical surfaces, while a stove brush is specially designed to clean stoves and ovens, with a pointed front section to reach all corners and edges.
- What is tampico, and how does it differ from other brush materials?
Tampico is a white fiber extracted from agave leaves and is used for broom brushes, panel brushes, and other cleaning tools. Unlike synthetic fiber, which releases liquid immediately, tampico retains moisture and soap in the brush, providing an even result.- Why is it important to look for genuine piassava when buying brushes?
Genuine piassava is made from fibers from palm leaves and is known for its natural feel and durability. Choosing genuine piassava ensures that the brush is of high quality and durable, while imitations often do not meet the same standard.- What type of material is rice root, and how does it affect the brush's use?
Rice root comes from the roots of zacaton grass and is used to make brushes. Boiling the product before use makes the rice root more durable and gives the brush a longer lifespan.- What is the advantage of a union blend, and which cleaning tools can be made from this material?
A union blend consists of white fiber and bassine and is known for its strength and water resistance. It is ideal for cleaning tools used for root vegetables, levangers, and scrubbing brushes, where a more robust material is required.Order natural cleaning products here: Soapa