for years I used a sponge scourer thing and suddenly realised how incredibly un-green it was - and it suddely occurred to me that it was probably really unhygeinic too (I don't know about this, but I'm just telling you my train of thought at the time!).....so a few years ago I started using ordinary washing up cloths (from supermarkets, the market, whereever) and just bung them in the wash every few days to keep them really clean. I also use old flannels that have gone a bit thin. I probably get through about 4 a week, but they aren't creating any extra washing as I'm washing whites anyway. They last ages, probably years. I have just seen organic cotton ones in the new little green earthlets cat so I might get them. Also use a natural fibre brush with replaceable head and copper scouring cloths from Spirit of nature. My mum also has a great tip for scouring - old net curtains! again, they last forever and do a really good job. Have never used a microfibre cloth for dishes - I would think they are a bit heavy and would take rather a long time to dry out - the weave of washing up cloths is looser so that they dry quickly, making them more hygienic.
