Scrub Daddy was invented by Aaron Krause. He sold his first company, which created buffing pads, for three million dollars back in 2008. However, when he tried to include his hand scrubber, which is now one of the most famous cleaning products in the world, he was rejected.
“They carved [the sponge] out of the deal, and left it with me because it was so worthless,” Krause explained during an interview with Fortune.
For three years, the sponges were left in a box, unused. He didn’t pick them up again until his wife, Stephanie, asked him to clean their lawn furniture in 2011. He said that, when he realized how well the product worked, “I knew right away this was destined to be the best dishwashing tool in the world.”
Related: In 1912, Cleveland Candy Maker Clarence Crane Invented a Mint That Wouldn’t Melt in Summer; A Year Later He Sold Life Savers for $2,900
Krause patented his invention and started selling it in his friend’s local grocery stores. “He came to me after a couple of days and said, ‘I’ve never seen anything like it. We normally sell two or three sponges a day. You’re selling 200 to 300 in one of my stores. You need to go to every one of my stores and do that,'” he explained to Fortune.
Krause eventually sold the product on QVC, where many people became fans. Then he went on Shark Tank to pitch the product. According to Fortune, “He left with a $200,000 investment and 20% equity stake deal with entrepreneur and judge Lori Greiner.”
Related: 1967 Grammy-Winning Song, Based on a Real Love Affair With the Songwriter’s High School Sweetheart, Became a Hit 59 Years Ago
Scrub Daddy is now a household name. Since they have grown so popular, they sell more than just sponges. “We make sponges, but why don’t we make mops? Why don’t we make toilet cleaning products? Why don’t we make barbecue brushes?” Krause said. “We’re in the cleaning business now. We’re not just making sponges.”
Scrub Daddy products are available in fun shapes, inspired by Disney princesses, Star Wars characters, and Pixar fan favorites.
This story was originally published by Parade on Oct 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.