Scrub Daddy
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Cleaning supplies |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Founder | Aaron Krause |
| Headquarters | United States |
Key people | Aaron Krause, Lori Greiner (investor) |
| Products | Polymer sponges, scouring pads, dual-textured sponges, sink organizers, soap dispensers, household erasers |
Number of employees | 273 (2023) |
| Website | scrubdaddy |
Scrub Daddy Inc. is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in cleaning supplies, particularly recognized for its polymer sponges shaped like smiling faces that alter their firmness depending on water temperature—becoming rigid when cold and soft when warm.
History
Aaron Krause, originally working as an automotive detailer, created buffing and polishing pads that were acquired by 3M in 2008. However, 3M did not acquire his line of sponges, which remained unused until Krause adapted them for household cleaning purposes after realizing their commercial viability.
Established in 2012 through grassroots promotion efforts, Scrub Daddy achieved significant recognition when Krause obtained a $200,000 investment from Lori Greiner on Shark Tank in exchange for a 20% ownership share. The following day, the company sold 42,000 units on QVC within seven minutes. Greiner subsequently helped secure retail distribution agreements with outlets such as Bed Bath & Beyond.
By January 2017, Scrub Daddy had generated over $100 million in revenue, becoming the top-selling product originating from Shark Tank. As of 2023, the firm employed 273 staff members, offered a portfolio of 160 products, and distributed its merchandise through more than 257,000 retail locations. It ranks among the top three highest-grossing ventures from the show, with cumulative retail sales exceeding $926 million.
In 2024, Scrub Daddy maintained its position as the third highest-earning product among all Shark Tank offerings.
Scrub Daddy
The flagship Scrub Daddy sponge is crafted from an advanced "high-tech polymer," which patent documents suggest is polycaprolactone. Its unique feature is the ability to modify texture based on water temperature—softening in warm water and stiffening in cold. The original yellow circular sponge showcases a distinctive smiling face design, protected by two patents registered to Aaron Krause.
Additional products
The company’s product range extends to over 20 items including scouring pads, dual-textured sponges, sink organizers, soap dispensers, and household erasers. This expanded assortment enhances the brand’s market presence and supports ongoing business expansion within the cleaning sector.