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If you’re like me and cleaning is a necessary evil, you know that a tired, flattened scrub brush is about as useful as a wet umbrella. Swapping the whole tool for a refill head is smarter, greener, and easier on the wallet. In this guide I’ll walk you through the best places in the UK to buy scrub brush heads and refills, which brands to trust, and how to choose the right size and bristle type so your scrub game is strong. Think of this as a treasure map that ends in sparkling sinks, gleaming grout, and a cupboard that doesn’t smell like damp sponge.
Refill heads let you keep the handle you love and swap out only the worn bits — like changing the razor blade rather than the whole razor. That saves cash and cuts waste, and it’s usually faster than hunting for a new full brush. Plus, when you buy refills you can mix and match bristle stiffness for different jobs: soft for delicate glass, stiff for baked-on grime. Who doesn’t want that kind of flexibility?
Buying a refill head instead of a new brush is like buying a single replacement light bulb instead of an entire lamp set; you cut down on plastic and packaging. Over a year, replacing heads can save you several pounds compared with repeatedly buying full brushes, and you’ll send less to landfill. Small swaps add up — it’s the eco-friendly trick that actually makes sense in day-to-day life.
Old bristles trap bacteria and scum, and even a thorough rinse won’t always restore their former glory. A fresh head restores scrubbing power and reduces cross-contamination between kitchen and bathroom tasks. If you want surfaces to genuinely look cleaner rather than just appearing cleaner, a sharp, new brush head is a surprisingly effective shortcut.
Not all shops are created equal when it comes to refills. Some excel at value, others at brand variety, and some give you bricks-and-mortar convenience. Below I’ve listed the best places to look, what they’re good at, and why you might pick one over the other.
Amazon is like the supermarket of cleaning bits — huge choice and lots of customer reviews. You’ll find brand refills for Vileda, OXO, and O-Cedar alongside third-party options. Prime delivery can get you a new head fast if you’re mid-cleaning emergency, and the review system helps you avoid duds. If you like plenty of options and fast shipping, Amazon is a natural first stop.
Argos blends convenience with clear product images and local availability. It often stocks multi-packs of brush heads and third-party compatible refills for popular handles. If you want to click-and-collect the same day, Argos is handy — plus their catalogue-style layout makes comparing sizes and bristle types easy without scrolling through thousands of options.
B&Q might be best known for DIY, but it also stocks practical household cleaning items and refill heads for heavier-duty scrubbing tools. If you’re tackling outdoor grime, patio furniture, or brickwork, B&Q is a good place to look for stiffer heads and robust plastics that can handle tougher jobs.
Wilko is the budget-friendly, high-turnover shop where you can pick up economical refill heads without hurting your wallet. Quality can vary, but for everyday jobs — dishes, countertops, bath tiles — Wilko’s products are great value. If you’re replacing heads frequently, this is a cost-effective option.
Dunelm caters to home essentials with good mid-range options and a sensible selection of branded refills. Think about Dunelm if you want something that looks nicer on the shelf and performs reliably — perfect for people who want a step up from discount without paying a premium.
John Lewis tends to carry premium household brands and durable refill heads that prioritize ergonomics and design. If you favour quality, tidy packaging, and product guarantees, John Lewis is a safe bet. Expect to pay a little more, but you’ll likely get a more considered product and firmer build quality.
Robert Dyas focuses on practical household goods with a local-shop feel. They stock specialty heads and tools from well-regarded UK brands and are a good stop if you prefer shopping where staff can offer hands-on advice about which refill matches your handle.
Large supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s often carry basic refill heads in their homewares aisles. If you’re doing a weekly shop and remember you need a replacement head, popping one into your trolley is quick and easy. These offerings tend towards mainstream, low-to-mid price points — ideal for everyday replacements.
Wayfair’s homewares focus brings a wide array of niche cleaning tools and replacement heads, particularly for electric or semi-electric scrubbers that other shops might not stock. If you have a specialised handle or want something unusual, Wayfair is worth checking out online.
Brand matters because some handles are proprietary while others use universal fittings. These brands are common in the UK and generally get good marks for durability and availability of refills.
Vileda is a household name synonymous with reliable cleaning kit. Their refill heads are designed for durability and hygiene, and you’ll find soft and stiff options for floors, tiles, and kitchen surfaces. Vileda refills are widely stocked in supermarkets and online retailers, making them easy to replace when needed.
OXO focuses on ergonomics. Their brush heads fit into well-designed handles that make scrubbing less of a chore. Expect comfortable grips and smart engineering that tends to last — useful if you value form as well as function in your cleaning tools.
O-Cedar and Addis offer good mid-range refills that balance cost and effectiveness. O-Cedar is known for innovative designs for mopping and scrubbing, while Addis has a long history in housewares. Both are solid choices for routine cleaning across the home.
Many third-party refill heads claim universal fit, and some genuinely do. The trick is to check the connector style — clip-on, twist-lock, or push-fit — and match it to your handle. Universal refills are often much cheaper, but quality can vary more than branded options.
Picking the right head is less mysterious than it sounds. Think about the task: tight grout lines need a narrow head with stiff bristles, while your sink needs a round, cushioned head that won’t scratch chrome. Let’s break down what to look for.
Soft bristles are like a gentle massage for delicate surfaces — use them on glass, enamel, and painted wood. Medium bristles are all-rounders for sinks, tiles, and countertops. Stiff bristles are the muscle team for ovens, grills, and heavily soiled outdoor furniture. A single household often benefits from at least two stiffness levels, so mix-and-match refills can be a real time-saver.
Brush heads come in widths ranging from about 1 inch for narrow detail brushes up to 6 inches or more for floor and scrubbing blocks. Measure your existing head in inches before you buy: if your handle accepts a 2-inch replacement, buying a 4-inch head will be like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Always check the connector type and the head width in inches to make sure it’s compatible.
A bit of care goes a long way. Treat your brush heads like a long-term investment rather than disposable items — rinse thoroughly after use, shake off excess water, and store bristles facing up to air-dry. Here are some smart, practical tips that feel like little life hacks.
Leaving a wet brush in a sink is asking for bacterial growth. Rinse well and air-dry in a ventilated spot. If your sink or bucket doesn’t have drainage, a quick towel-dry and a few minutes in open air will cut down on smells and slime.
Every few weeks give your brush head a deep clean: soak it in warm, soapy water, or use a mild disinfectant if needed. For very stubborn grimes, a short soak in diluted bleach (follow instructions on the label) will refresh the bristles, but avoid frequent bleaching as it can weaken fibers over time.
Expect to pay anywhere from a couple of pounds to about £15 for premium branded refills in the UK. Discount brands and supermarket own-label refills typically cost £2–£6 per head, mid-range options land around £6–£10, and premium or specialty heads can be £10–£15 or more. Buying multi-packs often reduces the per-head price, and signing up for subscription refills can shave costs further if you use replacements regularly.
If minimizing waste matters to you, look for refill heads made from recycled plastics or with biodegradable bristles. Some brands offer refill subscription services where heads arrive every few months — handy if you hate running out mid-clean. Also consider buying multi-packs to reduce packaging per head and to save a few pounds each time you restock.
Eco-friendly options may use plant-based fibers or recycled plastics for the head and biodegradable packaging. They might cost more up front, but the reduced environmental impact is worth considering if you clean frequently and want to make greener choices.
Comparison sites make it easy to see price differences between retailers without opening a dozen tabs. You can compare product specs, pack sizes, and typical prices across stores like Amazon, Argos, Dunelm, and specialist homeware retailers. If you prefer in-person shopping, a quick look online can tell you whether collecting in-store is cheaper than home delivery.
Measure your handle’s connector in inches, decide which bristle stiffness you need, and think about whether a multi-pack makes sense for your household. Read a few user reviews and look for photos — real-life shots tell you more than glossy product pics. And don’t be afraid to test a cheaper refill first: if it performs, you’ve saved money; if not, you’ll know to invest in a higher-quality branded head next time.
Replacing scrub brush heads is a small change that pays dividends in performance, hygiene, and savings. Whether you shop at Amazon, Argos, B&Q, Wilko, Dunelm, John Lewis, or your local supermarket, there are plenty of options to suit budgets and cleaning styles. Keep an eye on head width in inches, match the connector type to your handle, and choose bristle stiffness based on the job at hand. A fresh head can make cleaning feel less like a chore and more like a satisfying reset — the kind that gives you back a sparkling sink and the smug satisfaction that comes with it.
| Scrub Brush Heads & Refills | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Gardena Fugebørste Metal Combisystem - 3605-20 | kr. 119,- | |
| Vikan Tank Brush 205mm Medium Blue | kr. 127,- |
