Last Updated: August 4, 2026
I Never planned on replacing everything in my kitchen. Every swap on this list happened because something wore out, broke, or needed replacing. Instead of buying the cheapest option again, I looked for something that would last longer and contained fewer questionable materials.
If you are anything like me, you have probably bought a cheaper version of something. I have done it with sheets, kitchen utensils, cutting boards, and cleaning products. Pretty much everything. The problem was I kept replacing the stuff over and over because it either did not last or I was not happy with it.
Eventually, I started paying attention to what I was actually bringing into my home. I don’t think you need to throw away everything you own just because someone on Instagram told you to. Replace things when they’re worn out and buy better next time. With that being said, I also find it unrealistic to have a completely non-toxic house. I’d rather spend a little more once than keep replacing cheap stuff. If I can also avoid questionable materials or ingredients at the same time, even better.
Some of these products definitely cost more upfront. I know that. I went back and forth before buying every one of them. They have all been worth it for me though.
These Are 5 Swaps I Would Make Again Without Thinking Twice About
Table of Contents
1. Polyester Sheets → GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Sheets
Why I Made the Switch:
I used to buy polyester sheets because they were inexpensive. The problem was I kept replacing them.
Polyester is made from synthetic plastic fibers, and those fabrics can shed microplastic fibers during everyday use and washing. It’s still being studied about what that means for our health, but I’d rather reduce unnecessary exposure where I reasonably can.
I also sleep hot, so switching to breathable cotton just made sense. They’ve held up better, they look great, and they’re more comfortable after a few washes.
What I Bought:
After looking at a bunch of options, I ended up buying the California Design Den 100% Organic Cotton Percale Sheet Set in Taupe (King Size).
These sheets are GOTS Certified, which stands for the Global Organic Textile Standard. It’s considered one of the highest standards for organic textiles. That certification doesn’t just look at the cotton itself, but it also sets strict requirements for how the fabric is processed, including limits on certain chemicals, dyes, and finishes used during manufacturing.
They are also made from 100% organic cotton with an airy percale weave, so they feel cool and breathable instead of heavy. On thing I will say is they feel a little crisp when you first open them. That’s completely normal for percale. After a few washes they soften up while still keeping that cool, and lightweight feel.
If you have pets that shed, you’ll probably notice the hair a little more on these than you would on polyester sheets. I noticed my dog’s fur tends to collect into little clumps instead of disappearing into the fabric. It hasn’t bothered me because it comes off easily, but it was something I noticed right away and thought it was worth mentioning if you have pets that shed too.
The Set Includes:
- One fitted sheet
- All-around elastic, “Top/Bottom” tags, and fits mattresses up to 15 inches thick
- One flat sheet
- Two pillowcases
Why I Love These Sheets:
- GOTS Certified Organic Cotton
- Cool, breathable percale instead of heavy sheets
- Good quality without spending $300+
- They’ve gotten softer the longer I’ve had them
- The fitted sheet has all-around elastic, so it actually stays in place
- The fitted sheet is labeled with “Top/Bottom” tags, which makes making the bed way easier than trying to guess which side goes where
- The deep pockets fit mattresses up to 15 inches
Where to Buy:
2. Plastic Spatulas → Silicone Utensils
Why I Made the Switch:
My old utensils started melting around the edges. That was enough for me to start paying more attention to what I was cooking with.
Some plastics aren’t designed for repeated exposure to high heat, especially once they’ve become scratched or worn. Rather than replacing another inexpensive plastic set, I decided to invest in a higher-quality silicone set that I wouldn’t need to replace every year.
These have held up incredibly well, and I don’t have to worry about melted edges or scratching my cookware.
What I Bought:
I ended up buying the Get It Right (GIR) 10-Piece Silicone Utensil Set in the Slate color.
One of the reasons I chose this set is that every utensil is made from platinum-cured, pharmaceutical-grade silicone instead of silicone wrapped around a removable plastic head. The heads are not removable, so there’s nowhere for food to become stuck. Because of this, they’re easy to clean. The utensils are heat-resistant up to 425F, dishwasher-safe, BPA-free, BPS-free, phthalate-free, and safe to use on non-stick cookware without scratching it.
What’s Included:
The set comes with 10 kitchen tools, including multiple spatulas, a spoonula, a ladle, a whisk, a spoon, and a peeler.
Why I Love These Utensils:
- Platinum-cured, pharmaceutical-grade silicone
- BPA-free
- BPS-free
- Phthalate-free
- Heat-resistant to 425F
- Dishwasher safe
- Won’t scratch non-stick cookware
- One-piece construction (no removable heads)
- Includes the kitchen tools I reach for most often
- Comfortable, easy-to-grip handles
- Hasn’t stained or shown noticeable wear after months of use
Where to Buy:
3. Plastic Cutting Board → Acacia Wood Cutting Board
Why I Made the Switch:
I used plastic cutting boards for years because they were inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to throw in the dishwasher. Over time, though, mine became covered in knife marks that never seemed to come clean.
Since I was already trying to reduce plastic where it made sense, replacing my cutting board was an easy decision. I wanted something durable, made from natural materials, and attractive enough to leave on my countertop.
What I Bought:
I bought the Ziruma Acacia Wood Cutting Board in the 16 x 11-inch size.
It’s made from FSC-certified acacia wood, which means it comes from responsibly managed forests. Unlike many wood cutting boards, it’s finished with beeswax, flaxseed oil, and lemon oil instead of mineral oil or petroleum-based finishes. It’s also BPA-free.
The board is 1-inch thick and has a juice groove around the edge to help catch liquids. It also has built-in handles, making it easy to carry. I’ve been really happy with this board, and I’d purchase it again without hesitation.
Why I Love This Cutting Board:
- FSC-certified acacia wood
- BPA-free
- Finished with beeswax, flaxseed oil, and lemon oil
- No mineral oil or petroleum-based finish
- Thick, durable 1-inch construction
- Juice groove helps contain messes
- Built-in handles make it easy to move
- Large enough for everyday meal prep
- Beautiful enough to double as a serving or charcuterie board
Where to Buy:
4. Polyester Dishcloths → Geometry Dishcloths
I used to go through cheap polyester dishcloths every few months.
My old dishcloths would stain, start smelling, and eventually come apart with everyday use. I wanted something that absorbed better, dried faster, and actually lasted. When it was time for new ones, I started looking for something better, and that’s when I decided to try Geometry dishcloths.
What I Bought:
I switched to the Geometry Dishcloths (6-Pack)in Willow Stone.
They’re made from recycled materials and are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, meaning they’ve been tested for harmful substances. They’re also incredibly absorbent while drying much faster than traditional dishcloths.
I’ve found they stay fresh longer and don’t develop that damp, musty smell nearly as quickly as my old dishcloths. These have held up much better than any kitchen cloth I’ve owned, and I don’t reach for paper towels nearly as often anymore.
Why I Love Geometry Dishcloths:
- OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 Certified
- Made from recycled materials
- Absorb up to 7x their weight
- Dry much faster than traditional cloths
- Soft enough for delicate surfaces
- Streak-free on counterops and glass
- Machine washable and reusable
- Hanging loop for easy drying
- Available in dozens of patterns and colors
- Stain and odor resistant
Where to Buy:
5. Conventional Dishwasher Pods → Branch Basics Dishwasher Tablets
Why I Made The Switch:
I used traditional dishwasher pods for years because they were convenient, but I never really looked at what they contained.
Many Pods are wrapped in a dissolvable plastic film and contain synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other unnecessary ingredients. When I started replacing everyday products with lower-tox alternatives, dishwasher detergent was one of the easiest swaps.
What I Bought:
I switched to the Branch Basics Dishwasher Tablets.
They’re EWG Verified and made with plant- and mineral- based ingredients instead of harsh chemicals. Unlike many traditional dishwasher pods, they’re completely free of plastic film (PVA), synthetic fragrance, chlorine, phthalates, sulfates, dyes, bleach, and ammonia.
Despite the simpler ingredient list, they still clean dishes thoroughly and rinse away without leaving residue. I’ve been impressed with how well they clean everyday dishes without the strong chemical smell that many dishwasher detergents leave behind.
Why I Love Branch Basics Dishwasher Tablets:
- EWG Verified
- Plastic film (PVA) free
- Fragrance-free
- Plant- and mineral-based ingredients
- Free of chlorine, sulfates, phalates, dyes, bleach, and ammonia
- No synthetic fillers
- Biodegradable formula
- Compatible with all standard dishwashers
- Dissolves completely without leaving residue
- Leaping Bunny certified (cruelty-free)
Where to Buy:
You Don’t Have to Replace Everything Today
I am not trying to convince you to throw out everything right now. Honestly, I think that is wasteful.
Every swap in this list happened because something needed replacing. As things wear out over time, I’ll probably continue choosing products with simpler materials and ingredients when it makes sense.
I also don’t want Collected By Elle to become another website that tells you to spend money every time you open it. If I find something I genuinely think is worth the extra cost, I’ll share it. If not, I won’t.
If something you already own still works, keep using it. But when it’s time to replace it, I’d rather buy one well-made product than five cheap ones.