Scrub Daddy
**Scrub Daddy Inc.** is an American cleaning product company best known for eponymous sponges "Sponge (tool)") it manufactures in the shape of a smiley face.
The Story
Scrub Daddy Inc. is an American cleaning product company best known for its eponymous smiley-face sponges. Founded in 2012 by Aaron Krause, the company emerged from a failed experiment: Krause originally invented buffing and polishing pads that were acquired by 3M in 2008, but a line of sponges he had created was left behind.
Five years later, he used those surplus sponges to clean his dishes and lawn furniture and realized he had a multi-million-dollar idea. Scrub Daddy officially launched with grassroots marketing and appeared on Shark Tank in October 2012, where Lori Greiner invested $200,000 for a 20% equity stake.
The next day, they sold 42,000 sponges in under seven minutes on QVC. By January 2017, revenues surpassed $100 million — the highest of any Shark Tank product. As of May 2023, Scrub Daddy had sold more than $926 million in retail sales, employs 273 people, offers 160 products, and is sold in 257,000 retail locations.
The brand's signature FlexTexture polymer foam adjusts firmness based on water temperature — firm in cold water, soft in warm water — and the original yellow smiley-face scrubber has become an iconic cleaning tool. Scrub Daddy also markets the Scrub Mommy sub-brand, introduced in 2014.
Key Facts & Metrics
Products & Services
Scrub Daddy Original Dish Sponge Twin Pack
The original smiley face sponge that started it all. Made with FlexTexture polymer, firm in cold water and soft in warm water. Non-scratch, dual-sided scrubbing for dishes and household cleaning.
Scrub Daddy Scrub Mommy Kitchen Sponges (9 Count)
Dual-sided dish scrubber sponges with a traditional sponge attached to the Scrub Daddy surface. Multi-colored bulk pack, stain and odor resistant.
Scrub Daddy Colors Kitchen Sponges (3 Count)
Scratch-free dishwashing sponges in multiple colors for kitchen sink, bathroom and household cleaning. BPA-free polymer foam with FlexTexture technology.
Company Timeline
2012 — Founded Scrub Daddy
Aaron Krause founded Scrub Daddy, Inc. with grassroots marketing after realizing the potential of leftover FlexTexture sponges.
2012 — Shark Tank Deal
Lori Greiner invested $200,000 for 20% equity. The following day, 42,000 sponges sold in under seven minutes on QVC.
2014 — Scrub Mommy Launch
Introduced the Scrub Mommy sub-brand, featuring a traditional sponge attached to the typical Scrub Daddy surface.
2017 — $100M Revenue
Scrub Daddy's total revenues surpassed $100 million, the highest of any Shark Tank product at that time.
2023 — $926M Retail Sales
Reported in Shark Tank Season 14 that Scrub Daddy had sold more than $926 million in retail sales over 10 years, with 273 employees and 160 products in 257,000 retail locations.