Could a simple sponge change how we clean our homes? The Scrubbie, a multi-tool sponge, went to Shark Tank Season 12. It made a big impact without getting a deal. Now, it’s getting ready to launch The Scrubbie 2.0.
The Scrubbie attaches to garden hoses and kitchen sprayers. Jeff Dakin, Matt Hosey, and Tyler Kessler created it. They asked for $100,000 for 10% equity but didn’t get a deal. Yet, it sparked a lot of interest and grew in sales and market presence.
Key Takeaways
- The Scrubbie sought $100,000 for 10% equity during its Shark Tank appearance.
- The Scrubbie website saw an increase of 70,000 visitors post-show.
- The Scrubbie team disclosed $13,000 in revenue during their pitch.
- The starter pack of The Scrubbie is priced at $19.99 and includes the hose and two sponges.
- The Scrubbie received positive customer reviews for versatility, durability, eco-friendliness, and ease of use.
Introduction to The Scrubbie
The Scrubbie has made a big splash in the cleaning world. It’s one of the top Shark Tank products out there. This tool turns simple sprayers into powerful cleaning tools, making cleaning easier.
What is The Scrubbie?
The Scrubbie is a flexible cleaning tool. It fits on garden hoses, kitchen faucets, and spray bottles. It combines a sponge with a spray system for scrubbing and rinsing at the same time.
This makes cleaning faster and more effective for different surfaces in your home.
The Creators Behind The Scrubbie
The Scrubbie’s success comes from the “Side Hustle Homies”: Jeff Dakin, Matt Hosey, and Tyler Kessler. They worked hard to make this product a reality. They spent almost six years perfecting and promoting it.
Their aim was to make cleaning easier and more efficient for everyone.
Origin Story: From Idea to Invention
The Scrubbie startup story starts with Jeff Dakin’s dream to create a better cleaning tool. He wanted to merge a sponge with a sink sprayer. This idea aimed to change how we clean dishes.

Jeff Dakin’s Inspiration
Jeff Dakin was inspired by the daily chores of cleaning dishes. He saw how tedious it was and thought of a way to make it easier. He wanted to create a tool that could scrub and spray at the same time.
Building the Prototype
Jeff teamed up with Matt Hosey and Tyler Kessler to bring his idea to life. They started with sketches and models, then kept improving until they had a working prototype. They tested each version to make sure it was good for everyday use.
Creating The Scrubbie wasn’t easy, but the team’s hard work paid off. Their dedication led to a product that’s now available in stores. The Scrubbie shows how innovation and practical design can come together.
The Scrubbie’s Unique Features
The Scrubbie is a top-notch cleaning tool that stands out in the market. It’s designed for flexibility and functionality. It works as a scrubber, sprayer, and sponge all in one, making cleaning easy and efficient.
Versatility and Functionality
The Scrubbie is known for its versatility. The Scrubbie features let it handle different cleaning tasks with ease. It can scrub grime off your kitchen sink or spray down a messy countertop.
Its design makes cleaning and rinsing a breeze. This makes it a favorite for those who want quick and effective cleaning.
Ease of Attachment
The Scrubbie’s patented fastening makes attaching it to faucets and hoses easy. This feature is great for those who value quick setup and versatility. It’s easy to attach and detach sponges, making cleaning hassle-free and efficient.
Multiple Abrasiveness Levels
The Scrubbie comes with sponges of different abrasiveness levels. You can choose from gentle scrubbing for delicate surfaces to tough scouring for stubborn stains. This variety ensures you can find the right sponge for any cleaning task, making cleaning efficient every time.
The Scrubbie on Shark Tank
The Scrubbie Shark Tank episode in Season 12 caught a lot of attention. Matt Hosey, Jeff Dakin, and Tyler Kessler, the creators, wanted a $100,000 investment for 10% of their business. They showcased their universal cleaning attachment.

Their presentation focused on The Scrubbie’s versatility and simplicity. Despite this, their 2019 revenue was only $13,000. But, they expected to make about $320,000 in 2020.
The Sharks were intrigued but had doubts about the product’s readiness and branding. This led to no deal being offered. Yet, the episode boosted their sales and website traffic significantly.
The Scrubbie’s starter pack costs $14.99, and a three-pack subscription is $9.99. They also increased their presence on Amazon and introduced The Scrubbie 2.0 to address feedback.
Scrub Daddy, for example, was the top-earning product on Shark Tank by 2019. The Scrubbie didn’t get a deal but still grew, joining companies like DoorBot and Kodiak Cakes in success without initial investments.
| Product | Outcome on Shark Tank | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| The Scrubbie | No Deal | Modest growth, product improvements |
| DoorBot | No Deal | Sold to Amazon for $1 billion |
| Eco Nuts | No Deal | Worth over $1 million |
| Kodiak Cakes | No Deal | Worth over $100 million |
| Hammer and Nails | No Deal | Worth over $100 million |
| Copa Di Vino | No Deal | Worth over $67 million |
In conclusion, not getting a deal on Shark Tank didn’t stop The Scrubbie. The exposure from the episode was key to their success, showing the power of a good Shark Tank presentation.
Pitching to the Sharks
The Scrubbie pitch on Shark Tank caught a lot of attention, but it didn’t end well. The founders wanted $100,000 for 10% of their company. They believed their scrubbing sponge attachment was worth $1 million.
The $100,000 Ask
During their Shark Tank pitch, The Scrubbie founders made a strong case for their product. They talked about its unique features and big market potential. They asked for $100,000 in exchange for 10% of their company, hoping the Sharks could help them grow.
Feedback from the Sharks
The Sharks had mixed feelings about The Scrubbie. They were unsure about the product’s sales and how well it would sell. Despite the founders’ best efforts to show how useful and new The Scrubbie was, the Sharks weren’t convinced.

Looking at other Shark Tank pitches, The Scrubbie faced big challenges. For example, Bubbly Blaster got a $180,000 deal for 30% equity after showing $560,000 in sales. Hug Sleep also got a $300,000 deal for 20% equity, showing the value of strong sales figures. The Scrubbie, however, struggled because they didn’t share their sales data.
| Product | Investment Sought | Equity Offered | Sales Figures | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Scrubbie | $100,000 | 10% | Undisclosed | No Deal |
| Bubbly Blaster | $120,000 | 20% | $560,000 | $180,000 for 30% Equity |
| Hug Sleep | $150,000 | 10% | 41% Margin | $300,000 for 20% Equity |
| Scrub Daddy | $100,000 | 20% | Over $209M in Sales as of July 2020 | $100,000 for 20% Equity |
For those looking to pitch on Shark Tank, it’s clear that being open and showing strong sales is key. By sharing this information, entrepreneurs can better match their goals with what investors want. This is evident in successful pitches like Bubbly Blaster and Hug Sleep.
Reactions and Outcome of The Scrubbie Shark Tank Pitch
The Scrubbie’s time on Shark Tank Season 12 got a lot of attention. They asked for $100,000 for 10% of their company but didn’t get a deal. The Sharks gave them feedback, saying they need to compete better with products like Scrub Daddy.
They also said they need to sell more and have a clearer brand. This advice was from Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Barbara Corcoran, and Daymond John.

Before the pitch, they sold $13,000 worth of products, with 860 units sold. Their starter pack, at $14.99 for three sponges, seemed hard to sell. But after Shark Tank, they got 70,000 new visitors to their website, boosting their online presence.
| Company/Product | Investment Asked | Deal Secured | Shark(s) Involved |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Scrubbie | $100,000 for 10% equity | No Deal | N/A |
| Touch Up Cup | $150,000 for 10% equity | $200,000 for 25% equity | Blake Mycoskie |
| SparkCharge | $1,000,000 for 6% equity | $1,000,000 for 10% equity + 4% advisory shares | Lori Greiner, Mark Cuban |
| GarmaGuard | $100,000 for 10% | No Deal | N/A |
| Rumpl Blankets | $600,000 for 4% equity | No Deal | N/A |
The Scrubbie’s pitch showed how tough it is for new products on Shark Tank. They learned a lot and improved their product, Scrubbie 2.0, for pre-order at $19.99. They listened to what people said, showing they’re open to feedback.
Other companies, like BootayBag and Go Oats, faced similar challenges. This shows the hard work needed to succeed on Shark Tank. The Scrubbie team is now working hard to improve and grow their business.
Post Shark Tank Success
The Scrubbie’s journey on Shark Tank didn’t land a deal, but it changed everything. The show brought them into the spotlight, boosting interest and sales big time.
Sales Surge After Airing
After Shark Tank, The Scrubbie saw a huge jump in sales. In 2019, they made $13,000. But Shark Tank made them famous, leading to more orders.
Website traffic soared, making The Scrubbie sales skyrocket. This growth was key for the company’s future.
Increased Public Interest
After Shark Tank, people were more interested in The Scrubbie. Social media buzz and customer questions went up. Before the show, they barely had any online presence.
But after Shark Tank, they focused on TikTok to reach more young people. This move kept the brand alive and well.
The Scrubbie’s sales boom and Shark Tank’s impact were crucial. They helped the company grow and innovate, like with The Scrubbie 2.0.
The Scrubbie 2.0: An Improved Design
The team behind The Scrubbie listened to customer feedback and Shark Tank critiques. They worked hard to create an improved version, The Scrubbie 2.0.
New Features and Enhancements
The Scrubbie 2.0 has new features to meet user needs. It has a better handle for a firmer grip and improved attachments for a secure fit. It also offers more abrasive levels for different cleaning tasks.
Market Reception
The Scrubbie 2.0 has received great feedback from the market. Thanks to customer feedback, sales and interest have increased. The Scrubbie’s website has seen a surge in traffic, and big retailers want to sell it.
Here are some key statistics showing the success of The Scrubbie and its new version:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Investments Secured on Shark Tank | $200,000 from Lori Greiner |
| Total Sales of Scrubbie Sponges | Over 25 million units |
| Company Value | $170 million |
| Retail Presence | Over 60 retailers |
| Website Traffic Increase Post Shark Tank | 70,000 visitors |
| Sales within 24 hours Post Shark Tank | $1 million |
| Total Sales by May 2023 | $926 million |
Marketing Strategies for The Scrubbie
The Scrubbie team has used many ways to get their brand known and sell more. They focus on social media marketing, fun events, and a subscription business model to keep customers coming back.
Utilizing Social Media
The Scrubbie team uses big social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. They share cool videos and what customers say to get people talking. This makes their marketing cleaning products posts popular.
They also work with influencers and bloggers in cleaning and home improvement. This helps them reach more people and build trust in their brand.
Promotional Events
Going to events like the Wichita Women’s Fair has helped The Scrubbie a lot. At these events, they can show off their product and get feedback right away. This helps them sell more and get their product known.
Subscription Model Benefits
The Scrubbie started a subscription business model for their sponge replacements. This way, customers always have new sponges coming in.
This model is good for both the customer and The Scrubbie. It keeps customers coming back and helps The Scrubbie make money regularly.
Challenges Faced by The Scrubbie
The Scrubbie has faced many challenges since it started. It has to compete with big brands like Scrub Daddy. The team also had to deal with feedback from the Sharks and change their sales plans.
Competition with Similar Products
The Scrubbie has struggled against strong competitors. Brands like Scrub Daddy offer similar products and are well-known. The Scrubbie had to find ways to stand out, like being faster and using less water.
Addressing Shark Criticisms
On Shark Tank, The Scrubbie asked for $100,000 for a 10% stake but didn’t get a deal. The Sharks said they needed better branding and sales. This made the team work harder to improve.
The Scrubbie team made The Scrubbie 2.0 to fix earlier problems. It’s now more durable and functional. They also listened to feedback and made changes to meet market needs. This shows their dedication to overcoming challenges and finding their place in the market.
| Challenge | Details | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Competition | Facing strong competitors like Scrub Daddy | Emphasizing unique features like water and time efficiency |
| Shark Criticisms | Need for better branding and sales strategy | Launching The Scrubbie 2.0 with improved features |
| Revenue Challenges | Only $13,000 in sales in 2019 | Enhancing product and exploring new sales avenues |
The Entrepreneurial Journey
The Scrubbie’s journey teaches us about resilience and adaptability. On Shark Tank Season 12, Jeff Dakin, Tyler Kessler, and Matt Hosey pitched their multi-tool sponge. They wanted $100,000 for 10% equity. Despite mixed feedback, they used it to improve their product and strategy, boosting sales and awareness.
Lessons Learned from Shark Tank
They learned the value of versatile product design from Shark Tank. The team made The Scrubbie 2.0, fixing issues with stronger materials and better attachment. They also saw the need for a strong online presence, especially on Instagram, to engage customers.
Future Goals
The founders aim to grow their market and offer more products. Selling on Amazon has helped them reach more people. They also plan to use recycled materials in future products. By listening to customers and staying adaptable, they aim to stay ahead in the market.
The Shark Tank experience was crucial for The Scrubbie. It gave them visibility and valuable lessons. Their commitment to improvement and market response looks promising for their future.