How to Use a Swedish Dishcloth

For everyday household chores, it can be second nature to reach for that roll of paper towels. Over time, however, the amount of paper we use in the kitchen and around the home really adds up.

Swedish dishcloths are the environmentally friendly alternative that saves money, trees, and reduces the amount of trash you create. We’ll show you how to use a Swedish dishcloth as a replacement for paper towels, sponges, dusters, and other household cleaning items, allowing you to switch to this reusable, washable, and eco-friendly alternative.

What Is a Swedish Dishcloth, Exactly?

A Swedish dishcloth is a type of eco-friendly kitchen towel that’s highly absorbent, surprisingly versatile, and can be reused more than 200 times. They are made from natural fibers—typically a blend of cotton and cellulose. Because they can be washed and reused hundreds of times, they can replace more than 15 rolls of paper towels.

They are stiff when dry, but once wet, they become sponge-like, making them highly useful for all manner of household tasks. Once they’ve been used, you can toss them in the dishwasher, washing machine, or wash them by hand. They’re a simple, sustainable solution that can replace paper towels, napkins, sponges, and other household cleaning tools that end up in landfills. net, and your trust. We only pick products that we would actually use. 

Example: FEBU: For Earth by Us Swedish Dishcloths

These quick-drying, odor-resistant Swedish dishcloths from FEBU are made in the USA with all-natural materials. They are lightly textured for easy scrubbing and will compost at home in just six to eight weeks.

Example: Nordhus Design Swedish Dishcloths

This ten-pack of classic Swedish dishcloths comes in fun patterns and colors and, all together, can replace more than 150 rolls of paper towels! They’re made with cotton and natural cellulose fiber from FSC-certified sustainable forests.

How to Use a Swedish Dishcloth: 6 Everyday Uses

With a product this versatile, it’s no surprise that Swedish dishcloths have become a staple in so many homes. Whether you’re cleaning up the occasional “oops!” or giving the kitchen a thorough scrub down, Swedish dishcloths can make your household surfaces shine while eliminating paper waste and water-logged sponges from the equation.

Here are some handy Swedish dishcloth uses that can help you keep your home clean without all that waste.

1. Wiping down kitchen surfaces

Swedish dishcloths are absorbent and durable, making them the perfect cleaning companion for everyday messes. They can absorb more than a standard paper towel and don’t leave behind any frustrating fibers. Use them with your favorite non-toxic cleaning spray or a simple solution of soap and water to make your kitchen sparkle. 

2. Cleaning up spills

Like it or not, spills happen—especially in the kitchen. Rather than reaching for a wasteful paper product, grab your handy Swedish dishcloth and watch it go to work. These handy cloths can absorb up to 20 times their weight in liquid. Let’s see a paper towel do that.

3. Washing dishes and glassware

If you’re tired of stinky sponges, swap them out for a light, quick-drying Swedish dishcloth. Once wet, they’re flexible enough to get into those hard-to-reach spots, and the textured surface makes them perfect for scrubbing away any grease and grime. 

4. Scrubbing bathtubs and sinks

You can use a Swedish dishcloth to wipe down your sinks, bathtubs, and other bathroom surfaces. Their textured, non-abrasive surface makes it easy to get between tiles and remove grime.

Pro tip: Have multiple Swedish dishcloths on hand to use in different areas of the house. For example, you might have one designated for use in the kitchen and another that’s only used to clean bathrooms. This will prevent the spread of bacteria and ensure you always have one where and when you need it.

5. Cleaning mirrors and windows

For streak-free glass, use a vinegar solution and a Swedish dishcloth to clean mirrors and windows all around the house. These microfiber cloths won’t leave pesky particles behind the way paper towels do.

6. Removing dust from shelves and windowsills

For a quick dusting, wet your Swedish dishcloth and wring it out until it’s barely damp. You can then use it to lightly wipe any surfaces that gather dust, like shelves, window sills, blinds, and fan blades. Once you’re done, run it under warm water to remove lingering dirt and toss it in the washing machine to refresh it for your next cleaning spree. 

How to Care for a Swedish Dishcloth

Now that we know how to use a Swedish dishcloth, let’s learn how to care for one. To get the most use out of your new favorite cloth, be sure to rinse and wring it out after every use. Most are machine washable and can even be laid out on the top rack of a dishwasher. To dry, simply hang it up or lay it flat. Once dry, it will become rigid.

If you’re worried about bacteria, briefly boil your Swedish dishcloth in clean water. This will help kill any germs and keep it from getting grimy.

Avoid using harsh chemicals, such as bleach, as these can damage the fibers and cause your dishcloth to wear out more quickly. Once your dishcloth has served its purpose, you can throw it in with the compost, where it will break down in a matter of weeks. You’ll know it’s time to replace it when it starts to become frayed around the edges.

Tips for Maximizing Your Dishcloth’s Lifespan

Here are some ways you can extend the lifespan of your Swedish dishcloth:

• Let dry completely between uses.
• Occasionally disinfect it with vinegar, baking soda, or a lemon juice soak.
• Use a rotation system; swap between three to five dishcloths throughout the week to keep them from wearing out.
• Use different dishcloths for different tasks or areas of the house; designate them by pattern or color to make it easier to remember.

With proper care, dishcloths can last between six and nine months of regular use! So be sure to show them some love, and you’ll have your cleaning needs covered for more than half a year.

Swedish Dishcloths vs. Other Options

How exactly does a Swedish dishcloth stack up against its rivals? Paper towels and sponges are many people’s go-to when it comes to cleaning, but they leave a lot to be desired. 

Paper Towels

How much waste do you produce by going through your day-to-day activities? Wiping down the counter, cleaning up a spill—it all adds up in your trash can. Swedish dishcloths can replace multiple rolls of paper towels, saving you money while also saving trees and eliminating trash. They are also highly absorbent, making them more effective than those flimsy sheets of paper. 

Synthetic Sponges

A sponge might seem like the sensible cleaning option if you want to save on paper towels, but it has its own problems as well. Even when used sparingly, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria. They also shed microplastics and break down rapidly with regular use. 

Swedish dishcloths are made with safe, biodegradable materials and will last longer than even your sturdiest sponge. They’re the perfect cleaning partner for those looking to live a more sustainable, waste-free life.  

Final Thoughts

Swedish dishcloths are more than a colorful kitchen accent; they’re a sustainable, reusable, and more absorbent alternative to traditional paper towels. Made with natural, biodegradable compost, they help keep plastic and paper products out of landfills. With a little care, they can withstand months of regular use, saving you money and helping you lead a less wasteful life.

Whether you’re considering making the switch or already have a Swedish dishcloth sitting at home, put those paper towels away and reach for a rag that’s safe, sturdy, and ready to clean just about anything.

For more ways to live an eco-friendly life, check out some sustainable kitchen tips and learn more about how you can save the world one simple switch at a time.

Featured image via Amazon