What Are Swedish Dishcloths?
Updated: Dec. 12, 2022
You're going to wonder how you ever lived without Swedish dishcloths in your life.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
You may have already heard some buzz about Swedish dishcloths because they’re the easiest way to save major cash on paper towels. Not to mention the reusability factor that makes them better for the environment.
This unsung kitchen hero is an affordable and eco-friendly cleaning accessory that absorbs 20 times its weight in water and dries out much faster than typical sponges. They’re also on our list of the most clever dishwashing products you can buy, alongside these handy dishwashing gloves. We asked a cleaning expert for their take on what makes Swedish dishcloths so special.
What are Swedish dishcloths?
Swedish dishcloths have easily become one of our favorite Amazon cleaning products you can buy again and again, right next to the internet-famous The Pink Stuff and Scrub Daddy sponges. The reusable dishcloths will be your favorite alternative to typical sponges and paper towels. They’re that good thanks to a 70% cellulose and 30% natural cotton weave that’s strong enough to throw in the dishwasher or washing machine for dozens of uses.
Using Swedish dishcloths is definitely a cleaning hack you’ll wish you knew sooner and one that cleaning experts like Wayne Edelman, president of Meurice Garment Care, swears by. “The Swedish dishcloth is similar in use to microfiber cloths, but they are made of cellulose and cotton,” explains Edelman of this more sustainable cleaning choice. “Microfiber cloths, on the other hand, are made of plastics. Swedish dishcloths are great because you reuse them multiple times. They are also made of organic materials that will eventually decompose. One cloth can easily perform the tasks that 50 to 100 rolls of paper towels would.”
It’s that biodegradable feature that makes these affordable cleaning helpers one of the things you can compost alongside your veggie scraps.
How to Use Swedish Dishcloths
“Swedish dishcloths are used just like a cotton dish rag or paper towel, says Edelman. “They have significantly more absorbency, though. To use them, you can either apply soap or they can be used to clean up spills and then wrung out.”
Got a big mess or sticky fingerprints you’d like to get rid of? The durable material of Swedish dishcloths makes them a better choice than reaching for flimsy paper towels. You’ll want to use a little of the best dish soap (Dawn Power Wash, anyone?), stovetop cleaner or other cleaning products with enough water to make the cloth damp. Then, wipe the surface like you would with an ordinary rag or sponge. Swedish dishcloths are safe to use on stainless steel and granite—and even leave a streak-free shine on glass. Cleaning the microwave and oven has never been easier!
Oh, and once you’re done with your chores? “A dirty Swedish dishcloth can be hand washed or cleaned in a washing machine with regular laundry,” says Edelman. He stresses that not cleaning your Swedish dishcloth could lead to unwanted grime. They can also be placed in a dishwasher on a top rack and wrung out to dry.
Don’t forget to add these stove gap covers and bed-shaped sponge holder to your shopping list. They’re kitchen cleaning game changers!
The Best Amazon User Reviews
On top of Edelman’s kudos for Swedish dishcloths, the kitchen cleaning essential has racked up more than 2,800 five-star Amazon ratings. Here’s why shoppers swear by the product:
Verified Amazon reviewer, Jessica Jordan, writes,”Excellent dishcloths! They’re super durable, they absorb a lot of water and most importantly, they’re adorable. I love to display them on my sink. I plan to buy more!”
“I’ve been moving away from using paper towels for several reasons, and I love these reusable dishcloths that are so durable,” writes verified Amazon reviewer, Ann Hernandez. “I use them to wipe walls, baseboards, counters and anything I can think of. Then pop them in the wash and they come out perfect. So very happy and will be ordering more.”
“I got these for my mom who absolutely hates using sponges to wash dishes and will only use dish rags,” shares Samantha R., a verified Amazon reviewer. “I figured this would work similarly but look 100% better; and it does! My mom is in love with these and is going to buy different patterns so she can switch them out!”
Where to Buy Swedish Dishcloths
If you’re ready to kick paper towels to the side and opt for Swedish dishcloths, choose your favorite designs on Amazon where a pack of three is under $20. That’s enough to convert anyone to these reusable dishcloths for life.
Given that Edelman says one cloth can do the work of 50 to 100 rolls of paper towel, you’ll save dozens of dollars each month just on paper towels. How’s that for cleaning up nicely?
