How to Care for Your Swedish Dishcloth: Washing, Sanitizing & Composting

Swedish dishcloths are one of the most practical eco-friendly swaps you can make in your kitchen — but to get the most out of them, a little care goes a long way. The good news? They're incredibly easy to maintain. Here's everything you need to know. 

What Is a Swedish Dishcloth Made Of?

Authentic Swedish dishcloths are made from a blend of 70% cellulose (wood pulp) and 30% cotton. This natural composition is what makes them so absorbent, fast-drying, and — crucially — fully compostable. If you're not sure whether yours is the real deal, check out our guide: How to Tell If Your Swedish Dishcloth Is Real (Look for the Triangles).

How to Wash Your Swedish Dishcloth

Option 1: Dishwasher (Easiest)

Place your Swedish dishcloth on the top rack of your dishwasher and run a normal cycle. The heat and detergent will clean and sanitize it thoroughly. This is the most convenient method and works great for a weekly deep clean.

Option 2: Washing Machine

Toss it in with your regular laundry. Use a warm or hot water cycle with your normal detergent. Avoid fabric softener — it can reduce absorbency over time. Air dry afterward; skip the dryer to preserve the cloth's lifespan.

Option 3: Microwave Sanitizing

This is the fastest method for a quick sanitize between washes:

1. Rinse the cloth thoroughly and wring it out so it's damp (not dripping).
2. Place it flat on a microwave-safe plate.
3. Microwave on high for 1–3 minutes.
4. Let it cool before handling — it may be hot!

Never microwave a cloth if it has food stuck to it.

Option 4: Boiling

For a deep sterilize, drop the cloth into a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes. This is especially useful if the cloth has been used on raw meat or other high-bacteria surfaces.

How to Dry Your Swedish Dishcloth

Always air dry your Swedish dishcloth after use. Hang it over your faucet, a dish rack, or a hook. The cellulose-cotton blend dries remarkably fast — usually within an hour — which is one of the key reasons Swedish dishcloths stay odor-free far longer than traditional sponges.

Avoid the dryer. High heat can shrink the cloth and break down the fibers faster, shortening its lifespan.

How Long Does a Swedish Dishcloth Last?

With proper care, a quality Swedish dishcloth lasts 6–8 months of regular use — replacing up to 17 rolls of paper towels. The more consistently you wash and air-dry it, the longer it will last.

Signs it's time to replace: the cloth is thinning, tearing, or no longer bouncing back to its original texture after washing.

How to Compost Your Swedish Dishcloth

This is where Swedish dishcloths truly shine over synthetic alternatives. When your cloth has reached the end of its life:

• Cut it up into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition.
• Add it to your backyard compost bin or add it to your plants to help hold moisture.
• It will fully compostable with no microplastics.

You can also work small pieces directly into garden soil as a soil amendment. The cellulose breaks down and adds organic matter to your garden.

Want to understand more about what makes these cloths compostable? Read: Is Swedish Dishcloth Material Compostable? A Complete Guide.

Common Care Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving it bunched up wet: Always spread it flat or hang it to dry — a crumpled wet cloth is how odors develop.
• Using bleach regularly: Occasional use is fine, but frequent bleaching degrades the fibers faster and is not good for the environment. We suggest peroxide and baking soda to brighten cloths. 
• Putting it in the dryer: Air dry only.
• Microwave: try 1 -2 minutes, add more time if needed. 

Ready to Stock Up?

Now that you know how to care for them, browse our full collection of Soak iT Up Swedish Dishcloths — designed to be as beautiful as they are functional. Each one replaces up to 17 rolls of paper towels and is fully compostable when its work is done. Don't miss our greeting Clards that turn into reusable cleaning cloths!