Did you know the Swedish dishcloth has been around since 1949? I sure didn’t! These magical, ultra-absorbent kitchen cloths have been a staple in Sweden for decades, and for good reason. They dry fast, soak up spills like a champ, and replace dozens of rolls of paper towels.
It all started when Swedish engineer Curt Lindquist wanted a better alternative to traditional linen towels. His solution? He ran a sponge through a meat grinder (yes, really!) to flatten it, then combined it with cotton to create the first-ever Swedish dishcloth. His wife even came up with the name “Wettex,” a mashup of “wet” and “textile.” (wettexusa.com)
Fast forward 76 years, and these eco-friendly dishcloths are finally getting the attention they deserve—especially in the U.S. More and more eco friendly brands are making their own versions, and people are catching on to just how versatile and sustainable these little cleaning cloths are. Ready to ditch paper towels and try a Swedish dish rag for yourself? Keep reading!
What Are They Made Of?
If you’re still using synthetic kitchen sponges from the grocery store, you might be surprised to learn they’re packed with plastic—usually polyurethane or polyester—and wrapped in even more plastic. These sponges can take hundreds of years to break down, which isn’t exactly ideal for a zero-waste lifestyle. But don’t worry, there’s a better (and way cuter) alternative!
The Swedish towels we carry from Three Bluebirds are made from 70% cellulose (aka wood pulp from sustainably forested trees) and 30% organic cotton. This simple yet effective blend hasn’t changed much since Curt Lindquist first created them in 1949. And now, many Swedish dishcloths come with fun, eye-catching designs printed with water-based inks—so they’re as stylish as they are sustainable. Best of all? They’re all-natural, biodegradable, and a perfect zero waste alternative for wasteful plastic sponges.
What Can You Use a Swedish Dishcloth For? Pretty Much Everything!
These are my go-to for just about every household chore. Need streak-free windows and mirrors? Check. Wiping up spills? Done. Washing dishes and scrubbing the stovetop? Absolutely. Basically, anything you’d normally reach for a paper towel to clean, a Swedish dishcloth can handle—only better.
One of my favorite uses is tackling the stovetop. A quick spray of Meliora all-purpose cleaner and a swipe with a Swedish sponge cloth, and it absorbs messes like a pro—no streaks, no waste. The best part? One Swedish dish cloth is equivalent to 17 rolls of paper towels! (Three Bluebirds) That’s a lot of waste (and money) saved with just one little cloth. An eco-friendly product that is incredibly effective—it’s a win-win!
How to Care for Them (So It Lasts for Years!)
Swedish dishcloths can last for years with the right care—seriously! Some of mine may not be as bright as they once were (hello, stains), but even after four years, they still work like a charm. The trick? Regular washing and air drying.
I wash my Swedish rags on cold with my other kitchen dishcloths. Washing in cold water is better for the environment since it lowers your carbon footprint—no need to crank up the hot water heater! If you have a dishwasher, you can pop them in there, too (though I can’t personally vouch for this—I don’t have a dishwasher).
After washing, I always hang them on the clothesline to air dry. Skipping the dryer helps extend their lifespan, and bonus: no extra energy wasted! I wash mine after a day’s use—I don’t let them sit around like a sponge. With just a little care, these dishcloths stay fresh, effective, and ready to tackle another round of cleaning.
The Cost Savings
Swedish dishcloths are not only a sustainable choice, but they’re also a great way to save money in the long run. At our plastic free shop, a Swedish cloth costs just $6.95, with discounts available for bulk purchases. Many of our customers love stocking up because these eco-friendly cloths are a game-changer for both the planet and their wallets.
Replacing Paper Towels
Unlike paper towels, they are reusable, helping reduce the need for disposable options that contribute to deforestation and excessive carbon emissions. The average roll of paper towels in the U.S. costs between $1 and $3, with premium brands offering better absorbency at a higher price point. On average, U.S. households go through approximately 6 rolls of paper towels each month (according to Statista), which adds up to $6 to $18 a month on just paper towels.
If just one reusable dishcloth replaces up to 17 rolls of paper towels, it's clear that this small investment will save you money and trees in the long run. Plus, the Swedish dishcloth is durable enough to last months or even years, making it a smarter choice for your home and the environment.
Swedish Dishcloths vs. Paper Towels and Sponges – Absorbency, Reusability, and Environmental Impact
When it comes to absorbency, Swedish dishcloths totally outshine paper towels. These eco-friendly rags can absorb up to 20 times their weight in liquid, making them much more effective than most paper towels, especially the lower-end brands. Paper towels often end up as one-and-done solutions, whereas Swedish rags can be reused hundreds of times, helping reduce 3,000 tons of paper waste from ending up in landfills every year. (Three Bluebirds)
Another bonus? They are 100% compostable after years of use, while paper towels are usually bleached, wrapped in plastic, and made using tons of water during production – all of which negatively impacts the environment. Plus, unlike paper towels, our Three Bluebirds arrive plastic-free, shipped to you naked!
Now, let’s talk sponges. Swedish dishcloths have a big advantage here too. They don’t harbor bacteria like traditional kitchen sponges. Most sponges are made of plastic, which is not only bad for the environment but also tends to get smelly quickly. Swedish dishcloths, on the other hand, dry fast and stay fresh. And when they’ve finally reached the end of their life, they can be composted – unlike plastic sponges, which sit in landfills for hundreds of years, turning into harmful micro-plastics.
The Best Sustainable Swap for a Plastic-Free Kitchen
Swedish dishcloths are one of the easiest and most effective swaps for creating a plastic-free kitchen. Made from biodegradable materials like cellulose and organic cotton, they provide a sustainable alternative to synthetic sponges and disposable paper towels, which often contain plastic and contribute to landfill waste. Unlike traditional cleaning products, Swedish dishcloths are designed to last—each one can be washed and reused hundreds of times, drastically cutting down on single-use waste. When they finally reach the end of their lifespan, they’re fully compostable, breaking down naturally without releasing harmful microplastics.
Beyond their durability, these dishcloths also support a waste-free lifestyle. Brands like Three Bluebirds even ship them no plastic packaging, avoiding unnecessary wrapping. Plus, they dry quickly, preventing bacteria buildup and reducing the need for chemical-laden cleaning products. By switching to Swedish dishcloths, you're not just making your kitchen cleaner and more efficient—you’re actively protecting the environment by conserving trees, reducing water waste, and keeping plastic out of oceans and landfills.
For 76 years, these eco-friendly cloths have been a trusted kitchen staple, and it’s easy to see why. Small changes add up, and by choosing Swedish dishcloths, you’re taking a simple yet impactful step toward a more sustainable home. Plus, when we share our love for these planet-friendly cloths, we might just inspire others to make the switch, too.
Three Bluebirds: A Zero-Waste Brand We Love
When we opened our package-free shop, Three Bluebirds was one of the first sustainable brands we brought in. We were drawn to their commitment to sustainability, their high-quality craftsmanship, and their dedication to making eco-friendly products. Every time we receive a shipment, there are usually one or two dishcloths that didn’t print quite right—maybe the image is slightly off-center or the design didn’t transfer perfectly. Instead of tossing them out, Three Bluebirds sends these "misfits" to us to use in our own homes.
We love their zero-waste approach! Rather than creating unnecessary waste, they ensure that every dishcloth has a purpose. It’s just another reason we stand behind this sustainable brand. Plus, Three Bluebirds holds multiple certifications that back up their commitment to sustainability and ethical production.
We’re proud to carry Three Bluebirds Swedish Dishcloths. We offer bulk discounts and a subscription option, so you can receive a fresh dishcloth every few months with no extra effort. They also make thoughtful, sustainable gifts—our customers love picking them up for eco-conscious friends and family. With so many fun prints to choose from, there’s a perfect design for everyone!
Three Bluebirds Swedish Dishcloths
$6.95
Upgrade Your Cleaning Game Transform your cleaning routine with Three Bluebirds Swedish Dishcloths—an eco-friendly choice that enhances efficiency, durability, and sustainability. Perfect for those who shop zero waste and are committed to a more sustainable lifestyle, these dish cloths are… read more
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At Mudd House Mercantile, we believe that sustainability isn’t about being perfect—it’s about the small, intentional choices we make every day that add up to a big impact. Whether it's swapping out paper towels for reusable Swedish dishcloths, choosing plastic-free alternatives, or simply being more mindful of our consumption, every effort counts toward creating a healthier planet.
By making the switch to Three Bluebirds Swedish Dishcloths, you’re not just cutting down on waste—you’re investing in durable, compostable, and plastic-free cleaning products that help keep our oceans and landfills free from unnecessary trash. Plus, with a wide variety of fun and stylish prints, these dishcloths prove that sustainability can be both functional and beautiful.
Join our community of eco-conscious shoppers who are committed to making sustainable swaps that matter. Subscribe now, save 10%, and let’s work together to make the planet a greener place—one dishcloth at a time!