If a dishcloth smells sour or musty, it usually stayed damp, held food residue, or needed a deeper wash. The fix is not to cover the smell with fragrance. Clean the cloth thoroughly and let it dry with plenty of airflow.
How to get the smell out of a Swedish dishcloth
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Rinse out debris. Run water through the cloth and gently work out food, grease, and soap residue.
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Wash it. Put the cloth in the washing machine or on the dishwasher’s top rack.
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Skip fabric softener. It can coat the fibers and reduce absorbency.
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Hang dry completely. Spread the cloth over a rack, hook, or faucet rather than leaving it in a heap.
For complete care instructions, use our Swedish dishcloth washing guide.
Why dishcloths develop odors
Odor is more likely when a cloth remains wet, collects grease or food, or is stored before it dries. Even a quick-drying cloth needs room for air to circulate.
A cloth can also pick up residue from too much detergent or cleaner. Rinse thoroughly after use and after washing.
How to keep the smell from returning
- Rinse the cloth soon after each job.
- Wring out excess water.
- Hang it open instead of folding it wet.
- Rotate between clean cloths if one does not have time to dry.
- Use separate cloths for dishes, bathroom cleaning, and pet areas.
Our storage guide has more ideas for airflow around the sink.
When should you replace a smelly cloth?
If an odor remains after a thorough machine or top-rack dishwasher wash and complete drying, replace the cloth. The same applies if it feels slimy, tears, or no longer absorbs well.
Giro Swedish dishcloths typically last about 2–3 months with regular use. They are plastic-free and made from biodegradable plant fibers.
A simple fresh-cloth routine
Rinse, wring, hang. Wash when needed. That routine does more than any perfume or complicated kitchen hack.
Looking for a replacement? Giro Swedish Dishcloths are made from 70% cellulose (plant-based wood pulp) and 30% cotton and include a sisal scouring corner.
