10 Surprising Uses for Swedish Dishcloths That You Need to Try

Stop buying disposable wipes. Swap them out for a Swedish dishcloth. It’s a single, reusable cloth that tackles kitchen grime, glass streaks, and countertop spills without waste.
Most cleaning cloths handle only one job: you scrub dishes with one rag, dust with another, and battle grease with a third. A Swedish dishcloth changes the game.
Blending 70% cotton with 30% cellulose creates a gentle-abrasion weave that scrubs away baked-on grime without a single scratch. That smart blend lets you wash, wipe, polish, and dry with one cloth.
Here are 10 surprising uses for Swedish dishcloths you can try. You’ll learn about handy uses from wiping electronic devices, cleaning pet bowls, washing dishes, and other household chores.
10 Surprising Uses for Swedish Dishcloths
Swedish dishcloths are soft and absorbent, which makes them safe for use on delicate surfaces like electronics, windows, and stainless steel. Here are the 10 most surprising ways you can use it:
Wipe Up Spills
Spills can happen anytime in your kitchen cabinet, on the floor, or even in your car. But you can wipe up those spills with a Swedish dishcloth. This highly absorbent cloth soaks up liquid fast, and you can use it on any surface in your home.
To use it, first rinse the cloth under the tap. Then, squeeze out the extra water and press and wipe the cloth over the spill until it's absorbed. After you clean the area, rinse the cloth in hot water, then hang it to dry.
Swedish dishcloths are compostable and eco-friendly. You can use them as an alternative to using paper towels. They will break down naturally and help protect the planet.
Wipe Electronic Screens
Electronic screens are sensitive and prone to scratches. They can scratch if you use a rough or abrasive tool to clean them.
Instead, you can use a Swedish dishcloth to clean them. The soft weave lifts dust and oils without damage. It works on smartphones, tablets, monitors, and TV screens.
To clean electronic screens with a Swedish dishcloth, first rinse it under the tap water or a 50/50 mix of distilled water and vinegar. Then wring it until it is just damp and not dripping.
Next, wipe each screen with straight strokes from top to bottom. After that, flip the cloth to the dry side to buff away any streaks. Let the screen air dry before you use it again.
Swedish dishcloths are reusable and lint-free. They leave screens clear without streaks or smudges. These cleaning clothes resist odors and dry fast.
After use, you just have to toss them in the washer or dishwasher to clean. Each cloth lasts for months, so you don’t need to replace it often.
Dry Glassware
Glassware can show streaks and water spots after washing. You can dry each item using a Swedish dishcloth. This cloth has a lint-free weave that gives a spot-free shine on every stemware and tumbler. It works on wine glasses, everyday cups, and any delicate pieces.
You can dry glassware using Swedish dishcloths. First, shake off any drips with the glass. Then wrap the damp cloth around each glass and rotate each item until it feels dry. Finally, set each piece upside down on a rack to finish drying.
You can wash the cloth in the machine or a top-rack dishwasher. It dries fast, so you can use it again soon.
Clean Pet Bowls & Feeders
Pet bowls and feeders can build up bacteria and grime quickly. You can use Swedish dishcloths to clean them safely. Its soft weave lifts food residue without scratching ceramic and stainless steel surfaces.
To use pet bowls or feeders with Swedish dishcloths, first rinse the cloth under hot tap water. Then add a drop of mild soap if it’s needed. After that, scrub the bowl inside and out in a circular motion. Next, rinse the bowl under hot water until the water runs clear.
You can wash the cloth in your dishwasher or washing machine. It lasts for up to 100 washes or one year. Cleaning bowls daily prevents biofilm and keeps pets healthy.
Clean Stovetops
Stovetops can build up grease and burnt-on food over time. Using a Swedish dishcloth can help scrub away the buildup without creating any scratches. It can fit around the knobs and edges to clean hard spots.
First, wet the cloth under the tap and wring it until it is just damp. Then add a drop of mild dish soap or spray a stove top cleaner. Scrub in circular motions to lift grease and food bits. After that, wipe with the cloth’s soft side using plain water to remove residue and rinse the cloth to hand it to dry.
You can machine wash it or use your dishwasher. Each cloth lasts up to 200 machine washes or approximately six months of use. You'll need to replace it far less often than sponges or paper towels.
Clean Windows
You can clean the windows and make them look spotless using a Swedish dishcloth. It has a tight and lint-free weave that lifts dirt and dust. The streak-free cloths won’t scratch window glass.
To clean the windows using a Swedish dishcloth, first mist the glass with water or a streak-free cleaner. Then wipe the window in an S pattern from top to bottom. After that, flip the cloth to its dry side and use it to buff away the streaks.
After use, toss it in the washer or dishwasher. It dries fast, so you can use it again soon. Each cloth can replace dozens of paper towels and wash up to 100 times. It is compostable and will break down naturally at the end of life.
Clean the Countertops
Countertops can get crumbs, spills, and grease throughout the day. Some cloths can scratch or leave lint behind, but Swedish dishcloths clean safely. Swedish dishcloths work on all countertop surfaces safely. Their soft and nonabrasive weave picks up crumbs and wipes spills without damage.
First, rinse the cleaning cloth under the tap and wring out the extra water. After that, spray the countertop with a cleaner or plain water. Then, wipe the surface in broad strokes, flip the cloth to its dry side to remove streaks after that.
You can machine wash or wash the Swedish dishcloth in a dishwasher. It lasts for months with proper care.
Sanitize Cutting Boards
Cutting boards can harbor germs and bits of food. Use a Swedish dishcloth to reach into grooves to lift the hidden particles. It can clean deep without scratching wood or plastic.
After each use, rinse the cloth under hot water. Wring out the extra water and add a drop of dish soap to the cloth. Scrub the board on both sides, then rinse the board under hot water. Flip the cloth to its dry side and wipe the board to let it air dry.
Once a week, mist the board with white vinegar or lemon juice. Scrub the surface again with the Swedish dishcloth. Then rinse and dry it as before to kill lingering bacteria.
Wash Dishes
Washing dishes with a Swedish dishcloth is simple and fast.
First, you need to wet the dishcloth under the tap. Then, add two or three drops of dish soap to the cloth. After that, rub the soap into the cloth until it lathers.
You can scrub each dish with a Swedish dishcloth just like you would with a sponge. The cloth’s textured weave lifts stuck-on food and grease from the dish. It also doesn’t scratch the porcelain or nonstick surfaces.
After scrubbing the dishes, rinse each one under running water. Then, rinse the cloth and hang it to dry. The dishwashing cloths can resist odors better compared to sponges and other cleaning tools.
Wipe Stainless-Steel Appliances
Stainless steel appliances can show every fingerprint and streak. A rough cloth can scratch the finish and leave streaks. Use a Swedish dishcloth to clean stainless steel appliances instead. Its soft weave cleans the grease without causing any harm.
Start by rinsing the dishcloth under warm water and wringing it until it feels just damp. Wipe along the grain of the steel and flip to the dry surface of the cloth. Then buff the surface and let it air dry before using it.
These cleaning cloths can last for months. You can wash them in your dishwasher or washing machine. When they wear out, toss them in your compost pile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Swedish dishcloths are versatile, eco-friendly cleaners designed for everyday tasks. Here are the most common questions and answers to help you get the best use from your dishcloths.
Can I use Swedish dishcloths on electronics screens?
Yes. A Swedish dishcloth’s soft, lint-free weave cleans electronics without scratching. Dampen it lightly, wring it until moist, then wipe the screen in straight strokes. Flip to the dry side to buff away streaks. It works on smartphones, tablets, and TVs.
How often should I replace my Swedish dishcloth?
Replace your Swedish dishcloth every 6 to 12 months. If it becomes stained, frayed, or smelly, swap it out sooner. You can wash it, but replacing it regularly helps maintain hygiene. This keeps your cloths fresh and your home germ-free.
Can I use harsh cleaners or chemicals with it?
You can use most cleaners with your Swedish dishcloth. It cleans with dish soap or vinegar and works with gentle sprays. Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals, as they can weaken the fibers and make the cloth wear out faster.
Are Swedish dishcloths hygienic?
Yes, they dry quickly, so they do not promote bacterial growth. You can wash them in the top rack of your dishwasher or in your washing machine once a week. A clean, dry cloth stays fresh and safe for all your chores.
Do they fade in color over time?
They may lose some brightness after many washes. Fading does not harm their cleaning power. When the cloth frays or feels worn, it is time to replace it.
Final Words
Swedish dishcloths can handle many cleaning tasks with just one cloth. They soak up spills quickly, scrub away stuck-on food, and dry in no time.
One Swedish dishcloth can help simplify all your cleaning tasks. Try wiping your stovetop, buffing the mirror, cleaning your pet’s bowl, or polishing your phone screen. It also saves money as you wash the cloth and reuse it many times.
What’s your favorite use of a Swedish dishcloth? Let us know in the comments below.