Paper towels are the easiest throw-away item to replace in your kitchen. We’ve teamed up with Swedish dishcloth company Swedish Wholesale to introduce you to their reusable eco-friendly dish cloths to share 5 ways reusable dish cloths are better than paper towels.
1. They are more convenient. When you stock up on reusable dish cloths, you always have a few on hand. You can use them for your regular cleaning or pull one out in case of an unexpected leak. Because you never run out of them, you’ll never find yourself making an emergency run to the store to buy something. When a crisis like the coronavirus pandemic hits, you won’t have to put yourself in the compromising position of going out to get paper towels.
2. They save money. It’s a no-brainer that buying something once that you can reuse over and over again saves more money than buying something once, throwing it away, and then buying a replacement. Swedish dish cloths can last at least 15 rolls of paper towels. If one cloth costs you $2, and each roll of paper towels costs about $1, that means 15 rolls of paper towels cost you $15 – but you only spend $2 on one cloth. You can save at least $13 for every piece of fabric you use.
3. They throw away less garbage, 13 billion pounds of paper towels are sent to landfills every year. The paper towels themselves are specifically designed to be thrown away. They also come wrapped around a cardboard core you threw away. Swedish reusable dish cloths are made from biodegradable cellulose and cotton, and are compostable, so there’s no waste around the spectrum.
4. They avoid plastic. Paper towels usually come wrapped in throwaway plastic. If you use a synthetic sponge, it is also actually plastic. Reusable dish cloths eschew plastic in favor of eco-friendly cellulose and cotton that will biodegrade.
5. They create less clutter in the kitchen. I don’t know about you, but I don’t really have room in my kitchen or pantry for 15 rolls of paper towels — or even a six-pack! I just want one or two reusable dish cloths at my kitchen sink or drainboard. Here’s a stack of 10 reusable dish cloths. This would be equivalent to 150 rolls of paper towels!!
Note: Swedish dish cloths dry hard. The advantage is that they are not smelly like sponges that remain moist. But this also means that before using it, run it under your kitchen tap to wet it a little. This will make it highly absorbent and flexible. Additionally, lay these dish cloths flat to dry after use. You can then stand them in your kitchen sink drainer for quick access whenever you need them.
Plus, these dish cloths actually function more like a sponge or paper towel than a kitchen tea towel. You wouldn’t use them to dry a glass or plate; You’ll use them to wash glasses or wipe plates, as well as to mop counters, walls, and floors as needed.
To wash Swedish dish cloths, put them in the dishwasher; When you’re cleaning dishes, wash them with hot soapy water, or put them in the washing machine, unless you’re adding fabric softener to the laundry. Don’t put them in the dryer; Simply lay them flat to dry.
you can Find out more about Swedish reusable dish cloths here,
Want to get your own Swedish Dish Cloth? you can Find them here on Amazon (My affiliate link, FYI). You can get a pack of 10 for just $19.99, plus free delivery if you’re a Prime member.
Note: Partnerships with companies like Swedish Wholesale help us bring you the expert content you need to live the greener life you want. All editorial positions are our own.
10 Tips for Conquering the Kitchen with Reusable Dish Cloths:
- How to Prep Your New Swedish Dishcloth?
– Target Audience: New users of reusable dishcloths
– Content: Briefly explain that Swedish dishcloths are stiff when dry. Instruct users to quickly run the cloth under warm water to soften it before using. - How to Wash Your Reusable Dish Cloths?
– Target Audience: General audience
– Content: Explain two washing methods: dishwasher (top rack) or washing machine (hot water, gentle cycle). Emphasize avoiding fabric softener, which can reduce absorbency. - How to Dry Your Reusable Dish Cloths?
– Target Audience: General audience
– Content: Advise against using a dryer, which can damage the cloth. Instruct users to hang them to dry or lay them flat on a drying rack. - How to Disinfect Your Reusable Dish Cloths?
– Target Audience: Users concerned about sanitation
– Content: Briefly mention two options: microwave them damp for 30 seconds (check for heat first) or soak them in a diluted bleach solution (follow safety guidelines). - How to Tackle Tough Spills with Reusable Dish Cloths?
– Target Audience: Users concerned about cleaning power
– Content: Explain how the textured surface of the cloth effectively traps dirt and grime. Recommend rinsing the cloth frequently for greasy messes. - How to Clean More Than Dishes with Reusable Dish Cloths?
– Target Audience: Users seeking multi-purpose solutions
– Content: Showcase the versatility of the cloths. Mention uses for cleaning countertops, appliances, and even dusting (use a damp cloth for dusting). - How to Store Your Reusable Dish Cloths?
– Target Audience: General audience
– Content: Briefly mention keeping them near the sink for easy access. You can also add a tip to designate different cloths for specific tasks (e.g., one for dishes, another for countertops). - How to Compost Your Worn-Out Reusable Dish Cloths?
– Target Audience: Eco-conscious users
– Content: Explain that most Swedish dishcloths are compostable due to their natural materials. Briefly mention checking the specific composting instructions for your brand. - How to Make Your Own Reusable Dish Cloths?
– Target Audience: Crafty DIY enthusiasts
– Content: Briefly outline the steps for sewing your own cloths from eco-friendly materials like cotton or hemp. Include a link to a detailed sewing tutorial. - How to Choose the Right Reusable Dish Cloths?
– Target Audience: First-time buyers
– Content: Briefly discuss material options (cellulose vs. cotton blends) and size considerations. Mention popular brands and eco-friendly certifications to look for.
FAQs:
Reusable dish cloths can last as long as 15 rolls of paper towels, saving you money in the long run.
They are typically made from eco-friendly materials like cellulose and cotton, which are biodegradable and compostable.
Yes, if washed properly. Wash them regularly in your washing machine or dishwasher.
They are typically made from eco-friendly materials like cellulose and cotton, which are biodegradable and compostable.
Yes! They are even more absorbent than paper towels and can tackle spills and messes effectively.
Run them under water before use to make them more absorbent. Rinse them after each use and hang them to dry or throw them in the washing machine.
No, unlike sponges that stay damp, reusable dish cloths dry quickly and won’t harbor bacteria if cared for properly.
To maintain reusable dish cloths, rinse them under water before use to increase absorbency, and lay them flat to dry after each use to prevent odors and bacteria buildup.
Reusable cloths absorb spills efficiently and can be washed and reused, unlike single-use paper towels.
Look for reputable brands like Swedish Wholesale, known for durable and eco-friendly options.