Sponge Cloths: What is it for and how is it used?

So...What Is A Sponge Cloth (Swedish Dishcloth) Anyway?

If you've never heard of a sponge cloth, also sometimes called a Swedish dishcloth, don’t worry, you’re not alone. A Swedish sponge cloth is a reusable cleaning cloth that serves as a replacement to paper towels and plastic sponges. They're still flying under the radar in the U.S., but trust us, they’re worth knowing about. 

The Neighborgoods collection of sponge cloths offer vibrant, playful designs that make everyday cleaning more fun, while helping reduce your waste at home

Let's breakdown what makes them standout. For starters, sponge cloths can absorb up to 15x its weight in water, making all types of messes a breeze to clean. A fabric blend of 70% cellulose and 30% cotton is what makes sponge cloths soft and flexible when wet, but dry, firm and fast so they’re always ready for your next use. And unlike a traditional sponge, a Swedish sponge cloth’s quick-drying nature helps prevent bacterial growth, so you won’t have to deal with that musty sponge smell in your kitchen, either.

Why make the switch?

Reducing waste is one of the biggest reasons people make the switch from paper towels to Swedish sponge cloths. By choosing reusable sponge cloths, you cut back on paper usage and avoid the packaging waste that ends up in landfills. Sponge cloths are both compostable and biodegradable. That means when it’s finally time to throw it away, you can toss it in the compost bin, and it’ll naturally break down.

Another big reason people make the switch? Durability. These cloths are built to last, which is great news for both your wallet and the environment. A single Swedish sponge cloth can last up to 6+ months and replace up to 17 rolls of paper towels, helping you save money over time while reducing your household waste.

Where are your Swedish dishcloths made?

The Neighborgoods authentically sources our sponge cloths in Sweden, the birthplace of the Swedish dishcloth. Each one is screen printed with water-based ink, and features our vibrant, original, food- and floral-themed artwork to add a little cuteness to your daily clean-up routine.

But don’t let the cuteness fool you, our Swedish sponge cloths are workhorses. If you’ve been on the fence about trying one, trust us: it won’t take long before it becomes your go-to cloth for just about everything. Keep scrolling for some of the many ways you can use your sponge cloth.

Love our basil design? Grab it in a single sponge cloth for yourself or gift the matching dish towel and sponge cloth set to a friend.

How to Use a Sponge Cloth

Place your sponge under running water and watch the cloth soften right up and get to work. You can use it like you would a regular sponge or dish rag except it’s way more absorbent (remember it can hold up to 15x its weight in water!) and way less gross over time.

Here are just a few of the ways we love to put ours to work:

• Wiping down granite or marble kitchen counters, stovetops, and kitchen tables

• Absorbing counter or floor spills
  
  

• Washing dishes, pots, and pans
  

• Scrubbing dried food off the inside of your microwave
  

• Shining up stainless steel appliances and sinks
  

• Dusting shelves, picture frames, light fixtures, and plant leaves
  

• Wiping down fridge drawers and shelves
  

• Cleaning windows and mirrors with a streak-free finish
  

• Cleaning bathroom sinks, vanities, and tile
  

• Washing your car, inside and out

How to Clean Your Sponge Cloth

When it's time to clean your sponge cloth, toss it on the top rack of the dishwasher or throw it in the washing machine on laundry day. 

One of the best things about our sponge cloths? You can use them again and again, and they’re super low-maintenance when it comes to cleaning. 

Our sponge cloths feature a built-in hole so you can easily hang it by the sink to dry between uses.

Here’s how to keep yours fresh and clean:

1. After using it to wipe, scrub, or mop up the mess, give it a good rinse.
   
   

2. Hang it up to dry over the sink, on a hook, or wherever it can breathe.
   
   

3. When it’s time for a deeper clean, just toss it on the top rack of the dishwasher or throw it in the washing machine. Skip the dryer though. It’s best to let it air dry.
   
   

4. Once dry, it’s ready to go again.
   
   

Now for a quick recap: Swedish sponge cloths help you cut down on waste, save money, and make everyday cleaning easier. They’re super absorbent, quick-drying, durable, fully compostable, and pretty much everything you want in a kitchen essential.

Still on the fence? Let our cute designs seal the deal. All of The Neighbrgoods products, including our sponge cloths, are designed to bring a smile to your face and make cleaning feel a little more fun (and look a lot cuter). So, if you're ready to break up with plastic sponges and paper towels for good, check out our collection of 100% compostable sponge cloths, you’ll be glad you did.