A single Swedish dishcloth can replace 17 rolls of paper towels — and TikTok weirdly can’t get enough

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TikTok has a strange new obsession, but it certainly isn’t a hyper trendy product — it’s Swedish dishcloths. And if a dishcloth goes viral, you know it has to be good.

Swedish dishcloths, which date back more than seven decades, are an eco-friendly alternative to paper towels, sponges and standard dishcloths. Some estimate a single Swedish dishcloth can replace 17 rolls of paper towels. The product is super absorbent like a sponge, but comes in a sheet-like form like a paper towel. One Swedish dishcloth can soak up 20 times its own weight in liquid, yet dries quickly between uses. The cloths clean counter tops, granite, stainless steel and glass — with no streaks. 

Several TikTok users have made videos praising the hybrid product as a sustainable workhorse when it comes to cleaning. 

A Swedish engineer invented the innovative dishcloth in 1949. The cloths are often made largely or entirely of biodegradable cellulose, but can also be made from a combination cellulose and wood pulp or renewable cotton. 

And yes, they are washable. If a dishcloth gets especially dirty, hand wash it with soap and water, then toss it in the microwave for a minute to kill off any potential bacteria. You can also clean the cloths in the dishwasher or laundry. In fact, a single cloth can be washed up to 50 times in a standard washing machine. And even when it’s time to replace a well-worn cloth, the product is completely compostable.

Swedish dishcloths often come decorated with colorful designs, with the most eco-friendly versions printed with plant-based inks. Check out the sustainable dishcloths below to get in on the trend.

Shop: Compostable Sponge Cloths, Set Of 10, $29

Credit: Food52

Shop: Solid Swedish Dishcloth, Set Of 10, $19.95 (Orig. $24.99)

Credit: Amazon

Shop: White Swedish Dishcloths, Set Of 10, $17.99

Credit: Amazon

Shop: Cactus Swedish Dishcloths, Set Of 3, $15.37 (Orig. $16.99)

Credit: Amazon

Shop: Lemon Swedish Dishcloths, Set Of 3, $15.10 (Orig. $15.99)

Credit: Amazon

Shop: Veggie Swedish Dishcloth, Set Of 5, $34.97

Credit: Amazon

Shop: Bikes Swedish Dishcloth, Set Of 3, $17.95

Credit: Amazon

Shop: Round Citrus Swedish Dishcloth, Set Of 3, $19.99

Credit: Amazon

Shop: Round Flower Swedish Dishcloth, Set Of 5, $36.01

Credit: Amazon

If you liked this story, check out this handy kitchen towel printed with measurement conversions for baking.

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