I Tried 5 Kinds Of Kitchen Dishcloths & I'm Sticking To Swedish Dishcloths From Now On. Here's Why

If you spend any amount of time in the kitchen, you know the importance of having a reliable dishcloth on hand. A good dishcloth can make a huge difference in how easy it is to clean up after cooking, wash dishes, and maintain a tidy kitchen. But with so many types of dishcloths on the market, which one should you choose? From the trendy Swedish dishcloths to classic microfibre cloths, let's dive into a comparison of some of the most popular options on the market – and in the kitchen.

8Days Tried & Tested: We tried out six different kinds of cloth and put them to the test in the kitchen where we wiped, washed, scrubbed and cleaned to see which one came out tops.

Our Verdict

Best: Swedish Dishcloths

Durable and able to handle deep cleaning, I like that it comes in a variety of thickness and prints. They also don't smell when damp or over time. My only gripe is that it is pricier than the other choices – and usually comes in small squarish sizes – and if you find the perfect long rectangular one, it's bound to cost you a bit. 

Worst: Cotton Dishcloths

As much as we want to love these Good Morning cloths because off the nostalgia, it gets soggy, and deteriorates rather quickly. There's also a smell after a few weeks of use which you can shake off with a quick rinse. 

1. Swedish Dishcloths: The Eco-Friendly Game-Changer

What They Are: Swedish dishcloths are made from a blend of natural cellulose and cotton fibres, making them super absorbent and biodegradable. They are often touted as a sustainable alternative to paper towels and can be reused up to 200 times.

What We Liked:

• Absorbency: They may not look like much but these cloths can absorb up to 20 times their weight in liquid, making them ideal for wiping up spills or washing dishes.
• Quick Drying: Swedish dishcloths dry faster than cotton or microfibre cloths, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and odours – a plus because of our humid climate.
• Eco-Friendly: They are compostable and reduce the need for single-use paper towels.
• Aesthetic: These cloths come in pretty prints and "match" my kitchen vibe. 

What We Didn't Like:

• Texture: Some people may find the stiff texture of the cloth when it is dry a bit off-putting.
• Durability: While durable, they can wear out quicker if used for heavy-duty scrubbing.
• Price: While they usually come in a pack, these dishcloths can be quite pricey.
• Size: They usually come in a standard square size which I feel is quite small for the price I'm paying.

2. Microfibre Cloths: The All-Rounder

What They Are: Microfibre cloths are made from synthetic fibres that are incredibly soft and fine, allowing them to pick up even the tiniest particles of dirt and grime. They come in a variety of textures and thicknesses to suit different cleaning tasks.

What We Liked:

• Versatility: Great for cleaning all surfaces, from glass to stainless steel. Microfibre cloths can be used for dishes, countertops, and even dusting – great for those who do a lot of cooking!
• Durability: They are machine washable and can last through hundreds of washes. 
• Streak-Free Cleaning: They are excellent at removing smudges and leaving a streak-free shine. As someone who freaks out about stains, this one was very handy.

What We Didn't Like:

• Environmental Impact: Made from synthetic materials, they are not biodegradable.
• Requires Special Care: Microfibre cloths should not be washed with fabric softeners, as this can affect their absorbency and effectiveness.

3. Cotton Dishcloths: The Traditional Choice

What They Are: Cotton dishcloths are the classic choice for many Singapore kitchens. They are made from natural cotton fibres and come in a variety of weaves and textures, and most importantly, is cheap.

What We Liked:

• Soft and Gentle: Cotton is soft and non-abrasive, making it great for delicate surfaces and non-stick pans.
• Affordable: Widely available, always sold in huge packs, and usually less expensive than other options.
• Highly Absorbent: Good at soaking up liquids, which makes them effective for drying dishes or cleaning up spills.

What We Didn't Like:

• Slow Drying: Cotton dishcloths can take longer to dry, leading to potential odour and bacterial growth. Smell something funky near the sink? It's most likely your cotton dishcloth.
• Deterioration: The quality of these cloths degrade quickly over time and after every wash so you have to keep discarding and buying.

4. Bamboo Dishcloths: The Sustainable Softie

What They Are: Made from bamboo fibres, these dishcloths are known for their softness, absorbency, and eco-friendliness. Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource, which makes these cloths a sustainable option.

What We Liked:

• Naturally Antibacterial: Bamboo fibres have natural antibacterial properties that help keep the cloth fresher for longer – no more smells as compared to cotton dishcloths. 
• Soft and Absorbent: Gentle on surfaces and highly absorbent, making them great for washing dishes and wiping down surfaces.
• Biodegradable: Environmentally friendly and compostable at the end of their life cycle.

What We Didn't Like:

• Durability: May not last as long as microfibre or cotton cloths, especially if used for scrubbing.
• Higher Cost: Can be more expensive compared to traditional cotton dishcloths.

Best For: Eco-conscious individuals looking for a soft, naturally antibacterial dishcloth for daily kitchen use.

5. Scrubby Dishcloths: The Heavy-Duty Helper

What They Are: These cloths have a scrubby texture and are great for tackling tough stains and grime.

What We Liked:

• Durability: Built to withstand heavy-duty scrubbing and can last through many washes.
• Effective Cleaning: The textured side is great for tackling stuck-on food and grease – especially great for deep pots and pans. 

What We Didn't Like:

• Texture: The scrubby texture may be too abrasive for some surfaces and can only be used on certain surfaces because you destroy some pans!
• Care Required: Needs to be cleaned thoroughly to avoid bacteria build-up in the textured areas.

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