Swedish Dishcloths

Invented in Sweden in 1949

The Swedish dishcloth was invented in 1949 by Swedish engineer Curt Lindquist, who wanted something that absorbed like a towel but dried quickly like a sponge. His solution was a cellulose-cotton blend that is stiff when dry, flexible and highly absorbent when wet. The product was named Wettex (from "wet" and "textile," coined by Lindquist's wife Margareta), and has been standard in Swedish kitchens for over 70 years. The original Wettex cloths are still manufactured in Norrköping, Sweden. A single dishcloth is typically 70% cellulose and 30% cotton, machine-washable, dishwasher-safe, and compostable at end of life.

Swedish & Scandinavian Artists on the Patterns

The dishcloths in this collection feature patterns from named Scandinavian and Nordic-American artists:

Anneko Design (Sweden) — Swedish textile designer. Signature pieces include "God Jul" Christmas dishcloths and "Life is Good Because of Swedish Fika."

Heidi Lange — German-born Swedish artist (Minerva Prize from Rome's Art Academy). Dala horses, moose, trolls, and Sami subjects on cotton.

Adam Turman (Minnesota) — heritage-humor dishcloths: Abbey Road Minnesota, Paul & Babe, Hotdish from the Midwest, Lefse.

Jangneus (Sweden) and Koustrup & Co (Denmark) — makers with their own dedicated collections on this site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Swedish dishcloth made of?

Typically 70% cellulose (from wood pulp) and 30% cotton. Both materials are natural and biodegradable. The cloth is stiff when dry and becomes flexible and absorbent when wet.

How is it different from a regular sponge?

A Swedish dishcloth dries flat and rigid between uses, so it rinses itself clean instead of holding food and bacteria the way a sponge does. No smell, no bacteria buildup, no need to replace weekly.

Can I put them in the dishwasher?

Yes — top rack. Or the washing machine with your regular wash. Air-dry after cleaning.

Are they actually compostable?

Yes. Cellulose and cotton both fully biodegrade. Cut the worn-out cloth into strips to speed composting.

How long does one last?

With daily kitchen use, typically 6 to 9 months. Some users stretch one to a year.