How to Remove Odors from Swedish Dishcloths
By SWEDEdishcloths® is the premier supplier of Swedish ... | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: How-to Guides
Learn why your Swedish dishcloth starts to smell and how to fix it with simple steps. Keep it fresh and reusable for longer.
Quick answer
Soak your smelly Swedish dishcloth in a vinegar solution for 15 minutes or boil it for 5 minutes to kill odor-causing bacteria.
Why your dishcloth smells
Odors in Swedish dishcloths almost always come from trapped food residue and bacteria that thrive in a damp, warm environment. Because these cloths absorb 20 times their weight in liquid, they hold onto moisture longer than a paper towel, which gives microbes time to multiply.
The smell is usually a sign that the cloth hasn’t dried thoroughly between uses or that you’ve been wiping up greasy or protein-rich spills without rinsing it soon after.
When to replace instead of clean
If after two deep-clean cycles the odor remains strong, the cloth may have developed a permanent bacterial colony deep inside. At that point, replacing it is the most hygienic choice. A single Swedish dishcloth replaces up to 17 rolls of paper towels, so even early replacement is still far more eco-friendly than paper towels.
Diagnosis and fix
- Symptom: A musty or sour smell, especially after the cloth has been damp for several hours. Check if the cloth dries completely between uses. Speed drying by hanging it in a well-ventilated area.
- Likely cause: Bacteria from food residue left in the cloth fibers, combined with prolonged moisture. Rinse the cloth thoroughly after each use and wring it out well. Avoid leaving it crumpled in the sink.
- Corrective action: Wash the cloth in hot, soapy water, then soak in a 1:4 white vinegar-to-water solution for 15 minutes. For a stronger approach, boil the cloth in water for 5 minutes. After boiling, let the cloth air-dry completely. The vinegar smell will disappear as it dries.
- Stop point: If the odor persists after two deep-cleaning rounds, the cloth has likely reached the end of its usable life. Discard it and start fresh with a new one.
Product facts
- Eco-Friendly Swedish Dishcloths - Dill-Lavender-Parsley Set of 3 (Paper Towel Replacements): Each cloth absorbs 20 times its weight in liquid and replaces up to 17 rolls of paper towels. The high absorbency means the cloth holds onto moisture even when wrung out, so routine drying is essential to prevent odors.
Eco-Friendly Swedish Dishcloths - Dill-Lavender-Parsley Set of 3 (Paper Towel Replacements)
