Why Does My Swedish Dishcloth Smell? Fix It Fast
By SWEDEdishcloths® is the premier supplier of Swedish ... | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: Tips & Care
Discover why your Swedish dishcloth develops odors and how to fix it quickly with simple cleaning steps. Keep your cloth fresh and reusable longer.
Quick answer
A smelly Swedish dishcloth usually means trapped bacteria or food residue. The fix is a quick soak in boiling water or a diluted bleach solution, followed by thorough rinsing and air drying.
Why Swedish dishcloths can smell
Swedish dishcloths are made from cellulose and cotton, which are highly absorbent—they can hold up to 20 times their weight in liquid. That same absorbency can trap moisture, food particles, and bacteria if the cloth isn't dried properly between uses. Unlike paper towels, which you toss after one use, a reusable cloth stays damp longer, creating a perfect environment for odor-causing microbes.
When to toss instead of clean
If the smell persists after deep cleaning, or if you see mold spots or fraying, it's time to replace the cloth. A well-cared-for Swedish dishcloth lasts 6–9 months, but heavy use or infrequent washing shortens that life. The Red White Blue Liberty Swedish Dishcloth is a durable option that holds up well to repeated cleaning.
Diagnose and fix the smell
- Symptom: A sour, musty, or mildew-like odor from the cloth, even after rinsing.
- Likely cause: Bacteria or mold growth from trapped moisture, food residue, or infrequent washing. The cloth may have been left damp in a sink or on a counter. If the cloth feels slimy or has visible dark spots, skip to the last step.
- Corrective action: Soak the cloth in boiling water for 5 minutes, or in a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water for 30 minutes. Alternatively, use a diluted bleach soak (1 teaspoon bleach per quart of water) for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and wring out well. After washing, hang the cloth to dry completely in a well-ventilated area—never store it damp.
- When to stop or choose another option: If the smell remains after two deep-cleaning attempts, or if the cloth has mold spots, tears, or a permanent odor, discard it and replace with a new Swedish dishcloth. Reusable cloths are compostable, so you can dispose of it responsibly. For daily freshness, rinse the cloth after each use and hang it to dry—this prevents most odors before they start.
Product that helps
- Red White Blue Liberty Swedish Dishcloths | ECO Friendly Absorbent Cleaning Cloth: Each of these absorbent cloths can absorb 20 times its own weight in liquid, like a super efficient eco friendly cleaning sponge. That high absorbency means it traps spills and moisture quickly, but also requires thorough drying to prevent odors—so follow the cleaning steps below to keep it fresh.
Red White Blue Liberty Swedish Dishcloths | ECO Friendly Absorbent Cleaning Cloth
