Originally published March 2024, updated September 2026.
How can you replace three common kitchen disposables in one simple switch? Choose reusable dish cloths.
Reusable dish cloths are a sustainable alternative to synthetic Chux-style wipes, disposable sponges and paper towel. Made from materials such as cotton, cellulose and coconut fibre, these washable kitchen cloths can be reused for wiping surfaces, washing dishes, soaking up spills and cleaning throughout the home.
Quick answer: Why switch to reusable dish cloths?
Reusable dish cloths replace synthetic wipes, disposable sponges and paper towel with washable, long-lasting options that reduce plastic and household waste. Choose a cellulose and cotton Swedish dish cloth for spills and wiping, an organic cotton cloth for washing dishes, or a cellulose and coconut-fibre sponge for tougher scrubbing.
What are the benefits of reusable dish cloths?
Replace several disposable products
A good reusable kitchen cloth can replace paper towel, synthetic dish cloths and disposable kitchen sponges. Use it to wash dishes, wipe benches, clean appliances and soak up spills.
Reduce plastic and household waste
Many conventional wipes and sponges are made from synthetic materials that gradually wear down with use. Choosing plastic-free dish cloths made from cellulose, organic cotton or coconut fibre helps reduce plastic waste and the shedding of synthetic fibres around the kitchen sink.
Absorbent and versatile
Reusable dish cloths can be used for everything from washing dishes and wiping surfaces to cleaning appliances and soaking up spills. Swedish dish cloths are especially absorbent, making them a useful alternative to paper towel.
Durable and cost-effective
Washable dish cloths can be cleaned and used many times, so you do not need to continually replace rolls of paper towel, disposable wipes or short-lived synthetic sponges. With proper care, a well-made cloth can last for months.
Quick drying and hygienic
Cellulose dish cloths dry quickly when they are rinsed, wrung out and left somewhere well ventilated. Allowing a cloth to dry fully between uses helps prevent it from remaining damp and developing unpleasant odours.
Compostable options
Reusable cleaning cloths made only from cellulose, cotton and other natural plant fibres may be compostable at the end of their useful life. Always check the materials and care information, as not every reusable cloth or sponge is plastic-free or compostable.
Switching to reusable dish cloths can be a small but impactful step towards a more sustainable household.
Which reusable dish cloth is right for you?
Think about the job you need the cloth to do. Absorbent cellulose cloths are ideal for spills and everyday wiping, organic cotton dish cloths are soft and versatile, while a coconut-fibre scrubbing layer is better suited to stuck-on food and heavier cleaning.
If you are looking for washable dish cloths in Australia, Biome offers plastic-free options for wiping, washing and scrubbing. See our picks below.
For spills, benches, dish washing and replacing paper towel
What they are: Super-absorbent plant-fibre sponge cloths made from 70% cellulose and 30% cotton. They are plastic-free, quick drying, machine washable and home compostable at the end of their useful life.
Best for: Soaking up spills, wiping benches, washing dishes, cleaning appliances and replacing Chux-style wipes and paper towel. Wash and reuse them for months.
Choose a single cloth, a colourful five-pack or the more subdued organic-dyed two-pack.
What you love: “They last ages! They clean the dishes and benches so well and are so absorbent. When they start to look a bit too used, I chuck them in the washing machine—perfect to use again.” — Mikayla
Organic cotton dish cloths for washing and gentle cleaning
Full Circle Cotton Dish Cloths
What they are: Soft and durable dish cloths made from 100% organic cotton, with woven loops that add texture for gentle scrubbing.
Best for: Washing dishes, wiping kitchen surfaces and drying hands without shedding synthetic fibres.
Choose organic cotton dish cloths if you prefer the familiar feel and flexibility of a traditional woven cloth rather than a sponge-style cloth.
For stuck-on food and tougher scrubbing
Green Essentials Cellulose Sponge and Coconut Scrubber
What it is: A plant-based cellulose sponge with a coconut-fibre scrubbing layer, in a handy pack of three.
Best for: Wiping smooth surfaces and scrubbing tougher food stains with the same sponge. It is a plastic-free alternative to conventional green-and-yellow dish sponges.
End of life: The cellulose and coconut-fibre sponge is biodegradable and home compostable at the end of its useful life.
What you love: “Finally I don’t need to stress about contributing to microplastic pollution while washing up. And what’s more, when it’s no good in the kitchen, I can put it in the compost. Perfect.” — Sarah
How do you wash and care for reusable dish cloths?
- Rinse your cloth thoroughly after each use to remove food and cleaning residue.
- Wring it out and hang or stand it somewhere well ventilated to dry.
- Wash it regularly according to the product’s care instructions.
- Use a fresh cloth for dishes and food-preparation areas rather than one used for floors or bathrooms.
- Move worn cloths on to messier cleaning jobs before composting them where suitable.
Looking beyond the cloth? See our complete guide to washing dishes without plastic for soap bars, brushes, sponges and dishwasher powder.
Ready to retire the old Chux cloth?
Choose washable, reusable and plastic-free dish cloths for every kitchen cleaning job.
Frequently asked questions about reusable dish cloths
Are reusable dish cloths hygienic?
Yes, provided they are rinsed, washed regularly and allowed to dry completely between uses. Thoroughly wash a cloth if it develops an odour or remains heavily soiled.
Are Swedish dish cloths plastic-free?
Traditional Swedish dish cloths made only from cellulose and cotton are plastic-free. Check the materials before buying, as not every reusable sponge or cloth is made from the same fibres.
What are the benefits of organic cotton dish cloths over synthetic cloths?
Organic cotton dish cloths do not shed synthetic plastic fibres as they wear. They are soft, washable and useful for washing dishes, wiping surfaces and gentle scrubbing.
What are Swedish dish cloths best used for?
Swedish dish cloths are especially useful for soaking up spills, wiping benches, cleaning appliances and replacing disposable paper towel or Chux-style wipes.
Can reusable dish cloths go in the washing machine?
Many cellulose and cotton dish cloths are machine washable, but always follow the care instructions for the individual product.
How long does a reusable dish cloth last?
A quality reusable dish cloth can last for months, depending on how often it is used and how well it is cared for. Regular washing and thorough drying will help it last longer.
Are reusable dish cloths biodegradable or compostable?
Cloths made only from cellulose, cotton or other natural plant fibres may be biodegradable and home compostable. Check for synthetic fibres, coatings, labels or stitching before adding a cloth to your compost.
What is the best reusable cloth for scrubbing dishes?
For gentle washing, choose an organic cotton dish cloth. For stuck-on food and tougher stains, a cellulose sponge with a coconut-fibre scrubbing layer provides more texture without relying on a plastic scourer.
Related reads
How to Wash Dishes Without Plastic: A Complete Guide
