Swedish Dishcloths and UNpaper Towels® are two of the most beloved tools in the sustainable cleaning toolkit—and for good reason. They’re both cute, functional, and drastically cut down on waste in the kitchen and beyond. But if you’ve ever stared at both and thought, Wait… which one do I need?, you’re not alone.
Let’s break down the differences, strengths, and ideal uses for each—so you can find the perfect match (or fall in love with both).
What Are Swedish Dishcloths, Anyway?
If you’re new to the dishcloth game, Swedish Dishcloths might look like a mystery. They’re made from a blend of cellulose (wood pulp) and cotton, which gives them a unique texture—kind of like if a sponge and a paper towel had a planet-loving baby. They’re stiff when dry but turn soft and pliable when wet, ready to soak up spills, scrub dishes, or wipe down surfaces like a champ.
They’re ultra-absorbent (up to 15x their weight!), quick-drying, and compostable at the end of their life. Plus, they come in fun prints that actually make cleaning feel… dare we say… cute? Yep. We said it.
What Makes Unpaper Towels So Special?
Unpaper Towels are exactly what they sound like: the reusable alternative to traditional paper towels. Ours are made from 100% cotton flannel that gets softer and more absorbent with each wash. They’re designed to be rolled onto a standard paper towel holder, so you can grab-and-go just like you would with the wasteful kind—but without the guilt or landfill-bound trash.
They’re incredibly versatile: use them for wiping counters, drying hands, wrapping snacks, serving as napkins, cleaning up spills, and even wiping little faces. And since they come in mix-and-match prints, you can coordinate them with your kitchen or let your personality shine.
So… What’s the Difference?
Both Swedish Dishcloths and Unpaper Towels are reusable, washable, and made to reduce paper waste—but they shine in different areas. It comes down to what kind of cleaning you do most, how you like your tools to feel, and how often you want to wash or replace them.
Swedish Dishcloths are thin, spongy, and excellent for absorbing big messes or scrubbing sticky spots. They dry quickly and are ideal for damp cleaning jobs—like wiping up spills, washing dishes, or cleaning glass and mirrors with streak-free shine.
Unpaper Towels, on the other hand, feel more like a traditional cloth towel. They’re better for dry use or when you want something with a bit more softness and surface area. Think drying hands, wrapping up fresh bread, or using as a dinner napkin.
A Quick Look at How They Stack Up
Still not sure which one to reach for? Here’s how Swedish Dishcloths and Unpaper Towels compare side by side:
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Material:
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Swedish Dishcloths: Cellulose + cotton (spongy texture)
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Unpaper Towels: 100% cotton flannel (soft, towel-like feel)
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Best For:
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Swedish Dishcloths: Dishwashing, scrubbing, wiping spills, cleaning glass
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Unpaper Towels: Drying hands, napkins, wrapping food, gentle cleaning
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Absorbency:
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Swedish Dishcloths: Super absorbent—holds 15x their weight
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Unpaper Towels: Absorbent and improves with washing
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Dry Time:
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Swedish Dishcloths: Very fast-drying (less likely to smell)
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Unpaper Towels: Dries like any cotton towel—hang to dry after use
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Lifespan:
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Swedish Dishcloths: 6–9 months with regular use, then compostable
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Unpaper Towels: Can last for years with proper care
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Eco Perks:
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Swedish Dishcloths: 100% compostable
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Unpaper Towels: Replaces hundreds of paper towel rolls
Can You Use Both?
Absolutely. In fact, most zero-waste homes keep a stash of both. Swedish Dishcloths are your go-to for wet cleaning and scrubbing, while Unpaper Towels are your soft, flexible all-rounders for drying, wrapping, and wiping. Having both on hand means you're ready for any mess that comes your way, from spilled smoothies to sticky fingers to rogue tomato sauce on the stovetop.
Not to mention, mixing and matching prints makes everyday cleaning feel a little more joyful. (Yes, joyfully wiping counters is a thing. Especially when your cloth has otters or rainbows on it.)
How to Care for Them
One of the best parts about reusable cleaning tools is how easy they are to maintain. Swedish Dishcloths can be cleaned in the top rack of your dishwasher or tossed in the washing machine. You can also boil them for a deep clean or microwave them (when damp!) for 30 seconds to zap bacteria.
Unpaper Towels just need a good wash with your regular laundry. We recommend skipping fabric softeners, which can reduce absorbency. Air dry or tumble low, and roll them back onto your towel holder like a pro. Bonus tip: separate prints by use (kitchen, bathroom, baby cleanup) to keep everything organized and hygienic.
Which Should You Choose?
If your cleaning style is more scrub-and-splash, you’ll probably fall for Swedish Dishcloths. If you’re the kind of person who uses 20 paper towels a day and needs something for everything from drying hands to wrapping snacks, Unpaper Towels will be your new BFF.
And if you’re somewhere in between—or want the dream team? Grab both. You don’t need to pick sides in this friendly rivalry. It’s not Swedish Dishcloths versus Unpaper Towels—it’s Swedish Dishcloths and Unpaper Towels. Together, they’ve got your messiest moments covered.
Want to try them both? Check out our Kitchen Essentials to build your dream zero-waste setup—one cloth at a time.
