Alternative Ways to Use Sponge Cloths: Big Saves on Your Wallet and Planet

7 minutes to read 

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, versatile cleaning buddy for your home, look no further; sponge cloths are here to save your messy and costly day! So let’s learn more about this unsung hero of household cleaning.

Summary:

• What is Sponge Cloth?
• Practical Ways to Use Sponge Cloth
• How to Clean a Sponge Cloth
• How to Dispose of a Sponge Cloth
• Where to Buy Cellulose Sponge Cloth
• Don't Wait to Ditch those Paper Towels

What is a Sponge Cloth? 

Sponge cloth, also known as Swedish dishcloths, cellulose, or chamois cloth, has been an all-in-one wipe and cleaning staple in many households in Swedish kitchens for over 60 years. 

Back in 1949, a Swedish engineer named Curt Lindquist had a lightbulb moment. He was tinkering away at a company that made cellulose stuff to blend the best qualities of sponges and dish towels into one epic cleaning material. And thus, the sponge cloth was born. And the rest, as they say, is sparkling, spotless history!

Made from Renewable Materials

It is made from natural fiber, 70% vegetable cellulose (that's wood pulp), and a 30% cotton blend. Unlike synthetic sponges and dishcloths that stick around forever, this buddy is 100% biodegradable and compostable. So, when it's done saving the day, it returns to Mother Earth without leaving a trace.

Super Absorbent

It can soak up to 15-20 times its weight in water. So, when it comes to wiping up messes or drying dishes, this buddy is the ultimate kitchen must-have!

Reusable and Durable

It can handle up to 200 wash cycles or last for 6 to 12 months. It's not just sturdy; it's a money-saving ninja, too. This cleaning buddy can replace up to 17 rolls of paper towels. Yeah, you heard that right. Say goodbye to constantly restocking paper towels, and hello to some serious savings! 

Fast Drying and Odor-Resistant

Its super porous structure allows airflow through fibers, accelerating fast drying. Thus, it prevents some serious microorganisms (bacteria) and germs from getting a chance to stand, making the sponge cloth more hygienic.

Compact and Handy

They're typically about 6 x 8 inches in size but there's extra large sizes to soak up even more! Easy to handle or carry and perfect for quick clean-ups. You can also even bring one with you on-the-go.

Practical Ways to Use a Sponge Cloth for an Efficient Cleaning Solution

A sponge cloth is your all-in-one cleaning buddy for any household task. Of course, you’ll want to assign some of these to a specific job. But seriously, check out how functional and sustainable this thing is!

Kitchen 

The most common place to have one is in the kitchen and this part of the house alone, it can cover a lot of ground. 

When it comes to cleaning, wiping, soaking up and even scrubbing can be where it thrives! 

• Wiping kitchen counters, removing spills, crumbs, and stains quickly.
• Drying dishes like plates, glassware, and other kitchen utensils, leaving them spotless and streak-free.
• Dishwashing and scrubbing pots and pans without scratching.
• Mopping up spills on any surface, including floors, tables, and countertops, worked as a multipurpose kitchen rag.
• Removes food residues and spills on fridges, microwave interiors, and oven cleaning.
• Polishing silverware to polish away tarnish and fingerprints.
• Remove any marks and scuffs on walls.

As we’ve mentioned, dedicating it to a task can unlock more opportunities to use it. Sponge cloths can be a big helping hand when it comes to washing up and prepping produce.

For prepping fruits and vegetables, you can use a damp cloth and a bowl of water to rinse and scrub off any dirt and residue before you eat them. Another trick is to place a sponge cloth in your storage containers to absorb moisture, keeping your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.

Bathroom

Having a dedicated cloth or two in the bathroom makes those quick cleaning tasks easier and less intimidating. They’re great for cleaning windows, glass and mirrors to remove those streaks and fingerprints.

Another way these really shine is when wiping or scrubbing other bathroom surfaces like your sink, countertops, and tiles. Effectively removing any soap scum and grime. 

Using one daily to clean as you go in small bursts can help prevent or reduce those heavier scrubbing sessions. A minute or two from your day is an easy habit to maintain and keep a hygienic bathroom.

Furniture, Fixtures and Appliances

When cleaning your home, don’t forget to clean your furniture and fixtures! Especially with electrical appliances that have frequent uses, you’ll want to clean these often to avoid build-up.

These absorbent sponges are perfect for dusting furniture, shelves, and electronics. They trap those dust particles and leave surfaces dust-free! All with the wipe of a dry or wet cloth. 

They work well to renew your spaces like your lampshades and light fixtures to remove dust and dirt, restoring their brightness and clarity. Even on upholstery and leather, these are completely safe thanks to their soft plant-based materials.

For stainless steel items, you grab one to take up the job of polishing off any fingerprints and smudges.

Cleaning Your Car

You don’t need to know how to detail to use this in the car! It’s as simple as wiping down your car interiors like dashboard, seats, and other surfaces inside your car, removing dust, dirt, and spills. 

It’s super handy with moisture on those windows or to clear up visibility. You can even buff out your car with another one! Just remember to use multiple cloths to avoid build-up like rocks or sand on the cloth that can cause scratches.

Pet and Animals

We can’t forget about our furry friends! Cleaning any pet feeding and sleeping areas helps keep a hygienic environment. You can even leave a large one under their dog bowl to soak up any spills!

Office Cleaning 

From cleaning computer screens, keyboards, and office tables and cabinets, one cloth can take care of removing dust and smudges without damaging electronic components.

Gym Equipment

Wiping down gym equipment like machines, weights, and mats is a standard cleaning habit that can easily be done with a sponge cloth! Replace those paper towels and have a cloth take over instead.

Kids and Baby Care

Whether you’re a parent, aunt or just babysitting, you’ll know how important it is to keep your spaces clean and safe for the little ones.

Quickly clean those children's toys from dirt and sticky residues using a damp cloth. You can also use them for highchairs, tables, chairs, and play areas.

Thanks to its soft sponge base, you can keep one to use for cleaning children’s hands and faces. Just like wipes but reusable instead of single-use!

Indoor Plants

Bring your plant’s leaves back to life by wiping down their leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust, dirt and water spots. This can help them look healthy and stay vibrant.

With another cloth, new or worn down, you can use it as a mat under potted plants to absorb any excess water! Keeping messes at bay before they become a bigger problem.

Outdoors

When cleaning outdoors, these cloths can take care of your outdoor furniture, garden tools, or rags in the messy garage. They’re also a great travel companion for camping, picnics, travelling and other activities! 

You can use a sponge cloth outdoors or travel for:

• Cleaning the dishes, cookware, utensils, wiping spills around the campsite, picnic area or even a cabin.
• Packing and transporting delicate items, providing cushion and protection.
• Use as a multipurpose towel for cleaning up after various activities.

How to Clean a Sponge Cloth

Keeping your sponge cloth clean will help it last longer, maintain its absorbency, and prevent germs. Here are some easy tips to take care of your sponge cloth:

Keeping them clean can be a real saver, especially for your favourite prints that you don't want to part with. Regular upkeeping like using stain removers to keeping them away from those high temperatures can also make them last through your chores and more!

But even with reasonable care, sponge cloths must be replaced every few months. When they start to wear out, they might not absorb as well, or take longer to soften when wet. If yours is starting to get those symptoms, it's time for a new one.

How to Dispose of a Sponge Cloth

What’s great about a plant-based cloth like this one is that it’s 100% compostable! This makes it where, even if you dispose of it, it goes back to the earth and helps create a circular economy. 

But before you go ahead and toss it, try repurposing it for other cleaning tasks like wiping outdoor furniture, cleaning garden tools, or using it as a rag for messy garage jobs. This way, you get the most out of it while keeping things sustainable at home. 

Getting crafty with it can extend it’s life even further! From using it to prevent slipping for furniture, protecting your floors from scratches caused by chairs to even using it in potted plants to help with moisture, the possibilities are endless!

When your sponge cloth is ready to retire, cut it into smaller pieces and toss it in your compost bin. It will break down naturally. Do not throw it in the trash; that just adds to landfill waste.

Where Can I Buy Cellulose Sponge Cloth?

Cellulose sponge cloths are becoming increasingly popular in North America and you can easily purchase them online or in local shops. 

There’s a ton of swedish sponge cloths designs out there, with a variety of aesthetic and colourful patterns, including seasonal designs for summer, and holidays like Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Thanksgiving. They’re great gifts for any occasion – not to mention a good greeting card alternative!

Don't Wait to Ditch those Paper Towels

If you’re looking for an eco-swap for paper towels or just to safe money in the long run, sponge cloths are here to save the messy and costly day! There’s a reason why these compact buddies are a staple in homes for decades.

Combining the best features of sponges and dishcloths, they’re the all-in-one cleaning solution for almost all your cleaning tasks. With one by your side, you’re ready to tackle any mess while reducing waste and helping our planet reducing 17 paper towel rolls at a time with every cloth!