We Compared Microfiber Cloths to Swedish Dishcloths in an Epic Cleaning Showdown

Swedish dishcloths are made of a blend of cellulose (the kind that makes up a sponge) and cotton. According to Wettex, a brand that makes Swedish dishcloths, they were created in the 1950s, when an engineer named Curt Lindquist flattened a sponge in a meat grinder before mixing it with cotton. Swedish dishcloths are firm when you first get them, like a sponge; they must be wet to use like a paper towel or microfiber cloth, and remain stiff and textured when dry. Swedish dishcloths can be washed in the dishwasher or laundered in a washing machine. One Swedish dishcloth typically lasts a couple of months with proper care.

Microfiber cloths are made of very small synthetic fibers that are 200 times smaller than a human hair. This tiny size makes them more absorbent and effective at removing germs. And that sticky quality that makes the microfiber cling to my dry fingers? That actually means the microfiber is good quality. Microfiber cloths are positively charged, just like how your hair is positively charged when you rub a balloon on it, so they are adept at attracting negatively charged dust and other particles. Ideally, you’ll launder microfiber cloths separately from the rest of your laundry, as that positive charge will attract dust, lint, and hair to your microfiber cloths. They should last a year or two with proper care. Oh, and P.S., if you have a dusty computer screen, smudged TV, or dirty glasses, a microfiber cloth is a great tool for getting them clean (no spray required).