If paper towels and plastic sponges had a baby, this would be it. Made from 70% cellulose and 30% cotton, Swedish dishcloths are machine washable and will last for years but are fully backyard-compostable at the end of their life. They're highly absorbent - they can hold 20 times their weight in liquid - and dry super fast so bacteria doesn't grow like it can on traditional plastic sponges.
Our full line of Swedish dishcloths are designed and printed in Seattle using water-based inks. Each collection is available as a set or as individual cloths.
5% of each Baja Swedish Dishcloth will be donated to Vermilion Sea Insititute.
What's the story with the designs?
These Swedish dishcloths were inspired by our ocean conservation partner, Vermilion Sea Institute. Each group that visits the VSI field station leaves a mural on the wall to commemorate their time at the station.
The quotes on these dishcloths are quotes left by students, scientists, and visitors to the field station, selected by our founder, Krystina, to be included in these designs - including one from her first visit to the station.
One of the most prominent pieces of research done through VSI is whale shark monitoring, so of course we had to include a whale shark in one design. The bench scene is the view from the cobblestone patio at the field station, and the mermaid was inspired by Krystina's first visit to VSI, and its executive director, Meghann.
Each print was designed in Portland, Oregon by Otter and Ink Designs, who receives a commission for each cloth sold.
Dimensions
6.75" x 7.5"
Material
70% cellulose, 30% cotton, water-based ink
To Use
Just like a sponge, wet your Swedish dishcloth, wring out excess water, and get down to cleaning.
Care
Wash your Swedish dishcloths with the rest of your laundry and hang dry. We prefer to lay them flat to dry or hang with clothespins so they dry flat. Or, pop your dishcloths in the dishwasher on the top rack for a quick wash and sanitize.
Packaging + End of Life
These Swedish dishcloths will either be completely unpackaged or wrapped in reused kraft paper. The kraft paper can be reused or curbside recycled. At the end of their life, cut up your Swedish dishcloths and toss in your backyard compost.
Origin
Printed locally in Seattle, Washington.
Ethical Guarantees
Made in USA
Vegan
Washington-Local
We ship ugly boxes
Our commitment to sustainability doesn't end when you press that checkout button.
We pack all of our orders in reused boxes and envelopes, with reused paper packaging, post-consumer recycled paper labels, and even paper tape.
You may not get an IG-worthy unboxing, but you will get the most sustainable packaging we can possibly find.
Oh and did we mention our shipping is always carbon negative?
You've got questions. We've got answers.
We ship worldwide!
If you're in the Tacoma, Washington region, we probably deliver to your doorstep. Check out the Delivery FAQ below!
Shipping costs are determined by weight and travel distance, and automatically calculated at checkout.
If you're in the continental US, we offer free shipping for all orders over $75.
A Drop in the Ocean is an online zero waste and sustainable living boutique based out of Tacoma, Washington. We do not have a brick-and-mortar shop, but we do offer local delivery around the South Sound region, including refills of your household essentials.
We do all of our deliveries on Tuesdays. Orders must be placed by 5pm on Monday for guaranteed Tuesday delivery. At checkout, select the "Local Delivery" shipping option, and we'll add you to our route.
Note that we do have a $20 order minimum for delivery, and a $5 delivery fee for orders under $75
For full details on our delivery system, check out our Local Delivery page.
We do not, and that decision is highly intentional for the planet. Check out our post on the impacts of online shopping and why we don't have a local pickup option for the full details!