Best Dish Cleaning Cloth
Call it a dish cleaning cloth, a dishcloth or a dish rag – no matter how you refer to it, it’s all the same – it’s an absolute must-have for every kitchen. Whether it’s to clean up grease, spills and bits of food on the counter and appliances or scrubbing dishes, pots and pans, a dish cleaning cloth is an indispensable and versatile kitchen tool.
Sure, paper towel is an option to mop up an occasional spill, but to handle multiple cleaning and wiping tasks while withstanding repeated use, you need cleaning cloths. Tough, reusable and available in an array of sizes and fabrics, a dish cloth is an environmentally friendly solution that won’t tear or fray when you need to tackle the sink, pots and pans, and the top of the stove.
Finding a dish cleaning cloth is not a problem; finding one that works best for you is a different story. Below we list a variety of dish cloths to suit a range of needs. Read on to find the one that best suits your cleaning style.
1. Top Pick: Swedish Wholesale Dish Cloths
Busy home cooks are too busy doing what they do best to worry about the mess that’s left behind when creating delicious meals. Although, when the last bite is swallowed and everything brought back into the kitchen, reality sinks in and the cleaning begins
A set of versatile dish cleaning cloths is the first step to tackling the after-meal chore of getting the kitchen, and everything with it, into tip-top shape. These dish cloths from Swedish Wholesale are an eco-friendly choice that are perfect for wiping down any surface as well as for scrubbing or drying dishes, pots, pans and even the sink.
Made from a blend of cellulose and cotton, these fully compostable cloths become soft when wet and when dry, are gritty enough for scouring. Super versatile, they are safe to use on marble, stainless steel, tile, and wood surfaces. Able to absorb up to 20 times their weight, they dry quickly and are odor-resistant.
The 10 washable dish rags are available in packages of blue, grey, lime, pink, purple, watermelon red, white, yellow, or assorted colors.
Pros:
- 3D diamond texture grips surfaces and removes dirt
- Can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher
- Quick drying
Cons:
- Some users said the cloth feels stiff after washing in the washing machine
- Might shrink if put into the dryer
2. Runner Up: MR. SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, Pack of 12
Many people prefer using a dish cleaning cloth made from microfiber, since it is known for its absorbency and ability to pick up dirt and wipe away spills.
Mr. Siga cleaning cloths have garnered thousands of positive reviews for its effectiveness and for the softness of the material that is tough on dirt and spills but will not scratch any of the surfaces in your kitchen. Made from ultra-soft and absorbent microfiber, these dish cloths are ideal for cleaning everything in your kitchen.
Made from 85 percent polyester and 15 percent nylon, the non-abrasive cloth is highly absorbent and can clean with or without water. It will clean grease, plates, pots and pans, is odorless and will not leave streaks. Stitched with reinforced edges, these cloths are reusable, durable and easy to clean by hand washing or in the machine separately from other items in water below 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
This pack of 12 comes in four colors: yellow, green, pink, and blue.
Pros:
- Non-abrasive
- Absorbent
- Reusable
Cons:
- Do not use fabric softener
- Do not bleach
3. Best Bamboo: Whiff Botanicals Bamboo Dishcloths & Kitchen Cloths
Many dish cleaning cloths are made from cotton, a cotton blend or microfiber, all of which are good choices, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. For a different kind of experience, bamboo is another option that is very versatile, with some features not found with the other materials.
Bamboo is naturally anti-bacterial, sustainable, odor-free and absorbent, making it perfect for kitchen use. These dish cloths from Wiff Botanicals are two-ply for durability, with a tight compact under-weave that helps keep the shape of the cloths and further increases their strength. As well, the looped outer weave contributes to its scrubbing power. Made from 91 percent bamboo and nine percent synthetic thread, the cloths are soft to the touch and 10 times more absorbent than cotton.
Because the surface is will not scratch, these dish cleaning cloths are ideal for cleaning non-stick pans, stainless steel and glass. Measuring six inches by seven inches, the cloths fit nicely into your hand, and you don’t have to fold or scrunch them when it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty of cleaning.
Pros:
- Absorbent
- Will not scratch surfaces
- Suitable for cleaning non-stick pans
Cons:
- Not 100 percent bamboo
- Some users said the cloths retained odors
4. Best Value: e-cloth 10601 Kitchen Cleaning 2 Cloths
One of the more positive aspects of using a dish cleaning cloth is that when you’re finishing cleaning up the mess in your kitchen, the cloth itself can be cleaned and used again … and again and again.
While all of the dish cleaning cloths on this list are reusable and long-lasting, this two-pack from e-cloth really goes the distance with its three year warranty or 300-wash promise. So, although there are only two in this package – which makes it more expensive than some of the others – these dish cloths will last you so long, you won’t need to replace them for, well, until 300 washes!
The package includes a cleaning cloth that is used to wipe away grease, crumbs and remove more than 99 percent of bacteria from your countertops, appliances and stainless steel. You don’t need any chemical cleaners or soap. Just dampen with water, wipe and repeat. Then continue with the other cloth to clean glass and polish surfaces for a gleaming finish.
Pros:
- Durable
- Doesn’t need soap or cleanser to clean surfaces
- Two cloths, one to clean, one to polish
Cons:
- More expensive than other kitchen cleaning cloths
5. Best Biodegradable: cce Swedish Dishcloths
Similar to our number one choice, these cleaning cloths from cce are 100 percent biodegradable and compostable. But instead of coming in a package of 10, these come six in a package, which is a good option if you prefer not to purchase too many at a time or would like to try out a dish cleaning cloth that is made of cellulose and cotton at a lower price point.
These cleaning cloths are also ideal for anyone looking for an effective way to clean while reducing their environmental footprint, too. They can be used to clean all the surfaces in your kitchen, as well as plates, pots and pans. They measure seven inches by eight inches and can be cleaned in the dishwasher, washing machine and dryer, and even in the microwave to eliminate bacteria and any odors.
They can absorb up to 15 times their weight in liquid and hard when dry and become soft and spongy when wet. They are safe for wood, marble, steel and tile and are available in seven assorted colors and cute patterns.
Pros:
- 100 percent biodegradable
- Made from cellulose and cotton
- Seven different colors and cute designs
Cons:
- Some users were upset the cloths were packaged in a lot of plastic
6. Best Large Size: KTT Nanoscale Cleaning Cloths
Dish cleaning cloths come in a range of sizes, so it’s not difficult to find the ones that best suit your cleaning style. A smaller size is really great for scrubbing grime off pots and pans, while a larger size is more suitable to wiping up large spills and drying dishes.
These cleaning cloths from KTT measure 12 inches by 16 inches, the perfect size to attack and clean all the surfaces in your kitchen. Each side has a different texture – a rough back side for scrubbing and wiping, and a smooth front side for polishing and drying. The 12 microfiber cloths in the package come in three different colors that will not fade with washing, and all have a fish-scale grid design that is lint free.
The cloths are soft to the touch and highly absorbent and will absorb eight times their weight yet will dry quickly when the job is done. Perfect for getting rid of grease, grime, fingerprints, and food spills from countertops, appliances, stainless steel, cupboards and your kitchen floors.
Pros:
- Large size
- Soft and absorbent
- Fish-scale grid design
Cons:
- Can leave streaks on windows
7. Also Consider: Dorihom Microfiber Cleaning Cloth for Kitchen
When you’re in the kitchen and need a lot of helpers to get the job done, then it’s important to have enough dish cleaning cloths so everyone can pitch in. If you have a large crew to help clean up after big meals and parties, then you may want to consider this package of 18 microfiber cleaning cloths
The set includes three of each color — beige, pink, green, blue, coffee and purple – and measure 11.81 inches by 11.81 inches. The soft, non-abrasive cloths are made of thick coral velvet and are lightweight, absorbent and quick drying. They will not scratch paint, wood tables or glass and are lint-free.
These cloths can absorb between six and eight times their weight and yet dry quickly. They can also be used in other areas of the house, too, including dusting your computer screen without scratching the surface.
Pros:
- Large quantity at affordable price
- Six different colors
- Soft and durable
Cons:
- Not great at scrubbing dirt
- Some users said the cloths did not dry quickly
8. Honourable Mention: Scotch-Brite Kitchen Cleaning Cloth
One of the best features of a microfiber dish cleaning cloth is that it absorbs water, but once wrung out, quickly air dries to be used again. The last thing you want is a dish cloth that takes a long time to dry.
These dish cloths from Scotch-Brite are worth a mention since one of their main features is that they rinse clean and dry quickly for a fast re-use. No waiting or grabbing a new, dry one if you forgot that one pot that needs to be scrubbed.
These microfiber dish cleaning cloths have a unique texture that makes them super lightweight, and they have been described by some users as “a work horse” in the kitchen. The cloths are made of 90 percent polyester and 10 percent nylon and each of them (you get two packages of two cloths in each package) measure 11.5 inches by 12.5 inches.
When it’s time to clean them, just throw them in the washing machine and you can even add some bleach to disinfect. Use them to wipe surfaces, mop up spills, scrub pots and pans, or as a dishcloth.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Dries quickly
- Machine washable
- Do not shrink
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other brands
What to look for when choosing dish cleaning cloths:
We spend a lot of time in the kitchen and because of all the chopping, prepping, stirring, blending and cooking, it’s one of the dirtiest rooms in the house that is one of the most important to keep clean. Not just from an aesthetic point of view – although a spotless kitchen is a beautiful thing to see – but the space where we prep, cook and eat food needs to be kept clean on a daily basis to avoid cross contamination and food poisoning.
A lot of that cleaning includes the items we cook in and eat off of – dishes, cutlery, glasses, pots and pans. Some cookware, especially those with non-stick surfaces, need to be washed by hand, and of course, not everyone has a dishwasher, so hand washing is a task that is done after every meal.
All of that work requires a durable, top quality dish cleaning cloth, preferably one that can multi-task and do many cleaning jobs, from scrubbing those dishes and pots and pans, to getting food stains off the stove and countertop and wiping your hands dry. While choosing the right cleaning cloths may seem easy – and we agree, it’s not rocket science – there are different types out there, some of which may or may not suit your cleaning style. As well, not all dish cleaning cloths are up to every task, so you may need a couple of different styles, or want to choose the one that comes closest to what you need.
The following are some of the factors to consider when shopping for good dish cleaning cloths.
Material:
Dish cleaning cloths can be made from cotton, a cotton blend or from microfiber, which is a blend of polyester and another material, often nylon. Many people prefer microfiber cleaning cloths, as they are said to pick up dirt better, are very absorbent, quick drying and reusable. In spite of these positive features, environmentalists don’t like microfiber cleaning cloths for a number of reasons: they are not recyclable or biodegradable and they are made from plastics that are spun into fibers and weaved into a cloth. When they are washed, microplastics can be introduced into the water system. If this concerns you, then you may prefer to choose cloths made from 100 percent cotton, bamboo or a blend of wood cellulose and cotton. These cloths work very well, are reusable and washable, soft to the touch and in some cases, recyclable and biodegradable.
Use:
How you intend to use your dish cleaning cloths will factor into which ones you choose. If you want them to scrub grease and grime off the top of your stove, then look for cloths that have a rougher side that is ideal for scrubbing. If your needs run more toward wiping up spills, drying dishes, pots and pans and polishing surfaces, then a softer, very absorbent cloth is what you’ll need. Some cleaning cloths have two surfaces, rough on one side and smooth on the other, which is really the best of both worlds that will meet most kitchen cleaning tasks.
Size:
Dish cleaning cloths are available sizes ranging from seven inches by seven inches to 15 inches by 15 inches, so choosing the right ones will often depend on how you will use them. A smaller size works well for scrubbing surfaces and pots and pans, while a larger size is a better choice for wiping up large spills or drying dishes.
Photo credit: Ekaterina Gladskikh/Shutterstock