(and how to make yours last longer)

We love a good dishcloth – but not all cloths are created equal.

At Ecovask, our customers typically repurchase their cloths every 18 months or so, but we often hear from long-time users who are still happily using theirs well beyond that. 

That kind of longevity isn’t magic — it comes down to the right blend of quality materials, thoughtful design, and a little care along the way.

If you’ve tried a knitted dishcloth that wore out far too quickly, chances are the weave, fibre, or care habits didn’t work in your favour. Holes can happen (more on that soon), but we also believe that with the right product and a little know-how, your cloths can go the distance.

Organic Cotton Cloths vs Synthetic: what’s the real difference?

Organic cotton cloths are often chosen for their natural feel, absorbency, and breathability — and because they’re kinder to the planet.

 

The pros of organic cotton:

• Certified organic – grown without harmful chemicals or pesticides
  
• Biodegradable – no microplastic shedding
  
• Naturally antibacterial
  
• Super absorbent and breathable
  
• Gentle on hands and surfaces
  
• Long-lasting with proper care

The cons (let’s be honest):

• As a natural fibre, cotton isn’t infallible — especially when subjected to harsh treatment
• More prone to wear if left wet for long periods or exposed to extreme heat, chemicals, or abrasion

 

In contrast, synthetic cloths (often made from polyester or nylon blends) can seem more durable at first, but they:

• Shed microplastics into waterways
  
• Hold onto smells over time
  
• Are less breathable 
  
• Don't have a nice hand feel
  
• Are not biodegradable

 

Why not all cloths are created equal

There are many different brands of cotton dishcloths on the market — but they’re not all made to the same standard.

Cloths can vary widely in:

• Weave tightness (looser weaves are more prone to holes)
  
• Yarn quality and twist
  
• Thickness and durability
  
• Absorbency and drying time
  

At Ecovask, we offer a range of options to suit different hands, preferences, and tasks — because we know that one style doesn’t fit all. Some people prefer a thicker cloth with texture; others need something lighter and faster-drying.

Our newest Heritage Collection dishcloths were designed with these differences in mind. They feature a tight, durable weave while being:

• Lighter in weight
  
• Easier to wring and manage
  
• Faster drying
  
• Still beautiful to use (because yes, that matters too)

They’re a firm favourite for those who want both style and substance at the sink.

Why holes happen (and how to prevent them)

Even the best cloth can develop holes — especially if it’s being used a lot. Here are the most common causes, and how to avoid them:

Sharp Objects

Keep your cloths away from sharp knives or jagged surfaces. One swipe of a blade can nick fibres and cause a hole to form fast.

Washing Them in the Dishwasher

This one surprises people! Dishwashers can expose your cloths to:

• High heat
  
• Harsh chemicals - let's face it - most dishwasher cleaners are pretty toxic
  
• Humid environments that trap bacteria
  

It’s best to wash your cloths in the washing machine or by hand — and let them dry between uses.

Over-wringing or heavy scrubbing

Vigorous twisting or scrubbing rough surfaces can stress the fibres and weaken the cloth over time. For tough cleaning jobs, we recommend using something more heavy-duty, like our Ecovask Dish Brushes – with natural fibre, replaceable brush heads that are built to handle the rough stuff.

Leaving Wet for Too Long

Damp environments (like the bottom of the sink or a crumpled ball on the bench) can weaken natural fibres and cause them to break down faster. Always hang your cloth to dry — the Happy Sinks Dishcloth Holder or Wunderbar options makes this super easy and stylish.

It’s a natural fibre — not indestructible

At the end of the day, cotton is a natural fibre — and while our cloths are designed to be robust, nothing is invincible. That’s why we’re always transparent about performance and care.

Occasionally, a manufacturing fault can slip through and cause a hole to appear early on. If that ever happens, we’ll replace it without hesitation.

We also take every bit of feedback on board — and use it to keep improving our designs.

How to help your cotton cloths last longer

Here’s a quick care checklist to get the most from your Ecovask cloths:

• Wash separately from items with zips or clasps that can catch. Wash with towels and similar items.
  
• Avoid bleach and harsh cleaning agents
  
• Squeeze instead of twisting
  
• If line drying - hang over line through the middle (don't hang by corners). Better yet, hang over a towel rail inside. That said, using a clothes dryer will help retain their shape and overall softness. 
  
• Rotate your cloths — don’t use the same one for everything
  
• Hang to dry between use - the Happy Sinks Dishcloth Holder or Wunderbar are fabulous solutions 

 

A cloth for every kind of clean

We believe good things should last — and feel good to use. Whether you love a plush, textured cloth or something light and nimble, Ecovask has an option to suit you.

Explore some of our customer favourites:

Heritage Collection Dishcloths – our best dishcloth yet! Durable, lightweight, and fast drying

Heavy-duty Dishcloths – our original heavy-duty cloth

Barista Cloths – because no-one loves coffee grinds in their dishcloth!

Daily Use Dishcloth Packs - a fresh cloth every day with a variety of options at your fingertips

Ecovask Dish Brushes – beautiful and hard-wearing dish brushes from Sweden
 
Have questions? Not sure which cloth is right for you? Get in touch — we’re always happy to help.