Don’t throw it away—wash and reuse.
Sara IdenforsWe discuss the importance of giving things a second chance instead of throwing them away immediately. One example highlighted is the dishcloth, which is often thrown away when it has been used up.
Last edited on May 8, 2024

Don’t throw it away—wash and reuse it
We are often too quick to simply throw away things we think have served their purpose, but the fact is that many things actually deserve a second chance.
Take the dishcloth, for example!
Many people prefer this waffled, rubbery version to a cloth rag, and that’s completely understandable! It has excellent absorbency and a low price.
But once it has been used up, unfortunately it can only go in household waste—it cannot (as far as we know) be sorted for recycling.
Below, we’ll show how such a cloth gets a “refreshing bath” and thereby a new lease on life before it eventually ends up in the compost.
This is what it looks like when it’s new and fresh!

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Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do we recommend using compostable dishcloths instead of synthetic alternatives?
The compostable dishcloths are kinder to the environment and can break down in the compost instead of ending up in household waste.
- How can you give a compostable dishcloth such an “refreshing bath” to extend its lifespan?
You can clean it and let it dry thoroughly to extend its lifespan before it eventually ends up in the compost.