The Swedish dishcloth was invented in 1949 by civil engineer Curt Lindquist in Norrköping, Sweden. Since then, it has become a familiar item in kitchens around the world. This is the story of how the invention came about and how TekoTryck began printing designs on Swedish dishcloths in 1994.
1949: The Swedish Dishcloth Is Invented
Curt Lindquist wanted to develop a household cloth with better absorbency. He used a meat grinder to break down a cellulose sponge and then rolled the material out into a thin cloth. This marked the beginning of the Swedish dishcloth as we know it today.
The 1950s: Production in Sweden and Germany
During the 1950s, a German manufacturer was granted a licence to produce the Swedish dishcloth according to the original recipe. Today, the Swedish dishcloth is still manufactured according to this recipe at two factories, one in Sweden and one in Germany. TekoTryck uses base material from both.
There is a visible difference on the back: the Swedish version has a smooth surface, while the German version has a diamond pattern. All printing is carried out at TekoTryck in Sölvesborg, Sweden.
1984: TekoTryck Is Founded
TekoTryck was founded in Sölvesborg, Sweden, in 1984. Over time, the company developed into a specialist in printing on Swedish dishcloths, kitchen towels and other products.
1994: Designs on Dishcloths
TekoTryck became the first company to introduce custom design and promotional printing on Swedish dishcloths. Among the first designers were Anna Petermann, followed by Lena M Karlsson.
2000: Collaborations in Japan
TekoTryck developed connections between Japanese customers and Scandinavian designers, helping to introduce the dishcloth as a design product.
2005: First Delivery to the USA
An early delivery to the USA was shipped under the name “The Swedish Dishcloth”.
2021: Award in Blekinge
TekoTryck was named Best Company in Blekinge at the Guldeken awards.
2023: Di Gasell
TekoTryck received the Di Gasell award from Swedish business newspaper Dagens industri.
2024: 40 Years of Printing
TekoTryck celebrated its 40th anniversary. Since its founding in 1984, the company has printed more than 30,000 unique designs across Swedish dishcloths, kitchen towels and other products.
The Swedish Dishcloth Today
TekoTryck’s Swedish dishcloths are made of 70% cellulose and 30% waste cotton. They can absorb up to 15 times their own weight, be used again and again, and be washed at up to 95°C. The finished printed dishcloth has been tested by an independent testing company, with results showing that it is 100% biodegradable under the test conditions.
We offer both screen printing and digital printing on Swedish dishcloths. All designs are printed at our own factory in Sölvesborg, Sweden, using water-based inks for screen printing. TekoTryck supplies customers in more than 70 countries and also offers licensed designs from the William Morris Society.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who invented the Swedish dishcloth?
The Swedish dishcloth was invented in 1949 by civil engineer Curt Lindquist in Norrköping, Sweden.
When was the Swedish dishcloth invented?
In 1949 in Norrköping, Sweden. Curt Lindquist developed a thin, absorbent cloth using a cellulose sponge as his starting point.
What are TekoTryck’s Swedish dishcloths made of?
They are made of 70% cellulose and 30% waste cotton. The finished printed dishcloth has been tested by an independent testing company and was found to be 100% biodegradable under the test conditions.
Where are TekoTryck’s Swedish dishcloths produced?
The base material is made in Sweden or Germany according to the original recipe. The Swedish version has a smooth back, while the German version has a diamond pattern. All designs are printed at TekoTryck in Sölvesborg, Sweden.
When did TekoTryck start printing designs on Swedish dishcloths?
In 1994, TekoTryck became the first company to introduce custom design and promotional printing on Swedish dishcloths. The company was founded in 1984.
Can I order Swedish dishcloths with my own design?
Yes. TekoTryck offers both screen printing and digital printing on Swedish dishcloths for businesses, designers and resellers.
Contact: info@tekotryck.se | +46 456 132 53
