The Nihon Collection.
We love arts and heritage. We love stories that transcend the fabric of our existence. That is why we create, nurture and reflect.
In traditional Japanese patterns, every design has meaning. We decided to incorporate these patterns into our collection of sponge cloths, bringing forth creativity, climate action and culture into the fold.
Asanoha (麻の葉) which means hemp leaf. This hardy plant, which grows straight and fast thus symbolizes a good and healthy growth, vigor, resistance or resilience, and by extension prosperity. The pattern is mainly imprinted on garments for babies and toddlers. The 6 patterns around a central point also denotes a lucky number six.
Kikko (亀甲), which literally means tortoise shell in Japanese, showcases a pattern made of hexagons, a very old pattern since middle-ages, mimicking the shells of tortoises, largely associated with longevity in Japanese culture. For instance, the armours of samurai warriors, were sometimes imbued by sewing together small hexagons in leather or metal plates, which were meant to represent durability and protection.
In Japan, Seigaiha is written with 3 logograms in Kanji: 青海波, respectively translating into blue, ocean and waves. This pattern consists of stylized waves, with concentric arches which evoke a sense of calm, quietness of the sea, and then peace. In Japan, the Seigaiha pattern symbolises surges of good luck, power and resistance.
Shippo or Shippou (七宝) has 2 meanings. The first signifies the 7 treasures of Buddhism: Emerald, crystal, agate, coral, pearl, gold, and silver. And the second is “cloisonné”, an ancient technique where glass quality enamels are applied on to metal or ceramic surfaces, to create beautiful patterns and designs. The Shippo pattern has also been found on clothing, mainly women's kimonos since the 8th century (Shōsō-in of Tōdai-ji / Nara).
What is a Swedish dishcloth or sponge cloth?
The Swedish dishcloth was invented in 1949 by Swedish engineer Curt Lindquist. He discovered that a mixture of natural wood cellulose and cotton fibers can absorb an incredible 15 times its own weight.
Today, this dishcloth is widely used to replace paper towels and synthetic dishcloths as it is able to breakdown naturally without harming our environment.
By the way, it has many names, some may call it "sponge dish cloth" or "cellulose dish cloth", "kitchen sponge cloth", "European dishcloth" or "Swedish sponge", but we just like to call it "sponge cloth". Whatever name it is called, it is an essential cleaning tool for any modern and sustainable home.
Why use a sponge cloth?
Widely used to replace paper towels and synthetic dishcloths, statistics have shown that almost every home in Sweden stocks this wonderful dishcloths. We know that paper towels are convenient to use, but they’re not eco-friendly. Since they can’t be recycled, about 6 million pounds of paper towels end up in landfills each year. Global paper towel production also requires an estimated 110 million trees and 130 billion gallons of water to produce, it is simply not the way forward.
Additionally, kitchen sponges made from polyurethane and polyester are generally not recyclable because they contain a large quantity of petroleum-based materials which makes their recycling impossible.
By choosing sustainable alternatives like our sponge cloth, you are helping to solve the plastic crisis and reduce carbon emissions. By replacing your synthetic kitchen sponges and reducing paper towel usage with our plant-based sponge cloths, you not only save money, but also help manage waste and pollution.
How to use a sponge cloth?
These simple, smart, and pretty sponge cloths are made of 70% wood cellulose and 30% recycled cotton fiber. They are like a cross between a paper towel and a
sponge, and they can do anything a sponge can do and most of the things a paper towel can do. You can soak up spills, wash and dry the dishes, use them like
coasters, clean mirrors and glass without leaving any lint behind, and can be applied to most surfaces.
Now with an added corner eyelet, just wash and hang them up on a wall hook to dry after your clean up session. They dry fast and actually hardens thus preventing bacteria build up and unwanted smells.
Sponge cloths are biodegradable and compostable. This means when they reach the end of their life span (usually 9-12 months), if disposed of properly in a
recycle bin, it can decompose quickly once it reaches a landfill. In a compost environment, it is capable of disintegrating quickly leaving no toxicity in the
soil.
Key Benefits:
• Wash and dry dishes
• Wipe down countertops
• Clean your appliances
• Soak spills and clean messes
• Clean glasses and windows without leaving streaks and lint behind
• Wash car interior and exterior
• Cleans almost any surface
Product Features:
• 1 dishcloth can absorb water 15 times its own weight
• Corner eyelet for easy hanging on wall hook
• Ripple and diamond surface enhances its capability in picking up dirt and dust
• 1 dishcloth = 17 rolls of paper towels
• 30% recycled cotton and 70% wood pulp cellulose
• Compostable and biodegradable
Product Specifications:
• Material is manufactured in Germany
• Printed & packed in China
• Size per dishcloth: 200mm x 170mm x 2mm
• Total weight: 38g
Package includes: 04 x Sponge cloth with eyelet (same print)
User Instructions:
Don't be alarmed when it hardens, it is in its normal state. If there's a spill, simply lay it on top of the spill and soak it up. If you need to wipe stains and dirt, simply dampen and soften it with water, add a little cleaning agent and you are ready to go!
Care Instructions:
Washing your sponge cloth is easy. You can just rinse it out and let it air dry, but when it starts to get soiled, simply put it in the top rack of your dishwasher, or even toss it in the laundry, just make sure the temperature settings are on the lowest. Once washed, wring it out and let it air dry (I usually just lay mine over the dish rack or clothes hanger).
Warning: Sponge cloths will shrink when exposed to high temperatures.
*We use zero waste packaging such as jute twine to reduce waste and carbon emissions.