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How Do I... Clean My Grimy Dishcloth?
There's nothing worse than trying to clean your kitchen with a dirty, smelly dishcloth – here's how to avoid it
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home and design questions. Here, Mia Siddiqui, customer experience lead at TidyMe, reveals how best to sanitise and dry a hardworking dishcloth.
What’s the best way to clean my dishcloth after use?
Tip: Zapping your sponge or dishcloth in the microwave can also kill nasty germs – just check the instructions first to ensure it can withstand the heat.
- Rinse thoroughly with hot water after every use.
- Allow your dishcloth to dry fully – this not only prevents it from getting smelly, but can prolong its lifespan by a couple of days.
Tip: Zapping your sponge or dishcloth in the microwave can also kill nasty germs – just check the instructions first to ensure it can withstand the heat.
Photo by AMES Australasia
How do I dry it?
Dishcloths are best air dried on the line or in a sunny spot on the deck or a drying rack. The sun is a natural, non-toxic – and free – sanitiser.
If it’s raining, pop cloths in the dryer for a few minutes.
How do I dry it?
Dishcloths are best air dried on the line or in a sunny spot on the deck or a drying rack. The sun is a natural, non-toxic – and free – sanitiser.
If it’s raining, pop cloths in the dryer for a few minutes.
Can I wash them?
Yes – in fact, your sponge or dishcloth will benefit from a regular, proper clean in between those quick runs under a hot tap.
Tip: For an all-natural cleaning solution, soak dishcloths in a tub of warm water with one teaspoon of white vinegar. Wait a few minutes, then add a pinch of baking soda and leave for five minutes. Rinse cloths in cold water and allow to fully air dry.
Yes – in fact, your sponge or dishcloth will benefit from a regular, proper clean in between those quick runs under a hot tap.
- Hand wash your dishcloth in a sinkful of hot, soapy water (particularly if the cloth is labelled as unsuitable to go in the machine washing).
Tip: For an all-natural cleaning solution, soak dishcloths in a tub of warm water with one teaspoon of white vinegar. Wait a few minutes, then add a pinch of baking soda and leave for five minutes. Rinse cloths in cold water and allow to fully air dry.
- Or, if you have accumulated a few dishcloths, run them through the washing machine (first, make sure they are labelled machine washable).
- Remove any dirt and food particles you can see on dishcloths before tossing them into the machine.
- Wash cloths on the highest temperature possible (check the fabric care label for temperature guidelines).
- Choose a long, heavy-duty wash cycle that’s powerful enough to remove ingrained dirt and food residue (don’t be tempted to use a short or delicate cycle as it won’t remove all the germs that are deeply embedded, and hidden to the eye, on your dishcloths).
- Wash dishcloths separately from your regular laundry (although they can be washed with similar items such as cleaning cloths or mop heads).
- Don’t use fabric softener as it will only add an unwanted coating to the surface of your dishcloths.
How often should I replace my dishcloth?
- Replace your dishcloth or sponge every seven to 10 days, depending on usage.
- If your cooking involves a lot of raw meat or fish, replace your dishcloth every three to five days to prevent the spread of potentially harmful bacteria.
- Found an old dishcloth that hasn’t been used in months? Before you set it to work, rinse it thoroughly in hot water and let it dry fully.
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Did you find this story useful? Let us know in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like or share this story and save the photos. Join the conversation.
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Find a cleaner or rubbish-removal service
But constant use can turn this kitchen workhorse into a breeding ground for bacteria, particularly during the cooler months when it can take days to fully dry, or if you’re in the habit of leaving it scrunched up in a ball beside the sink.
To get a sense of just how filthy your dishcloth can get, a 2014 study conducted by the UK’s Global Hygiene Council found that most have six times as much bacteria as toilet flush handles or buttons. Surely that’s all the impetus you need to sanitise your sponge or dishcloth – here’s how.