How to clean kitchen towels: a guide to washing and keeping them clean
Kitchen towels and cloths are in frequent contact with water, grease, food scraps, and various surfaces. For this reason, washing and drying them correctly is important to prevent them from accumulating dirt and bad odors.
Not all towels require the same treatment: before washing them, always check the composition and the manufacturer's instructions.
How often should you wash kitchen towels?
It depends on their use. A towel used for drying hands does not have the same needs as one that has been in contact with food scraps or very dirty surfaces.
- Change it when it has been damp for a long time, is dirty, or smells bad.
- After cleaning up raw food scraps, wash it before using it again.
- Do not leave damp towels in the sink for days.
- Use different towels for different tasks whenever possible.
How to wash kitchen towels step by step
1. Remove dirt and residue
Before putting the towel in the washing machine, remove solid residue and rinse off visible dirt. If it has grease, avoid rubbing it with very hot water initially if that might spread it through the fabric.
2. Separate the towels
Whenever possible, wash kitchen towels separately from delicate garments and clothes that may transfer or receive color. Also, check the label.
3. Choose the temperature according to the label
The appropriate temperature depends on the fabric and the care instructions. If the manufacturer allows washing at a high temperature, it can be an option for sturdy towels. For other fabrics, use the temperature indicated on the label.
If you want to know what the washing symbols mean, consult our guide to reading clothing labels.
4. Use the right amount of soap
Avoid adding more product than necessary. An excessive dose can hinder rinsing and leave residue. For washable clothes and textiles, you can consult our laundry soaps.
5. Rinse well
If the washing machine has an extra rinse option and the fabric allows it, it can be useful when the towels are especially loaded with dirt or product.
How to remove grease from kitchen towels
For a recent grease stain, first remove the excess and treat the area before washing. A small amount of Dish Soap No.400 can help treat greasy dirt on some fabrics, provided it is compatible with the material. Rinse afterwards and follow the washing instructions on the label.
If the stain is persistent, avoid applying intense heat before verifying that it has disappeared, because heat can set some stains.
Can you wash kitchen towels in the washing machine?
In many cases, yes, provided the label allows it. Select a program suitable for the fabric and respect the maximum temperature indicated by the manufacturer. Sturdy natural fiber towels usually tolerate different washes than delicate or technical fabrics.
Do you need to disinfect kitchen towels?
Cleaning and disinfecting are not exactly the same thing. Washing removes dirt and some microorganisms, but it should not be taken for granted that any washing machine cycle disinfects a fabric.
If you need specific disinfection, follow the disinfectant product's instructions and the towel manufacturer's indications. Do not combine different cleaning products without first checking their compatibility.
How to prevent bad odor in kitchen towels
- Do not store them damp or leave them in a ball.
- After using them, rinse them if necessary and let them dry completely.
- Avoid keeping them in the sink for hours or days.
- If a damp smell appears, wash the towel and make sure it dries completely before storing it again.
You can also consult our guide for removing damp odors from textiles.
Can you use Oxygen Booster No.04?
The Oxygen Booster No.04 can be used on certain textiles when the garment label and product instructions allow it. Do not use it automatically on any towel: always check the compatibility of the fabric, colors, and instructions for use.
How to dry kitchen towels
Drying is just as important as washing. Spread out the towels and let them dry completely before folding or storing them. Avoid storing them damp and use a dryer only if the fabric label allows it.
Frequent mistakes when washing kitchen towels
- Leaving them damp for a long time.
- Using the same towel for food, the floor, and other surfaces without washing it.
- Using more soap than necessary.
- Choosing a temperature not allowed by the label.
- Applying heat to a stain before removing it.
- Mixing cleaning products without checking their compatibility.
Frequently asked questions
How often should kitchen towels be changed?
There is no single frequency. Change them when they are worn out, cannot be washed properly, or continue to emit a bad odor after washing.
At what temperature should kitchen towels be washed?
The temperature depends on the fabric and the label. For sturdy towels, the manufacturer may allow higher temperatures; for others, it will be necessary to use a gentler program.
Can I wash kitchen towels with towels?
It is preferable to separate kitchen textiles from other types of clothing whenever possible, especially if they are very dirty or have been in contact with food.
How to prevent them from smelling bad?
Wash them when they are dirty, do not leave them damp, and make sure they dry completely before storing them.
In summary
To keep kitchen towels clean, the most important thing is to wash them according to their fabric and label, use an appropriate dose of soap, and dry them completely. The frequency will depend on use, and it is advisable to pay special attention to towels that have been in contact with food or greasy dirt.
Discover more tips for taking care of your textiles in our laundry collection.
