4 Methods To Keep Dishcloths Clean And Smelling Fresh

The kitchen dishcloth is essential in every kitchen for hygiene and food safety since it is used to wipe worktops and surfaces of apparent contamination and may remove a considerable part of the food debris and bacteria found on kitchen surfaces. Dishcloths, on the other hand, provide an ideal environment for the survival and growth of microorganisms since they typically remain wet for long periods of time and always contain some residual soil or debris. As a result of their role, dishcloths may provide a health risk due to their propensity to increase exposure to hazardous microorganisms.

The use of kitchen dishcloths is a vital part of maintaining a healthy and safe kitchen environment. We use dishcloths to remove a significant amount of food scattered pieces, vegetable scraps and bacteria from the surfaces and countertops of the kitchen.
Besides being beneficial for keeping the kitchen clean, dishcloths can also pose a health risk due to their potential to attract harmful germs and bacteria. When they are left wet for a long time with traces of dirt, this makes the dishcloths an ideal environment for the growth of microorganisms.

For this reason, it is important to wash your dish clothes regularly. Today I will be 4 methods I use to keep my dishcloths clean and smelling fresh.

First Method: Use Bleach

Soak your dishcloths in bleach for 30 minutes, wash, thoroughly rinse and allow air-drying (if your dishcloths or clothes are too stained, soak in the solution overnight, add detergent and wash in the morning.

**After rinsing, you can also place your dishcloths on a hot cycle in the washing machine and then allow air-drying.

You can also use this method to disinfect sponges and brushes used in the kitchen.

For this method, you can use this homemade bleach that works wonders.

Here’s what you need to make the bleach;

• 5 Litre Bottle/Jar
• 7 Cups Of Water (5 cups of distilled water)
• 3/4 cup 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (or ¼ cup 6% Hydrogen Peroxide)
• 1/4 cup Lemon Juice
• 3/4 cup Baking Soda
• 10-15 drops of lemon essential oil (Optional )

Method:

In a 5-litre bottle, pour cups of water and combine the rest of the ingredients in the bottler or container, mix well or shake well until combined.

More tips on this method;

Hydrogen peroxide should be kept out of reach of children.
Store in a cool, dark place and preferably in a dark bottle.
Keep bleach in a properly labeled bottle or container.

Second method: Use Vinegar & Bicarbonate of Soda

In a container or kitchen sink pour warm water, add ¼ cup of vinegar and then sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda, allow it to sit for 15 – 30 minutes. Wash, rinse, and allow to air dry.

Third method: Use Lemon Juice

In a container or kitchen sink pour hot water and add ½ cup of lemon juice, add your dishcloths and allow it to sit for 10 minutes, washing, rinsing, and allowing drying.

Fourth Method

After washing your dishcloths with any of the methods above, after rinsing put dishcloths in a pot, add water and boil for 15 – 30 minutes, wring and air-dry

Washing Technique

If your dishcloths or clothes are exceptionally dirty, it may take more than a simple wash and rinse to see a significant difference. You can do one of the tips below:
• Wash in hot water or hot machine cycle
• Soak in the solution overnight, add detergent and wash in the morning.
• Wash dirty clothes twice in a row before drying

I hope these tips will be helpful and please do leave a comment down below and share this post with someone.