GON Reader
Question
How often should we be washing the dishtowel that is only being used to dry clean dishes?
Hi Maria,
I don't have a dishwasher and I hand wash all of
our dishes, pots, glassware, silverware, etc. Then my husband towel dries it all. My question is, how often should we be washing the dishtowel that my husband is using to dry clean dishes. In his opinion, it only needs to be done once a week. What are your thoughts?
-- Patrice G.
Maria's Response
Hi Patrice,
Thank you for asking. First things first, let's address the golden rule of dish drying: air-drying is the way to go. When you allow your freshly washed dishes to air dry, you not only save yourself (or your hubby) some towel-drying time, but doing so also reduces the chances of any lingering moisture on that towel from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
Regarding your question, if you choose to continue towel-drying, Since the dish towel is only being used to dry clean dishes, you and/or your hubby might be tempted to think it stays relatively clean as well.
While that's partly true, it's still a good practice to wash your dish towel regularly to maintain proper hygiene in your kitchen.
So, how often should you give that trusty dish towel a good washing?
Washing your dish towel every two to three days is a good rule of thumb. This timeframe allows enough time for it to accumulate some dirt and grime without becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
Of course, if you notice any visible stains or unpleasant odors, don't wait—give it a wash ASAP!
In addition, if your dish towel feels too wet or damp
after drying a particularly large load of dishes, it's a good indicator that it's time to toss it in the wash. Excessive moisture can create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, so don't hesitate to give it a quick cycle in the laundry machine.
When it comes to cleaning your dish towel, hot
water and a good detergent are your best friends. Throw it in with a regular load of laundry and let the washing machine work its magic. Don't forget to dry it thoroughly, either by using the dryer or, better yet, by hanging it up in the sunshine.
Remember, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen is
vital to ensure the health and safety of everyone in your home. Again, washing your dish towel every two to three days is a good habit to adopt unless there are signs it needs to be washed sooner.
I do want to reiterate though that air-drying your dishes whenever possible is the way to go!
