Washing, Drying and Storing Cloths Properly

Cloths are handled constantly and come into contact with dirt, moisture, food residue and sometimes chemicals, which means proper care has a direct effect on both hygiene and how long a cloth lasts. This page covers the basic principles of washing, drying and storing cloths.

Washing frequency

Cloths used for wiping food preparation surfaces or cleaning up spills should be washed frequently, ideally after each significant use or at least daily if used repeatedly through the day. Damp cloths left sitting between uses can develop bacterial growth quickly, particularly in warm conditions, which is why rinsing a cloth thoroughly and allowing it to dry between washes is as important as the wash itself.

Washing temperature

Cotton and terry towelling cloths generally tolerate higher wash temperatures, which helps reduce bacteria and remove grease. Checking any care label is useful, since very high temperatures can shrink some cotton blends over time. Microfibre cloths are usually best washed at a moderate temperature, since excessive heat can damage the fine synthetic fibres and reduce their dust-trapping ability.

Detergent and fabric softener

A standard detergent is sufficient for most cloths. Fabric softener is worth avoiding for microfibre cloths specifically, because it leaves a coating on the fibres that reduces their ability to attract and hold dust and oil. For cotton and terry cloths used mainly for absorbency rather than dust pickup, a small amount of fabric softener generally does not cause the same issue, though it can slightly reduce absorbency if used heavily over time.

Separating cloth types

It helps to wash cloths used for different purposes separately where practical. Cloths used in a kitchen, particularly around raw meat or food spills, are best kept apart from bathroom cloths or workshop rags, both to avoid cross-contamination and because heavily soiled workshop cloths with oil or solvent residue can stain or damage other fabrics in the same wash load.

Drying cloths correctly

Cloths should be dried fully before being stored or reused. A cloth that is folded and put away while still damp is likely to develop a musty smell and encourage bacterial growth. Hanging cloths to air dry, or using a tumble dryer on a suitable setting for the fabric, both work well. Microfibre cloths in particular benefit from quick drying, since leaving them damp for extended periods can affect their texture and performance.

Storage

Dry cloths should be stored somewhere with reasonable airflow rather than sealed tightly in an airtight container, which can trap any residual moisture. Keeping cleaning cloths separate from kitchen cloths, even in storage, is a simple way to maintain the hygiene separation mentioned earlier.

Knowing when to replace a cloth

Cloths do not last indefinitely. Signs that a cloth should be retired include persistent odour that does not wash out, thinning or holes in the fabric, permanent staining that suggests the fibres have broken down, or a noticeable loss of absorbency or dust-trapping ability compared to when it was new. Rather than discarding a worn cloth immediately, many households repurpose older kitchen or bathroom cloths as workshop rags, extending their useful life for less demanding, non-hygiene-critical tasks.

A simple routine

A practical routine that works for most households is to rinse cloths after use, wash them regularly at a temperature suited to the fabric, dry them fully before storing, and replace them once they show clear signs of wear. Following this consistently does more for hygiene and cloth lifespan than any single product or technique on its own.