How To Clean Stained Kitchen Dish Towels: Easy And Effective Cleaning Methods

Kitchen towels are essential in our everyday cooking tasks, handling spills, drying dishes, and helping with messy meal prep. However, they can get stained and start to smell over time, affecting their look and usefulness. From tough tomato sauce stains to coffee spills, cleaning stained kitchen towels needs the right technique. This guide will show you simple methods and tips to keep your kitchen towels clean, fresh, and ready to use.

How To Clean Stained Kitchen Dish Towels

Clean Stained Kitchen Towel With Dishwashing Detergent

To effectively tackle cooking stains, especially those with an oily component, it's highly beneficial to pretreat them using liquid dishwashing detergent meant for handwashing dishes. It's crucial to apply this detergent while the fabric is dry—avoid rinsing the stain first.

• Simply apply a small amount of detergent directly onto the stain and gently massage it in.
• Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes, then rinse the treated area thoroughly with warm water.

This method is effective because dish detergent creates a strong degreasing action that helps break down oils.

Clean Stained Kitchen Towel In Washing Machine

Here are some guidelines as suggested by cleaning company Clorox, to effectively clean stained kitchen towels using a washing machine:

• Hot water is preferable as it helps dissolve oils and grease more effectively than cold water. Always verify from the care label that your kitchen towels can withstand hot water washing without harm.
• Choose a high-quality detergent known for its ability to remove grease and food stains. Powdered detergents are particularly effective for heavily soiled fabrics.
• Ensure the washing machine isn’t packed too tightly. It’s crucial to leave ample space for water and detergent to circulate the towels, ensuring thorough cleaning.
• Opt for a longer wash cycle to guarantee deep cleaning, especially for towels heavily soiled with stains.
• After washing, air-dry your kitchen towels whenever feasible to prevent shrinking and maintain their absorbency. If you must use a dryer, employ a moderate heat setting to safeguard the fabric from damage.

Clean Stained Kitchen Towel With Vinegar

Cleaning stained kitchen towels with vinegar is a simple and effective method. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Mix an equal amount of white vinegar and water in a sink or bucket. For instance, you can combine 1 cup of vinegar with 1 cup of water for soaking.
• Fully immerse the stained kitchen towels in the vinegar-water solution, ensuring they are completely covered.
• Allow the towels to soak in the vinegar solution for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This soaking period helps the vinegar penetrate the fabric, breaking down stains and neutralising odours.
• After soaking, gently scrub the stained areas with a brush or cloth to loosen any remaining stains. This step helps enhance the cleaning process.
• Once soaked and scrubbed, wash the towels in the washing machine using your regular detergent. If suitable for the fabric, use hot water to ensure thorough cleaning.
• After washing, air-dry the towels either outdoors on a clothesline or indoors on a drying rack. Natural sunlight can aid in bleaching and disinfecting the fabric.