While cooking, curry spills or oil and turmeric splatter inside the microwave. Kitchen towels are often the first thing people reach for to clean up such messes. However, regular use can cause grease and dirt to build up in the fabric, leaving stubborn stains and unpleasant odours.
If not cleaned properly, damp and dirty towels can also create an environment where germs thrive.
To deal with this problem, many people repeatedly boil their towels in hot water or use different cleaning products. However, excessive heat or improper washing methods can damage the fabric's colour and texture. Keeping kitchen towels clean therefore requires proper care.
Here are some simple ways to remove grease stains and unpleasant odours using common household ingredients.
Clean stains as soon as they appear
When oil, gravy or other food spills onto a kitchen towel, it is best to clean it as soon as possible. Once a stain dries, it can become trapped in the fabric fibres, making it more difficult to remove.
First, gently blot away excess oil or food particles with a tissue. Then rinse the stained area with water. To remove grease stains, apply a small amount of dishwashing liquid and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Gently scrub the area before rinsing it thoroughly.
For turmeric or tomato stains, make a paste by mixing a little baking soda with water. Apply the paste to the stain, leave it for a while and then rinse. However, it is advisable to test the mixture on a small, hidden area first, especially when dealing with coloured or delicate fabrics.
Soak towels to remove stubborn dirt
Soaking kitchen towels before washing can help loosen dirt, especially if they have been used for a long time or have accumulated excessive grease. Take a container of warm water suitable for the fabric and mix in detergent according to the product instructions. Soak the towels for some time, adjusting the duration according to the fabric type and level of dirt.
Baking soda can also help reduce unpleasant odours and assist with cleaning in certain cases. For removing stains from white fabrics, check the product instructions and fabric care guidelines before using hydrogen peroxide. It may cause coloured fabrics to fade. Always follow safety instructions before combining any cleaning products.
Wash separately from other clothes
Kitchen towels usually come into contact with grease, food residue and different types of dirt. Therefore, it is better to wash them separately from everyday clothing.
Use water at the temperature recommended on the fabric care label, along with a suitable detergent. Although cotton towels can generally withstand relatively high temperatures, not all fabrics are suitable for washing in boiling water.
After washing, make sure no soap or detergent residue remains on the towels. This helps keep the fabric clean and prevents discomfort during use.
Use vinegar to remove unpleasant odours
If kitchen towels still smell unpleasant after washing, they may need more thorough cleaning and proper drying. In some cases, white vinegar can help reduce unwanted odours. However, it is not a substitute for detergent. Before using it, check whether it is suitable for the fabric and follow the product instructions.
Caution: Never mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaning products, as this can trigger harmful chemical reactions.
Dry thoroughly after washing
Completely drying kitchen towels after washing is essential. Whenever possible, hang them outdoors or in direct sunlight. Leaving damp towels folded or in a moist environment for extended periods can cause unpleasant odours to develop.
After each use, hang towels in a place with good air circulation. Avoid using the same towel for too long and replace it regularly as needed.
Developing simple habits such as changing kitchen towels regularly, washing them separately from other clothes, and ensuring they are completely dry can make it easier to maintain cleanliness. These practices help reduce grease stains and unpleasant odours while keeping the kitchen more hygienic.
