How to clean greasy kitchen towels

Cooking can be enjoyable but cleaning the kitchen afterward is not always easy.  Kitchen towels are among the items that get dirty quickly. They often collect oil, food stains, spices and unpleasant smells.

Sometimes washing them with ordinary soap is not enough to remove all the grease.

This happens because oil can soak deep into the fabric.

Fortunately a few simple cleaning methods can help remove grease, reduce bad smells and keep kitchen towels fresh and clean.

Clean Kitchen towels with baking soda and hot water

When grease gets deep into kitchen towels regular washing may not remove it completely.

To clean them boil water in a large pot. Add two tablespoons of baking soda and one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid.

Carefully place the dirty towels in the hot water and let them soak for 15 to 20 minutes.  Dishwashing liquid helps break down grease, while baking soda may help remove dirt and unpleasant smells.

After soaking wash the towels with clean water and laundry detergent.

Safety tip

Be careful when handling hot water. Do not boil towels in a pot unless the fabric care label allows this method.

Use white vinegar and warm water

White vinegar can help remove detergent buildup and unpleasant smells from kitchen towels.

Add half a cup of white vinegar to a suitable amount of warm water and use it during a separate rinse cycle.

Avoid using fabric softener when washing kitchen towels. It can leave a coating on the fabric which may reduce its ability to absorb water.

Always wash towels properly after using vinegar.

•Important

Never mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaning chemicals.

 Remove stubborn oil stains with dish soap

Old grease stains can be difficult to remove if they are not treated before washing. For better results apply a small amount of liquid dishwashing soap directly to the stained area of a dry towel.

Gently rub the fabric and leave the soap on for about 30 minutes. Then wash the towel with warm water and regular laundry detergent following the fabric care instructions.

If the stain remains you can try a small amount of washing soda mixed with water to make a paste.  Test it on a hidden area first and for the product instructions.

Easy ways to keep kitchen towels clean

A few simple habits can help keep kitchen towels fresh and ready for use.

Wash kitchen towels regularly instead of using the same ones for several days.

Keep heavily greasy towels separate from other laundry.

Use different towels for drying hands cleaning surfaces and handling food.

Allow towels to dry completely after washing.

Do not leave wet or dirty towels in a pile for long periods.

Replace towels when they become too worn or difficult to clean.

Final thoughts

Kitchen towels can quickly become greasy and develop unpleasant smells because of daily cooking activities. However simple household cleaning methods may help remove grease and keep them fresh.

Regular washing proper drying and treating oil stains before washing can help kitchen towels stay clean fresh and useful for longer.