Restore kitchen towels to perfect condition: Quick bleach trick
How to wash kitchen towels to make them like new (photo: Freepik)
Kitchen towels quickly absorb dirt and odors, but restoring their freshness is easier than it seems. The key is choosing the right washing cycle and products so that the fabric looks like new again, according to Real Simple.
Water temperature
For washing soiled towels, hot or warm water works best. Always check the care label first.
Hot water kills bacteria and boosts detergent effectiveness. Choose hot water or a disinfecting cycle if the towel was used for wiping raw meat or eggs.
If the towel is used only for clean hands or light tasks, warm water is sufficient.
Use bleach correctly
For extra protection, bleach can destroy almost all microbes. The towel’s thickness and the type of dirt affect bleach effectiveness.
Follow the instructions on the bleach bottle carefully. Many people use too much bleach and too little water, which is a mistake.
If traditional chlorine bleach seems too harsh, consider oxygen bleach. It cleans, removes odors, and is safer for fabrics and colors.
Wash towels separately from clothes
Towels can carry food residues, grease, raw meat, fish, or eggs, which may contain bacteria. Washing them with regular clothes can transfer microbes, especially at low temperatures.
Towels are usually washed at 60°C or higher to effectively kill bacteria. Clothes are often washed at 30–40°C, which isn’t enough for proper hygienic cleaning of towels.
Washing frequency
How often to wash kitchen towels depends on their use. Towels used for drying hands should be washed every few days, while those used for wiping counters should be washed immediately after use.
Towels that are frequently wet or stained should also be washed as soon as possible.
For cleaning high-risk spills like raw meat, it’s best to use disinfecting wipes or paper towels first
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