When should you throw away kitchen towels?

Washing instructions To help prevent the spread of germs, you should change out your kitchen towels at least once a week, but preferably every few days. For best results, if possible, use your towels one time and then throw them into the washer and get a new one.

parkview.com - How often should you wash your kitchen towels? - Parkview Health

Why can't every house have solar panels?

This is because solar panels don't have the capacity to store energy for use later in the day. This doesn't mean it's not possible at all, but to...

Last updated Dec 1, 2020

What kind of roof is best for a shed?

Sturdy and waterproof materials are the best for use on a shed roof or garden building. Here at Roofing Superstore, we'd recommend using felt,...

Last updated Mar 11, 2020

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

How often should you wash your kitchen towels?

Common kitchen accessories, like sponges and dish rags, are certainly necessary, but are they a risk as well? Amie Dent, RDN, CD, offers some guidelines for the proper cleaning methods and storage of your kitchen towels, so you can keep on cooking and keep your household healthy.

The risks

Kitchen towels are a breeding ground for germs that could potentially make you and your family sick. The kitchen itself can harbor more bacteria than any other room in your home. Kitchen towels, like kitchen sponges, can cause a dreaded cold or flu to spread throughout the household like wildfire. Your kitchen towels can also cause food poisoning and other foodborne illnesses.

Washing instructions

To help prevent the spread of germs, you should change out your kitchen towels at least once a week, but preferably every few days. For best results, if possible, use your towels one time and then throw them into the washer and get a new one. Towels should be cleaned in the washing machine, using hot water, and then dried on high heat. Make sure the towels are completely dry before using them. Most bacteria thrive in moisture.

Preferred placement

The best place to hang your kitchen towel is on a hook or handle where it can properly dry between uses. Try to keep your towels away from humid areas, like the kitchen sink, as a moist towel could promote the growth of potential pathogens responsible for food poisoning. Clean, unused, kitchen towels are best stored in a drawer or dry sealed container to prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen.

Material matters

When purchasing kitchen towels, you should look for fast drying fabrics, as there are higher instances of bacterial growth on warm, humid towels as opposed to dry towels. Antimicrobial microfiber towels are a great option. Not only do microfiber towels dry faster than cotton towels, the split fibers of the microfiber cloths are able to pick up and hold dirt. Traditional fibers tend to push dirt and moisture around a surface. Single use towels, like paper towels, are a good option to use in the kitchen when trying to prevent foodborne illnesses or cross-contamination. However, using paper towels can have a negative impact on the environment. To have a more sustainable kitchen, it is recommended to stick with a reusable kitchen towel rather than paper towels and follow correct cleaning and storing precautions to prevent illness or the spread of germs.

Big takeaways

To prevent the spread of bacteria and foodborne illness:

How many square feet is a 12x15 room?

180 square feet Living room: 12 feet x 15 feet = 180 square feet. Feb 24, 2021

Last updated Jan 10, 2020

How tall is an a frame shed?

The average shed wall height is 8'-1 1/8”. It is based on the standard dimensions of lumber and plywood cladding which is easily available, and...

Last updated Oct 26, 2021

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Can my Neighbour block my sunlight?

In most cases, no, you cannot force a neighbour to cut down a tree in order to bring light into your garden. You may, however, be able to get the...

Last updated May 29, 2021

Will property prices crash 2022?

This could in turn push average mortgage rates upwards of 8% (while still historically low, that is more than double the 1.6% rate recorded at the...

Last updated Jul 22, 2019

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

What size of pipe do you need to move a shed?

The first thing you want to do is make sure you have the necessary tools and parts to get the job done: Floor jack (two will make it even easier) 8...

Last updated Jul 14, 2018

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

What is the average total cost of a Barndominium?

between $130,000 and $530,000 A barndominium will run you between $130,000 and $530,000 when all is said, done, and built. That price may make a...

Last updated Jan 2, 2021