When a kitchen towel smells bad, you can put it in the washing machine. But there is a faster and more effective solution.
A kitchen towel can quickly take on a musty smell. This is due to moisture and food residues that accumulate there. After wiping dishes or cleaning surfaces, the dishcloth absorbs moisture and food particles. If that damp, dirty dishcloth is not properly dried or washed, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. These microorganisms multiply rapidly in humid environments, producing malodorous compounds. If this situation persists, the dish towel develops that characteristic musty odor caused by bacterial and fungal growth.
Many people choose to wash the tea towel in the washing machine, but sometimes the laundry basket is empty, and it does not make sense to make a machine for a simple tea towel. In this case, wash it by hand in the sink using dishwashing liquid and baking soda. The unpleasant odor is best removed with baking soda. After this treatment, the dishcloth is clean and fresh. The dirtier the dishcloth, the longer the soaking time.
You will need:
- Lukewarm water
- Dishwashing liquid
- Baking soda
Here’s how:
- Fill the clean sink with lukewarm water.
- Add a little dishwashing liquid.
- Add baking soda.
- Mix well until the water is smooth, then add the dirty, smelly sponge.
- Leave on for about 15 minutes or more, then rinse with clean water.
Baking soda, thanks to its alkaline properties, neutralizes the acids often responsible for bad odors. When applied to a smelly kitchen towel, it absorbs and neutralizes unpleasant odors. Plus, its antimicrobial properties help reduce the growth of bacteria and mold, common sources of musty odors. By combining absorption and neutralization, baking soda offers a simple and effective solution for refreshing kitchen textiles and eliminating persistent odors.