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How to sanitize reusable dish towels: Step-by-Step
Reviewed by Zac Kieffer
Updated: September 16, 2025
Learn how to easily sanitize reusable dish towels with E-Cloth for a simple, effective clean—no harsh chemicals needed.
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How to sanitize reusable dish towels: Step-by-Step
Tools:
E-Cloth
Laundry detergent
Bleach (for white or colorfast towels)
Washing machine
Dryer or clothesline for sun-drying
Pre-Treat and Soak
Remove food residues: Shake off any crumbs and rinse off visible grease before washing.
Pre-soak if needed: For stubborn stains or heavy grease, soak in hot water with a bit of detergent for about 15 minutes.
Machine Wash on Hot Cycle
Set high temperature: Use the hottest water setting safe for the towel fabric, ideally above 140°F (60°C), to kill bacteria.
Add detergent: Use your regular detergent for a thorough clean.
Consider bleach or disinfectant: If the towels are white or colorfast, add a small amount of bleach or a disinfecting agent during the wash cycle (check care labels).
Rinse Thoroughly
Remove detergent residue: Ensure the towels are rinsed thoroughly to avoid any lingering cleaning product.
Dry Completely
High heat dryer: Dry in a dryer on a high heat setting if the fabric allows, as this further sanitizes.
Sun-dry: Alternatively, hang in direct sunlight for natural UV sanitization.
Avoid dampness: Make sure towels are completely dry before use to prevent bacteria growth.
Precautions:
Separate by Use
Keep dish towels that contact food separate from those used for cleaning surfaces to avoid cross-contamination.
Pre-Rinse to Remove Debris
Ensure any food particles or grease are removed before washing to allow sanitizers to work effectively.
Use Hot Water
Sanitize by using water at a high temperature, as it helps to kill bacteria and remove oil residues.
Avoid Overloading the Washer
Give towels enough space in the washing machine so that water and detergent can circulate properly.
Choose the Right Detergent and Disinfectant
Use cleaning agents designed for sanitizing fabrics without leaving harmful residues on surfaces that contact food.
Dry Thoroughly
Ensure dish towels are completely dry after washing; residual moisture can promote bacterial growth.
Inspect Regularly for Wear and Tear
Regularly check for frayed fibers or persistent stains, and replace towels that no longer clean effectively.
How to Correctly Sanitize The Reusable dish towels: Extra Tips
Use Hot Water and Quality Detergent
Wash your dish towels in the hottest water allowed by the fabric care label to kill most germs.
Use a heavy-duty detergent that cuts through grease and residues.
Consider a pre-soak in warm soapy water for extra relief on heavily stained towels.
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Add a Disinfectant Boost
Mix in a disinfectant like bleach (if safe for the fabric) or white vinegar to sanitize your towels further.
Follow the product instructions carefully to avoid fabric damage.
A quick extra cycle with disinfectant helps reduce lingering bacteria.
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Ensure a Thorough Rinse and Dry
After washing, make sure to run an extra rinse cycle to clear out any detergent or disinfectant residue.
Dry towels completely in a dryer or under direct sunlight to prevent mold growth.
A damp towel provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, so thorough drying is key.
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Establish a Replacement Routine
Even with proper sanitizing, reusable dish towels wear out over time.
Inspect them regularly for signs of damage or persistent stains that resist cleaning.
Replacing towels periodically keeps your kitchen both hygienic and looking fresh.
Common Mistakes When Sanitizing Reusable dish towels
Excessive Detergent Usage
Using too much detergent can leave residues on the towels, reducing their absorbency and trapping bacteria.
Residues may also cause a build-up that makes towels stiff and less effective for cleaning.
Washing with Incompatible Items
Mixing reusable dish towels with heavily soiled or abrasive items can cause friction damage and reduce their lifespan.
Co-washing with items like heavily stained fabrics might transfer dyes and dirt, compromising the towel's integrity.
Inadequate Drying Practices
Not drying towels thoroughly creates a moist environment that can lead to bacterial growth and unpleasant odors.
Leaving them damp may also weaken the fabric over time, reducing durability and absorbency.
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How Often to Sanitize Reusable dish towels
Sanitization Frequency for Reusable Dish Towels
Once a Week as a Baseline: Even under everyday kitchen use, dish towels can harbor bacteria from food particles and moisture. A weekly sanitization resets the bacterial buildup, keeping your towels safe and fresh.
Adjust for Heavy Use: If you’re frequently dealing with raw meats, sticky residues, or frequent spills, consider bumping up to every 2–3 days. This prevents harmful bacteria from turning your towel into a contamination hotspot.
Moisture Matters: Since damp towels are prime breeding grounds for germs, the environment demands regular sanitizing. Drying towels completely between uses is ideal, but if that isn’t happening consistently, weekly—or even more frequent—sanitization is wise.
Context & Safety: Maintaining a routine not only wards off odors but also reduces cross-contamination risks. In busy kitchens or households with vulnerable individuals, erring on the side of caution with more frequent sanitization can save you from future headaches.
Our high-performance microfiber products simplify cleaning, making it quick, easy, and effective, so you can enjoy visible results without the fuss. No streaks, just results.
