Stay neat & tidy: Keep your kitchen linens looking their best with these simple care tips.
Caring for your kitchen linens is an important part of keeping your kitchen looking its best. Kitchen linens such as towels, dishcloths, and aprons can make all the difference between a messy kitchen and a tidy one. Here is how to care for your kitchen linens for long-lasting use.
The first step in caring for your kitchen linens is to wash them regularly. This means washing them in hot water – more than 110 degrees Fahrenheit – and using appropriate detergents. The hot water will help ensure any germs or bacteria are killed and the detergent will help loosen dirt and stains. You should also add a cup of white vinegar or a tablespoon of baking soda to the wash cycle to help keep your linens bright and free of odors.
The next step is to only use the linens for their intended purpose. This means keeping towels for drying dishes only, and not for scrubbing. Dishcloths, on the other hand, are best used as scrubs, as they are more durable and can quickly clean tough messes. For aprons, consider using a different one depending on the task – one for cooking, another for baking, and yet another for grilling. This way, you won’t damage the linens and they will last longer.
When drying linens, make sure to avoid using hot dryers and opt for medium-heat settings. Hot temperatures can damage the fibers in the kitchen linens, making them less absorbent and prone to wear and tear over time. After drying, try to remove any creases or folds as soon as possible by pressing the linens with an iron as this will help them retain their shape.
Another way to care for your kitchen linens is to store them in a well-ventilated area like an open cabinet. This will help prevent them from collecting excess moisture, which can cause them to smell and attract mold and mildew. Storing kitchen linens in a linen closet is also a good idea, where dark, cool, and dry temperature can be maintained to keep them looking their best.
For heavier stains or food-based messes, it’s best to use a specialized product specifically designed for cleaning kitchen linens. This will help ensure the fibers aren’t damaged and the stains and dirt are removed without harsh chemicals.
Finally, don’t be afraid to replace your kitchen linens every few months. This will help keep your kitchen looking fresh and tidy regardless of their intensity of use. A good rule of thumb is to replace towels every three months, dishcloths every one to two months, and aprons every six months.
