How to Clean Those Super Stinky Kitchen Dishcloths

updated Jul 30, 2024
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Credit: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn

It’s so satisfying to clean your countertop or the inside of your sink. (I know it’s not just me.) Clearing the clutter and getting down to a spotless, clean surface — especially if you’re using a nice-smelling cleaner — just helps reset the whole kitchen and your mood.

Know what ruins that? Reaching for a dishcloth (or worse using it) only to find that it reeks. Talk about a cleaning buzzkill. Not only does it not give you that soothing, fresh vibe you’re after, but now your hands smell like nasty dishrag funk. Gross. 

If you’ve thrown your rags in the laundry, all hopeful, only to find that the smell is still there or it comes right back after one use, you know how tempting it is just throw them all away. But that’s so wasteful!

Thankfully, there’s a solution that’ll save your wallet and your nose. You can actually get the smell out, says the blogger behind Penny Pinchin’ Mom, who found a brilliant hack to banish those odors without using bleach and keep the dishcloths in service. Her method is super simple and takes just a few minutes with items you likely already have. Plus, it’s incredibly effective!

Here’s what to do to get those dishcloths smelling fresh and new in no time:

Credit: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn
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Fill a large pot: Fill it at least halfway (to three-quarters) with water from the tap.

How to Clean Stinky Kitchen Dishcloths

What You Need

  • A large pot
  • Liquid dish soap
  • Vinegar
  • A ladle (or something else to stir with)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot: Fill it at least halfway (to three-quarters) with water from the tap.
  2. Add the cleaning solution: Add a teaspoon or two of liquid dish soap (we like Dawn) and half a cup of vinegar.  
  3. Add the rags: Put a few rags in the water, and bring everything to a boil. Keep an eye on the pot. Let it boil for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring from time to time. 
  4. Drain: Drain the water. You can put the dishcloths out in the sun to dry, but we find that a drying rack in your laundry room works just as well. Then, toss them in the wash as usual (in hot water) and there ya go — no more stinky rags!

Tips on Reducing Those Smells

So now you know how to get rid of those pesky dishcloth odors, but ideally you want to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some tips that will keep those odors at bay and keep your dishcloths fresh for longer.

  • Let them air dry. After you’ve just wiped up a dirty mess, don’t leave that dishcloth sitting on the surface you just cleaned. Rinse it to dislodge any food particles, hang it up, and let it air dry. Leaving your cloths on a wet surface just encourage mold and mildew to grow. Remember, germs can cause odors but so can invisible stains. (So even if you can’t see them, it doesn’t mean its clean!)
  • Change them often. While some experts suggest changing your dishcloth everyday, we know that’s a little unrealistic. On average, you should be changing your dishcloths every three to five days. However, it depends on what you’re using them for. If you’re cleaning up a big mess with lots of food particles, you’ll want to swap them out quickly. If you’re just using your dishcloth to dry your hands after washing dishes, they can stay out a bit longer.
  • Skip the fabric softener. When washing your dishcloths, leave out the fabric softener because it can cause odors and bacteria to stay even longer. Just wash them in hot water (you can add vinegar to the cycle to get rid of any odors too), and you’ll be good to go!
  • Choose cotton. When purchasing new dishcloths, look for ones that are made from cotton. Why? Cotton dishcloths tend to dry faster and are more absorbent, preventing those unwanted odors from lingering longer than you’d like. Plus, they wash well and won’t fray as easily over time.