I no longer wash kitchen towels with soap or powder, or boil them, but they are always clean.

• Step 1: Place your kitchen towels in the washing machine. Make sure they’re loosely packed to allow for a good wash.
• Step 2: Add 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar directly into the drum or detergent compartment.
• Step 3: Set your washing machine to the hottest water setting (usually around 130°F or 54°C) and run the towels through a regular wash cycle. Vinegar naturally deodorizes and helps to lift oils, leaving the towels fresh and clean. Why it works: Vinegar helps to dissolve grease and grime, removing food odors and stains. It also softens the fabric and prevents buildup that could cause towels to become stiff over time. Additionally, vinegar has antibacterial properties that naturally sanitize the towels.

1. Use Baking Soda for Extra Freshness
   If your kitchen towels have absorbed persistent odors or grease (from cooking or drying dishes), adding a bit of baking soda to the wash helps neutralize smells and further break down oils without needing soap or detergent. Here’s how to incorporate baking soda:

• Step 1: After placing your towels in the washing machine, sprinkle 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda directly on top of the towels.
• Step 2: Add vinegar to the wash, as mentioned above, or simply add the baking soda by itself to the wash cycle.
• Step 3: Run the towels on a hot water cycle. Why it works: Baking soda helps balance pH levels in the wash and acts as a natural deodorizer. It’s also effective at lifting dirt and residue without harsh chemicals, ensuring your towels stay fresh and absorbent.

1. Air Dry or Use a Dryer with High Heat
   After washing, I make sure to dry my towels thoroughly to prevent any lingering moisture, which can lead to musty smells. I prefer air drying them in the sun if possible, but using a dryer is also an effective option. High heat is key for eliminating germs and bacteria.

• Step 1: If you can, hang your towels outside in direct sunlight. Sunlight naturally disinfects and dries fabrics while also helping to break down any remaining odors.
• Step 2: If you’re using a dryer, select a high heat setting to ensure that the towels dry thoroughly. High heat is effective in killing bacteria and preventing mold or mildew growth. Why it works: The combination of heat from the sun or dryer, along with the drying power of vinegar and baking soda, ensures that kitchen towels are not only clean but also sanitized.

Why This Method Works So Well

1. Natural Ingredients: Vinegar and baking soda are both non-toxic and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional laundry detergents. They also won’t irritate sensitive skin, which is a bonus when using towels for drying dishes or wiping surfaces.
2. Gentler on Fabrics: Using soap or detergent in every load can be harsh on fabric over time, especially for towels. By switching to vinegar and baking soda, I’ve noticed my towels last longer and stay softer without the buildup of harsh chemicals.
3. Cost-Effective: By eliminating laundry detergent, fabric softeners, and bleach, I’m saving money on cleaning products. Both vinegar and baking soda are inexpensive and multi-purpose, making them great budget-friendly options.
4. Prevents Mildew and Odors: Boiling towels or using soap and powder can sometimes lead to towels retaining an unpleasant smell. Vinegar’s acidity naturally eliminates odors, while baking soda helps balance pH levels, keeping towels smelling fresh.
5. Energy Efficient: The hot water and natural ingredients do most of the work, so I don’t have to worry about running multiple cycles or using excessive amounts of water or energy.

When to Boil or Use Soap

While I rarely need to boil towels or use soap, there are times when it’s necessary. For example, if my towels have come into contact with raw meat or any bacteria-laden substances, boiling can provide extra peace of mind in ensuring full sanitation. In that case, I’ll boil towels in water with vinegar or baking soda.

Similarly, if there are particularly stubborn stains or greasy spots (for example, from oily cooking), I may occasionally use a small amount of dish soap or laundry detergent to spot treat those areas before washing.

Final Thoughts

By switching to a simpler, natural washing routine with vinegar and baking soda, I’ve found that my kitchen towels stay cleaner and fresher without needing soap, powder, or boiling. This approach is not only more eco-friendly and budget-conscious, but it’s also better for my towels and the environment. If you’re tired of constantly buying laundry detergent or boiling towels to get them clean, try this method and enjoy fresh, hygienic towels the natural way!

Give it a try and see the difference—it’s truly a game-changer in the world of kitchen towel care.