How To Store Wet Dishcloths [6 Best Solutions]

Washing dishes is a pretty simple job. But, it's also one that's easy to mess up. More specifically, what do you do with the wet dishcloths after cleanup? Carelessly throwing them around does more harm than you'd think. If you'd like to explore some ideas on how to store them, you've made it to the right place.

What you do with a dishcloth depends on its condition, cleanliness, and whether you plan to reuse it. Here are a few ways to store one that we found:

  1. Hang it over the faucet
  2. Purchase and use an S-hook
  3. Consider using an over-the-sink bar/sink caddy
  4. Use a waterproof wet bag
  5. Use a mesh bag
  6. Install a pullout dishtowel cabinet

There are many ways to deal with a wet dishcloth. It might not seem like it's a big deal to learn how to store them. But do you want to mess with smelly dishcloths? Of course not! If you'd like to explore your options in-depth, keep reading.

Set of multi-colored dishclothes, How To Store Wet Dishcloths [6 Best Solutions]

How To Store Wet Dishcloths

Cropped shot of an unrecognizable man wiping the kitchen sink with a cloth after washing his hands at home

After washing the dishes, the job is not over. We'll need to think about the tools we use during this chore, and more specifically, explore some ideas on storing a wet dishcloth properly.

Otherwise, they're going to rack up into a big pile. That is if you use many dishcloths over a week. And, if they're sitting in a big stack with little attention to how they're stored, it can get smelly fast. That's not to mention how unsanitary it can be. 

With that said, let's go over some wet dishcloth storing ideas!

1. Hang It Over The Faucet

One of the easiest ways to take care of a dishcloth is by letting it hang over the faucet. This option is an easy solution to get the thought of storing out of mind. It knocks out two concerns right away.

Considering you have a spot to hang it over, like the faucet, this works for any kitchen. In addition, there may be a window over your sink. So, you get sunlight that will help dry the towel faster.

2. Use An S-Hook

View this S-hook on Amazon here.

For some, draping a dishcloth over the faucet isn't appealing. It's going to be an eyesore for those that want things to look orderly. Thus, you're going to have to make space elsewhere.

So, what better way to accomplish this than by using an S-hook! It's a tool that you can use with any existing rod. They're inexpensive. If you don't like the idea after making the purchase, you can find other ways to use them. 

Regardless, if you have a rod in place, use a couple of these to hang wet dishcloths. This way, you can make more room while not giving up anymore. 

3. Over-the-Sink Drying Bar-Or Sink Caddy

Click here to see this drying bar on Amazon.

S-hooks are a decent option; however, what if you don't have an existing rod? And, if you already have a rod in place, wouldn't the dishcloth still be an eyesore?

These are fair concerns. Hence, you could also try pairing two options together. Would you consider using an over-the-sink drying bar? They're helpful for many situations. Aside from drying dishcloths, you can dry kitchen utensils, lids, and even pots. 

Though, these items take a lot of space. If you need more room, you can use an S hook. Otherwise, you can dedicate the drying bar for dishcloths and sponges. 

Check out this sink caddy on Amazon.

When you do not need an area to dry multiple items, you can use an adhesive sink caddy. Though, your success using one might vary. It usually won't do well if the sink is too shallow.

If you have a deep sink, it's an option you can consider. 

4. Wet Bags

Click here to see these wet bags on Amazon.

Now, what do we do if the dishcloths are too dirty to use again? Of course, you can throw them in with the laundry. However, what if you need to hold off until it's that time?

Some would recommend using a wet bag. If you find yourself rotating dishcloths frequently, you'll need something to hold the dirty dishcloths until it's laundry time.

These bags help to keep odors and moisture inside. Though, be careful not to let it stay in the bag for a long while. These bags should only be a temporary storage location for the dishcloths. 

Leaving them in there for too long could promote the growth of mold. It's not a big deal if you stay on top with laundry days. 

5. Mesh Bags

View this mesh bag on Amazon here.

An alternative to a wet bag would be a mesh one. However, it won't do much to keep moisture and odors inside. Still, it's an option to consider temporarily holding your dirty dishcloths until laundry day.

6. Pullout Dishtowel Cabinet

When you want to keep the towels out of sight, there's no other place in the kitchen to do that than a cabinet. Therefore, if you use a lot of dishtowels over the week, why not dedicate a whole pullout cabinet for them? 

One concern with this would be, how would you dry them this way? You'd also need to invest in quick-drying towels. In other words, you'd have to replace your current dishcloths with specialized ones.

This way, you can avoid the problems of having a wet item in an enclosed area. Would it all be worth it? That's up to you to decide.

How Do You Keep Dishcloths Fresh?

Photo of raised hand in pink glove clenching pastel pink rag into fist on isolated pink background

A smelly dishcloth is never an item to welcome inside of your home. If you want to avoid the odors, you'd need to put more consideration into what you do with them. One way to prevent odors is by washing the dishcloth before storing it.

A simple rinse won't do. Instead, use dish soap and hot water to wash the cloth. Then, wring it out and let it dry. 

In addition, you can also run it through the laundry every three days or so. Run them through the dryer to prevent bacteria from growing on the cloth again. Use the hottest setting you can.

How Do You Sanitize Dishcloths Naturally?

Sanitizing the dishcloth is another aspect to consider. If you don't want to use chemicals, you can always use a natural method. More specifically, it might be time to bring out the boiling water and baking soda.

Boiling the dishcloths involves a few simple steps. Fill a pot with water. Then, bring it to a boil. Add your dishcloths.

Leave the dishcloths in there for 15 minutes. In addition, you can add 1/8 cup of baking soda to eliminate odors. After 15 minutes, use tongs to get them out of the pot.

You can hang them dry or put them in the dryer.

How Do You Wash Dishcloths In The Washing Machine?

Man crouching down to put washing into his washing machine in his kitchen.

If you don't have time to go with the boiling method, you can also use a washing machine. It's a bit less time-consuming. Additionally, the process doesn't take as long.

To start, grab your dishcloth and soak them in a bucket of cold water treated with capfuls of bleach. Next, rinse it thoroughly with cold water. Then, it's time to transfer it to the washing machine.

Put it on a hot cycle. Once it finishes, you can hang it dry or transfer it over to the dryer.

How Often Should You Change Your Dishcloth?

The amount of times you need to rotate your dishcloths depends on what you do with them. Regardless, the general recommendation is to change them every day. Or, at the very least, wash them once daily.

The reasoning behind this decision is that it's unlikely that you use a dishcloth for one occasion. You might use it for cleaning cutting boards, wiping surfaces, or cleaning up spills.

This makes them one of the dirtiest items in the home. Therefore, it's best to rotate between different dishcloths throughout the week.

How Long Does A Dishcloth Last?

Pink dish cloth on a sink.

Considering the extent that dishcloths go through, many recommend changing your dishcloths every month. Their surfaces are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Though, keep in mind this is a recommendation.

Of course, you can stay on top of your responsibilities and clean them often. This way, they can last more than 6-9 months. However, this concerns Swedish dishcloths.

They're biodegradable cloth made of cellulose and cotton. Standard dishcloths can last longer. However, you'd have to consider the condition of it. Once it's past the six-month mark, you should consider replacing it. Otherwise, repurpose it for another job other than cleaning dishes.

To Wrap It Up

Nothing's more annoying than having to store a wet item. Being wet is a factor that writes dishcloths from being stored in most places. Thus, we need to get creative to look for a solution. We hope you have an idea of what to do now!

Before you go, do you need help storing other items? What about honey? If you'd like to know more, check out our post:

What Is The Best Container To Store Honey?

Do you own a lot of spatulas? You can explore storage ideas by checking out our post:

How To Store Spatulas - 8 Creative Solutions!

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