Easy ways to remove stubborn food stains, grease and unpleasant odours, keep your reusable cloths fresh and hygienic, and make them look clean without using harsh chemicals

Wash kitchen cloths with other kitchen linen, not with your clothes, since grease and food bacteria can transfer. Use the hottest cycle the fabric can handle, ideally 60 degrees Celsius for cotton, along with your usual detergent. This temperature helps kill germs and lifts grease. Don’t overload the drum, so the water can reach everything, and don’t use fabric softener, which coats fibres and makes them less absorbent. If you notice a lingering smell, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle.