Why do dish rags stink
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why do dish rags stink????
5 answers
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Mold and bacteria. The damp dish rags often are coated in food particles and soap, Both of which will allow bacteria to develop. The smell is caused by the odor given off when bacteria digests its food source. Like sponges they need to be cleaned after every use. Not left in the sink to dry out. The benefit of dish rags is that they can be put in washer and cleaned. Sponges can be cleaned a few times by rinsing, putting in microwave for few seconds until they get hot and in some cases be placed in a dish washer, although not recommended. They should be discarded once a week if used every day.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Jul 27, 2014
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As Woodbridge states is the bacteria and mold. I am somewhat of a germ-a-phobe myself and have several sponges for use on dishes and 1 set specifically for washing the sink (all of which go in the dishwasher to be washed and only used once a day or I will throw all the sponges in the washer with the dish rags and towels on hot with 1/4 cup Borax). Dish rags I replace every morning and if my hubby and boys are home usually 2-3 times a day because they do not rinse them out with hot water to remove food particles or yuck. I use dish towels and replace them a couple times or more a day depending upon what I am doing. I also want to note do not buy the cheap sponges at the dollar stores-they do not last long and they do not do well in the dishwasher or washer so I highly suggest buying the better name brands and you can get a couple months out of them if you have 2 and rotate. I also found it is easier (after raising 4 kids that having a spray bottle of cleaner to spray the counter and wipe down cuts down on rinsing and trying to clean the counters). Just my 2 cents worth-hope this helps.
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Jul 27, 2014
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I never use sponges. And you have to gather all your dish rags and towels and run them through the washing machine in hot water using bleach. I do mine about once every couple of weeks or so. I use paper towels with Clorox Kitchen Clean Up to clean up grease and things like meat drippings. I get the bi-fold rough ones that do not come apart when wet!
Jeanette S
on Jul 27, 2014
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When I do load of dishes, I lay my dishcloth...( hate the rag-association name, conjures up all sorts of weird images in my head!!!!),....on the top rack,making sure it is secured somewhat with a cup or something....and let it run though the full wash cycle of pots & pans and also allow it to continue through the drying cycle. This process kills the bacteria and freshens the dishcloth.
GrandmaCarol Speight
on Jul 28, 2014
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I like sponges and recently came across a wonderful tip for cleaning them up. I put them in water with a bit of vinegar--all in a micro safe container. It all goes in the micro for a quick boil-two or three minutes. Once it cools a bit, the sponges are refreshed, and I hope, bacteria free.
Lori Jackson
on Jul 28, 2014
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