There are different types of towels used in kitchen, each meant for a different purpose. Explore more on kitchen towels.

Kitchen Towels

When we talk about kitchen, the things that first come into mind are cooking range, sink, fridge, electrical appliances and utensils. Though a very essential kitchen accessory, a towel is something that most of the people forget to take into consideration while planning the room. Apart from having a functional use, that of helping a sanitary and efficient kitchen, towels can also help in extending or complementing the décor of the kitchen. The variety in their materials, colors as well as patterns provides a lot of options, out of which selection must be made as per the purpose they are intended to serve. Kitchen towels with different uses should be kept separate and not be used for multiple purposes.
 
Types of Kitchen Towels
The main types of towels that are used in a kitchen include: 
  • Dish Towels: They are used for drying dishes, pots and pans and kitchen implements after they are washed, whether by hand or in the dishwasher.
  • Glassware or Tea Towels: These are mainly meant for drying cutlery as well as glass and bone china things. Apart from that, they might also be spread over a tea tray or used to cover warm scones or a tea pot.
  • Hand Towels: Hand towels, as the name suggests, are used for drying hands after washing them.
  • Counter or Bar Mop Towels: This type of towels mainly solve the purpose of drying counters, cleaning up spills, etc. 
Kitchen Towel Materials and Weaves
Before purchasing towels, it is very necessary to aware of their materials (fibers) as well as weaves.
 
Waffle Weave
Waffle weave towels are usually made from cotton and are of the absorbent type. They are also known as honeycomb and are mainly used for drying large items, like pots and pans. Apart from that, you can also use them as hand towels.
 
Terrycloth
Kitchen towels made from terrycloth have high absorbing power. They are cotton-based and have loops. Terrycloth towels are usually used as hand towels, counter or bar-mop towels and dish towels.
 
Jacquard
Jacquard towels are made of either cotton or semi linen (blend of 50% cotton and 50% linen). They are lint free and are mainly used for the purpose of drying glassware. The towel presents numerous options, in terms of color and patterns.
 
Flour Sack
Flour sack towels are made from cotton, are lint-free, absorb well and serve multiple purposes. They can be used to dry glassware, to line bread baskets, cover rising dough, polish silver and dust surfaces.
 
Flat Weave
Flat weave towel is made of 100 percent cotton and is of the absorbent type. It is mainly used for drying dishes. However, when folded on itself, it can serve the purpose of a hot pad, used for holding hot pot handles or lids and moving them.
 
Paper Towels
Paper towels are available in varying absorbencies and weaves. They can be used to raise dough, wipe counters, clean surfaces, line bread basket, dry a dish or glass and even polish a shiny surface.
 
Use and Maintenance 
  • Make sure to wash the towels before you use them for the first time. This will remove the excess dye and natural oils that can hamper absorption.
  • Before placing hand towels in the drawer or any other storage place, hang them for sometime. This will help remove the dampness and avoid the growth of mold and bacteria.
  • Wash the towels once or twice a week. If case you use them for wiping purposes, washing should be more frequent.
  • When you wash dish towels, don't put them in the washing machine along with items that have zippers, hooks or buttons. Otherwise, the fabric will get damaged.
  • Never ever use fabric softener on kitchen towels, as they might leave behind a waxy film that impedes absorbency.

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