The Ultimate Guide to Storing Kitchen Towels

July 13, 2023

Welcome to the Ultimate Kitchen Towel Storage Guide!

Kitchen towels are a fundamental part of any household kitchen. They are made from various materials, including cotton, microfiber, and linen, and each has its own properties and applications.

However, most of us overlook the importance of proper storage when it comes to storing them. Improper storage can result in a smelly and unsanitary kitchen.

So, in this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of selecting the right type of towel, preparing it for storage, the best storage options for keeping your towels fresh and long-lasting, and some of the best practices to follow.

Table of contents

Why do we need a proper storage place?
Prepping Towels for Storage
Storing Towels in Drawers
Hanging Towels in the Kitchen
Storing Towels on Countertops
Best Practices and Tips for Storing Kitchen Towels
FAQ

Why do we need a proper storage place?

When we use kitchen towels to clean up spills and wipe surfaces, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, resulting in unpleasant odors and, in some cases, illness.

Overstuffing drawers or leaving them lying around the counter are two typical mistakes that can result in unpleasant and unhygienic towels.

To avoid these problems, we must understand and educate ourself on how to properly store a kitchen towel.

Prepping Towels for Storage

Before storing your kitchen towels, make sure they are clean and dry. So the first step is to wash and dry them thoroughly. To protect the fibers and colors of the towels, use a detergent that does not contain bleach.

After washing, tumble dry on low heat or air dry them, ensuring they are completely dry before storing.

It is a matter of personal preference whether to fold or roll. Both approaches are ideal, but rolling may take up less drawer space. Folding, on the other hand, maybe more visually appealing and easy to organize.

Whatever you decide, make sure the towels are clean and stackable.

Stain removal might be difficult. Therefore, treat the stain as quickly as possible. For most stains, use cold water; for oil-based stains, use warm water and dish soap. Always soak stains before washing them.

Also, make sure that the stain is thoroughly cleaned before drying. Correctly prepared towels before storage will last longer and retain their quality.

Storing Towels in Drawers

Organizing your drawers is essential. Sort through your towels and remove any that are worn out or old.

Next, select a location in your drawer for each type of towel. Having a compartmentalized organizer or simply folding them straight will help you find what you need and keep your drawer looking tidy.

When it comes to folding, the manner you fold your towels can also help you save a lot of space.

We advise using the KonMari technique of folding items into thirds, then half and finally standing upright. This prevents them from falling over and allows you to fit more items into your drawer.

Hanging Towels in the Kitchen

Hanging kitchen towels is a popular storage option for many people due to its simplicity and convenience. Towel racks are classified into adhesive hooks, towel bars, and towel rings.

The most versatile option is adhesive hooks, while towel bars and rings are ideal for hanging multiple towels. When hanging towels, make sure they are not too tightly bunched together, as this can hinder them from drying properly. Instead, hang them freely to allow air to circulate them.

Also, avoid hanging the towels too close to a heat source since this can harm the fabric.

Storing Towels on Countertops

When you need towels to be quickly accessible, countertop storage is ideal, so if you find yourself reaching for them frequently, this could be the storage solution for you.

To save space, put a towel bar on the underside of a shelf or cupboard to keep towels out of the way but accessible.

Another creative idea is to utilize an old ladder as a towel rack. It is important to note, however, that countertop storage is not always the greatest option. If you have a small kitchen, setting aside counter space for cooking and food preparation is best.

Remember that towels stored on the countertop are more likely to collect dust and filth, so wash them more frequently.

Also, Avoid stacking them or putting them into a container. Instead, use an open basket or tray to allow for air circulation. Always ensure towels are dry before storing them to avoid mildew and odors.

Best Practices and Tips for Storing Kitchen Towels

Choose the Right Type of Towel

Towels come in various materials, including cotton, microfiber, and linen.

Consider its purpose – is it for cleaning dishes, wiping surfaces, or drying hands?

This will help you determine the type of towel you require. Other factors to consider when selecting a towel include absorbency, durability, texture, and appearance.

You need a towel that can absorb moisture and clean thoroughly without leaving anything behind.

Cotton towels are an excellent choice for cleaning dishes due to their absorbency.
Microfiber towels are effective at capturing dirt and grime when wiping surfaces.
Linen towels are well known for their quick absorption and softness when it comes to drying hands.

Remember that the type of towel you select is a matter of personal preference. Experiment with different materials and styles to see what works best for you.

Keep them away from moisture.

Proper storage can prevent bacteria growth and help keep towels clean and hygienic. Keep them away from water: Moist towels are a breeding ground for bacteria and can cause odors. Moreover, wet towels can promote mold growth, which no one wants.

The simplest option is to hang them up after use. Spread them out to allow them to dry quickly. Consider installing a dehumidifier in your kitchen if your towels remain damp after hanging.

This will help reduce overall air moisture and keep your towels dry.

Wash them frequently

It is recommended that kitchen towels should be washed after each use, especially if they come into contact with raw meat or other uncooked food.

If washing them after every use seems unrealistic, wash them at least once a week to maintain proper hygiene.

To kill bacteria, use hot water and detergent when washing kitchen towels. Another best practice is to keep kitchen towels separate from other laundry. This is due to the fact that the towels may transfer germs or bacteria to other clothing.

If any of the towels are stained, wash them separately to prevent the stain from spreading to other towels.

Keep Separate towels for each use

Designate specific colors for different uses, like wiping counters or drying dishes. Alternatively, separate towels can be used for each task.

Just label them properly so they don’t get mixed up.

This will help prevent cross-contamination and adds an organizational touch to your kitchen.

FAQ

What is the best way to organize kitchen towels?

To organize kitchen towels, keep them in a convenient location for easy access and assign specific towels to specific tasks. For example, one towel can be designated for drying dishes and another for wiping counters. Having a designated area for dirty towels, such as a laundry basket or hamper, is also beneficial. This approach of organizing kitchen towels can prevent cross-contamination and maintain good hygiene in the kitchen.

Where should kitchen towels be stored?

Kitchen towels should be kept in a clean, dry, and easily accessible location. Popular storage options include towel racks, hooks on the back of cabinet doors, and designated drawers or shelves. Towels should not be stored in damp or humid areas, such as under the sink or near the dishwasher, as this can encourage the growth of bacteria and mold.

How do you store kitchen towels in a small kitchen?

In a small kitchen, it is essential to maximize storage space while keeping kitchen towels easily accessible. One option is to attach a towel bar or hooks to the inside of a cabinet door or the side of a refrigerator. Another option is to roll up towels and store them in a basket or container on a shelf or cabinet. Avoid clogging limited counter space with towels to keep a clean and organized appearance.

How do you store kitchen towels without drawers?

There are several options for storing kitchen towels if you do not have drawers. One option is a towel bar or hooks attached to the inside of a cabinet door or the side of a refrigerator. Another option is to roll up towels and place them in a basket or container on a shelf or cabinet.

How do you fold and store kitchen towels?

Depending on personal preference and available storage space, there are various ways to fold and store kitchen towels. Folding the towel in thirds lengthwise and then in half creates a neat rectangle that can be stored on a shelf or in a drawer. Another option is to roll the towel and secure it with a rubber band or ribbon before storing it in a basket or container. To avoid musty odors or bacteria growth, ensure towels are completely dry before folding or rolling them.

Is storing towels under the bathroom sink a good idea?

For many people who have limited storage space in their bathroom, storing towels under the bathroom sink is a common practice. While it can be a convenient place to store towels, there are a few things to consider before deciding whether it is a good idea. One factor to consider is whether the area beneath the sink is clean and dry, as storing towels in a damp or humid environment can encourage the growth of bacteria and mold. Furthermore, if the sink is frequently used, it may be inconvenient to constantly move towels out of the way to access cleaning supplies or other items stored under the sink.