Cleaning cheesecloth may not be your typical laundry chore, but it's an important one if you want to keep it in good shape for all your culinary needs. This guide can help you learn how to wash cheesecloth for reuse. Read on to learn how to clean cheesecloth and dry it properly.
WHAT IS CHEESECLOTH?
Cheesecloth is a lightweight, gauze-like fabric that's commonly used in cooking and crafting. Typically made from cotton, it strains liquids, wraps herbs and spices, and helps in the process of making cheese. Cheesecloth is also known as butter muslin because it's often used to strain homemade butter. While it's a versatile and valuable kitchen tool, it requires careful cleaning to help prevent contamination. Properly washing cheesecloth is important to help maintain its condition and keep food clean and free of any unwanted particles.
Store your cleaned and dried cheesecloth in a cool, dry place to help prevent mold and mildew from forming. You can roll it up and store it in a sealed plastic bag or container.
SHOULD I WASH CHEESECLOTH BEFORE USE?
It's generally recommended to wash cheesecloth before use, as it may contain impurities or debris from the manufacturing process. Washing also helps to remove lingering dyes or chemicals. To wash, simply soak the cheesecloth in hot water for a few minutes, then wring it out and let it air dry. Remember to follow the step-by-step cheesecloth washing instructions below.
IS CHEESECLOTH REUSABLE?
While many cheesecloths can be reused with proper care, it's important to check the label or packaging to see if it's designed for single use only. Some cheesecloths may break down or become too worn after a single use, making them unsuitable for reuse. However, if your cheesecloth is reusable, you can easily wash, dryand store it for future use in your cooking or crafting projects.
How to Wash Cheesecloth in a Washing Machine
Washing cheesecloth in a washing machine is an easy process that involves pre-washing it on a delicate cycle with hot water and mild detergent to remove particles/debris. Then, give it an extra thorough rinse with cold water to ensure it's completely clean. To protect the cheesecloth from snagging or tearing, place it in a mesh bag before washing. TheDelicate cycle on select washers combines gentle wash action and low-speed spin for gentle cleaning and reduced wrinkling.The final step is to air dry the cheesecloth by hanging it up before storing it away. For detailed instructions on how to wash cheesecloth in a washing machine and how to dry cheesecloth properly, continue reading below.
SUPPLIES
Cheesecloth
Mesh laundry bag
Mild detergent
Cleaning wipes (for any spills or messes during washing)
TOOLS
Washing cheesecloth requires a few tools and some are optional. However, you may find the following items helpful when washing cheesecloth in a washing machine:
Washing machine
Sink or basin (for rinsing the cheesecloth before washing)
Scissors (if you need to cut the cheesecloth to a specific size or shape)
STEP 1: RINSE IN HOT WATER
- Rinse the cheesecloth under hot water to remove any debris or dirt.
Use a sink or basin to fill with hot water and submerge the cheesecloth in it for a few minutes.
Squeeze out the excess water and move on to the next step.
STEP 2: WASH IN A WASHING MACHINE
- Place the rinsed cheesecloth in a mesh laundry bag to help prevent it from unraveling.
Add a mild detergent like Swash Free & Clear Laundry Detergent1, to the washing machine and set it to a gentle cycle with hot water.
Once the cycle is complete, remove the cheesecloth from the bag and shake off excess water.
To help remove any detergent residue, it's recommended to give the cheesecloth an extra rinse with cold water before squeezing it out and air drying it.
STEP 3: AIR DRY OR DRY ON LOW HEAT
Place the washed cheesecloth in a dryer on low heat.
Remove it promptly once the cycle is complete to avoid over-drying.
You can also hang cheesecloth to air dry.
Fold and store the cheesecloth until next use.
CAN YOU WASH CHEESECLOTH BY HAND?
Yes, you can wash cheesecloth by hand. To do so, rinse it thoroughly under hot water to remove any debris, then soak it in a basin with mild detergent for a few minutes. Gently squeeze the excess water and hang the cheesecloth to dry.
DOES CHEESECLOTH SHRINK IN THE WASH?
Cheesecloth is prone to shrinking in the wash. If you need to wash it frequently, consider buying a larger size to compensate for shrinkage.
CAN YOU IRON CHEESECLOTH?
Ironing cheesecloth is not usually necessary, as it is typically used for straining or wrapping foods. However, if you do need to iron it, use a low-heat setting with a pressing cloth to avoid damage.
CAN YOU WASH CHEESECLOTH IN A DISHWASHER?
It’s not recommended to wash cheesecloth in a dishwasher. Dishwashers are designed for washing dishes, and the high temperature and powerful jets of water can damage or shrink the delicate fabric of the cheesecloth. Additionally, the detergent used in dishwashers may leave a residue on the cheesecloth, which can be difficult to remove. It is best to stick with the tried-and-true method of hand-washing or using a washing machine to clean your cheesecloth.
HOW TO DRY CHEESECLOTH?
There are two methods of drying cheesecloth—air-drying and machine-drying. To air-dry, hang it up until completely dry. To machine-dry, use low heat and remove it promptly once dry to help prevent damage. Avoid high heat. High heat weakens cheesecloth fibers, making it more prone to damage, tearing, and shrinkage. The cotton fibers can contract and distort, resulting in a smaller, denser fabric that may not be suitable for its intended purpose.
CAN YOU WASH CHEESECLOTH WITH BLEACH?
It's not recommended to bleach cheesecloth, as it can damage the delicate fibers of the fabric and cause it to break down more quickly. Instead, use a mild detergent and hot water to clean your cheesecloth.
Shop Maytag® Washers
Select models of Maytag® washers offer a wide range of features and designs to help you tackle laundry day.With features available on select models like PowerWash® cycle, Fresh Hold® option and Rapid Wash cycle, Maytag® washers are designed to handle tough stains while providing a range of settings to help customize your load.
Discover More Laundry Tips With Maytag
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1. Swash: Swash and the recommending brands are owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
