Kitchen Tools: Dishcloths

When asking friends and relatives what they would like for Christmas, their birthday, or even Mother’s Day the gift that comes up time and again is hand-knit dishcloths.

Simple, practical, and yet elegant, these timeless tools are used by women (and men) daily all over the country! No matter the time period, dishcloths (and washing dishes) have been part of homesteading for generations.

Often used and tattered beyond recognition and frequently overlooked—what would we do without this faithful kitchen helper by our side? Especially one that so willing cleans up all our messes! Always ready to help you catch that unforeseen spill, or wipe those sticky little hands before they engage in redecorating a nearby surface. Dishcloths are always there, steadfast through all our kitchen ups and downs.

No blog about dishcloths could be complete without discussing the fact that a neglected dishcloth can stink! The best way to keep your dishcloths smelling fresh is to treat your faithful helper with some respect—wash it—frequently! Dishcloths tend to do their job well—be germ and scum magnets. So frequent washing is crucial. How can you expect it to clean if you don’t clean it? Forgot to wash it and need a quick clean? Place the wet dishcloth in the microwave for one minute. Let it cool before removing, since a steaming dishcloth can be hot enough to burn. Need a super smell buster? Simmer it for 5 minutes in a pan of water with a little white vinegar (Do not use Apple Cider vinegar or you will change the color of your dishcloths!) So honor your faithful dishcloth, and do it justice; choose a good quality dishcloth and remember there is always room in the wash for one more item, at least as far as your dishcloths are concerned!

Dishcloths today can be found in many styles, shapes, colors, and sizes as well as fabrics types. Yet no matter how hard I looked, the history of dishcloths eluded me. Not much seems to be written about these insignificant little tools. (Yes, dishcloths are tools!) Dishcloths with a textured weave tend to outperform smooth ones which led to the development of the knitted dishcloth. These hand knitted dishcloths have been popular for centuries.

There is even documentation that during shortages in the American Civil War, dishcloths were even unraveled and the cotton was crocheted into collars and trim for dresses! How would you like to have a collar made from an old up-cycled dishcloth? Hopefully, I never get that desperate! But dishcloths are not just a “dishrag” to be kept out of sight; they are part of the kitchen décor.

It’s crazy how something as simple as a unique dishcloth or dishtowel can do wonders to help set your kitchen apart by joining both beauty and practicality in the same item. I find they are my favorite way to add style to my kitchen without adding clutter. People often think of dish towels in this manner, but I am finding dishcloths and scrubbies can be as well. Dishcloths, like that favorite apron, can and should be a thing of inspiration and beauty that brighten your day. If you’re the one stuck having to go through the drudgery of cleaning the kitchen, why
shouldn’t you be able to do it with something that makes you smile?

I have a variety of dishcloth patterns, but my favorite is my four-heart dishcloth. It reminds me that the kitchen is the heart of the home. This room is where love often starts and grows by means of the 3 C’s: Cooking, Crafting and good old Conversation!

Everyone I talk to either loves, or simply hasn’t used one long enough to fall in love with hand-knit dishcloths yet. I tried one early on in my marriage and was definitely less than impressed, but then I learned that just like new shoes, a good dishcloth needs to be given a breaking-in period to unlock all its absorbent super powers! Now they are pretty much the only dishcloths I use.

If you don’t happen to be a master knitter and would like to give hand-knitted dishcloths a try, why not support our blog and check out our shopping area! We now offer hand-knit/croquet dishcloth and scrubbie combos in a variety of colors.

Currently our site shop page is under construction, so feel free to come check out our newly launched Etsy shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/HeritageRiverDesigns

Cleaning with inspiration, The Homesteading Hen