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How To

How to Clean Cheesecloth

Contributor
By Viktoria Carrella
eHow Contributing Writer

Cheesecloth is used in many kitchens for straining dishes as well as keeping tea leaves from the brewed tea. Other uses include cheese making, thickening yogurt and even bundling herbs for use in dishes. This cloth comes in grades according to the thread count but the most popular is a cotton cloth that was used for cheese making. Cheesecloth was also a popular material for tee shirts in the early 60s and 1970s as well as being used in the kitchen.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Washing machine
  • Bleach
  • Laundry detergent
  • Bowl of cold water
  • Old toothbrush
  • Plastic clothes hanger
  1. Step 1

    Rinse out the cheesecloth in a bowl of cold water to release any of the debris that may be stuck in the mesh. Use the old toothbrush to release any stubborn debris or to scrub at stains.

  2. Step 2

    Turn washer on to a short cycle and add in detergent and bleach to the correct compartments in the washing machine. The amount of detergent you use will be based on the amount of cheesecloth you are cleaning. If you have approximately a half load, as compared to regular laundry, then use a half cup of detergent. The amount of bleach should be figured the same way.

  3. Step 3

    Use the selector to choose a hot wash and cold rinse cycle for the cheesecloth, and then throw the cheesecloth in the washer. You can also wash with your other whites that need to be bleached, as this is essentially all you are doing with the cheesecloth. Turn on the washer and shut the lid, and allow the cycle to complete.

  4. Step 4

    Remove the cheesecloth from the washing machine and place on a plastic clothing hanger to air dry for about an hour. Remove the cheesecloth and it is ready to use.

Tips & Warnings
  • You can always wash the cheesecloth out in the sink instead of using the washing machine. To do this, fill the sink with a stopper and then add hot water to cover the cheesecloth. Add in a ¼ cup of bleach and allow to sit for half an hour. Drain the sink and rinse the cheesecloth for five minutes under a cold tap. Wring out the cheesecloth and allow it to dry over the edge of the sink or on a plastic clothing hanger before using again. You can remove stubborn stains by rubbing briskly with a toothbrush and a little dish detergent.
  • Do not use any type of fabric softener in the washing machine for your cheesecloth, as this is still a kitchen utensil and not regular fabric.
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eHow Article: How to Clean Cheesecloth

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