How to Use Handmade Crocheted Washcloths

Hang crocheted washcloths dry to prevent mold.

Handmade crocheted washcloths are both aesthetically appealing and functional. The texture of a crocheted washcloth helps to gently exfoliate your skin. Any yarn fiber can be used to make a crocheted washcloth, but 100 percent cotton is the most absorbent. Proper use and care of your handmade washcloths will extend their use life. If you don't know how to use a crocheted washcloth, it can develop mold and/or odor.

Things You'll Need

• Mild detergent
• Soap

Instructions

1. Prewash your washcloth to remove chemicals from processing and preshrink it. Fill your sink with hot water and add a few drops of a mild detergent. Submerge your washcloth in the soapy water, agitate it under water by swishing it around with your hands and drain the water. Roll your washcloth to express excess water, rinse under a stream of cold water and roll to express the excess water again. Keep doing this until the water is not soapy any longer. Lay flat to dry and shape it by hand.

2. Wet your washcloth thoroughly before each use. Add a few drops of your soap.

3. Squeeze your washcloth and rewet it to develop a lather. Repeat this periodically as needed until you are done using it.

4. Hold your washcloth under a steady stream of cold water. Allow it to become saturated and then squeeze it to express excess water, which will remove soap residue from the cloth. Keep doing this until the water coming from the cloth is not soapy anymore.

5. Hang the washcloth so it air dries between uses. This will prevent it from developing mold, or an odor.

References

• Creative Jewish Mom: Simple Crocheted Washcloths
• Miss Abigail's Hope Chest: Crocheted Dishcloths
• "The Chicks with Sticks Guide to Crochet: Learn to Crochet with More Than 30 Cool, Easy Patterns"; Nancy Queen, Mary Ellen O'Connell; 2008
• "Get Hooked: Simple Steps to Crochet Cool Stuff"; Kim Werker, Angela Fama; 2006