A familiar situation: you just wiped the table, but instead of freshness, the kitchen is filled with a sour, musty aroma. This specific one damp smell – a signal that they have begun to actively reproduce in damp tissue bacteria and mold fungi. Regular rinsing under the tap will not help here, since microorganisms create a protective film that is resistant to water. To restore freshness and safety to textiles, you need to use methods that destroy the very cause of the odor, and do not simply mask it.
Quick disinfection in the microwave
The fastest way to kill pathogenic flora is high temperature. The microwave does this job perfectly in a couple of minutes. The moisture inside the fibers turns into hot steam, which acts as a powerful sterilizer.
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Wet the cloth well with water (do not place it dry – it may catch fire).
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Lather it with laundry soap or dish soap.
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Place in a plastic bag or microwave safe bowl.
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Turn the oven on maximum power for 1-2 minutes.
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Be careful when removing the product as it will be very hot.
This method is only suitable for cotton or synthetic items without metal threads. After cooling, rinse the fabric with clean water and dry.
Soaking in a solution of vinegar and soda
If you are afraid to use the microwave or the rag is too large, classic chemistry will come to the rescue. Table vinegar perfectly breaks down fat and kills fungus, and baking soda works as an absorbent, drawing out unpleasant odors from deep within the fibers.
The procedure looks like this: fill a small container with hot water, add half a glass of vinegar and a tablespoon of soda. Immerse kitchen textiles there and leave for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour. The soda slaking reaction will help “push” dirt out of the fabric structure. After soaking, wash the item as usual.
Traditional boiling
An old but reliable method that is guaranteed to destroy 99% of bacteria. It is especially good if the rag has become slimy to the touch. Fill a small saucepan with water, add a little washing powder and, if desired, a couple of drops lemon essential oil for freshness. Boil the product over low heat for 10-15 minutes. This will return the fabric to a cleanness that cannot be achieved by simply washing it in a machine at low temperatures.
Drying rules and prevention
The main reason for the odor is slow drying. If you leave a damp cloth crumpled up on the sink, the rotting process will begin within a few hours.
To prevent the problem from returning, make it a habit to thoroughly wring out the fabric after each use and hang it straightened. Ideally, textiles should dry completely between uses. Hygiene experts also recommend replacing sponges and rags with new ones at least once a week, since over time the structure of the material collapses and accumulates a critical mass of microbes, which is difficult to remove even by boiling.
Regularly replacing kitchen utensils will keep the whole family healthy and provide a pleasant atmosphere in the house.
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