How to Deep Clean Your Reusable Cleaning Cloths and Keep Them Odour Free

Say Goodbye to That Funky Smell—It’s Time to Deep Clean Those Cloths!

We all know the drill: you’re knee-deep in a cleaning session—kids running around, crumbs all over the bench—and suddenly, you grab a cloth that looks (and smells) like it’s seen better days.

Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone!

Reusable cleaning cloths are an eco-friendly alternative to disposable ones, but your cleaning cloths work hard, wiping away grime day after day, they need some TLC to stay fresh and effective.

Lucky for you, we’ve got a simple, natural process to deep clean your cleaning cloths and get them back to their best! Learn how to deep clean, sanitize, and maintain your microfiber and Swedish dishcloths naturally, while also understanding when they need a deeper wash. We’ll also share why reusable cloths are the smarter, more sustainable choice!

Why You Should Deep Clean Your Cleaning Cloths Regularly

Cleaning cloths are everyday heroes in our homes, tackling all sorts of messes large and small. But as they soak up spills and dirt, or even just wipe over the bench, they collect bacteria, in particular bacteria that can cause odour and illness, especially if not properly cleaned. Without appropriate cleaning it's not uncommon for a cloth to come out of the washing machine and still not be perfectly clean and odour free. You've got to remember, these cloths are super grimy and the dirtiest laundry in your home - they need a next level, precision clean.

Regular deep cleaning ensures they remain hygienic, free from smells, and ready for tackling daily messes.  Our Grannies and Nana's knew this, ask them about boiling cleaning cloths on the stove top and I bet, they will know all about this trick!

Benefits of Reusable Cleaning Cloths

It might seem easier to grab a disposable cloth or even a baby wipe and toss it after use, but reusable cloths have major advantages for our health and planet:

• Eco-friendly: Reusable cloths reduce the amount of waste going to landfills, and when you choose plastic free reusable cloths (like our Eco cleaning cloths) it makes them biodegradable and even kinder to the earth.
• Cost-effective: You save money over time by reusing cloths instead of constantly buying disposables. Reusable cloths can be made from all sorts of fibre types and at every budget point. You will absolutely be able to find a reusable cloth to suit your needs.
• Highly absorbent and durable: Figgy's Eco cleaning cloth is a Swedish dishcloth. These are made from tree cellulose and cotton making them very absorbent. The backside of the cloth is textured making it effective at cleaning surfaces as it can grab dirt and grime. Unlike a handy towel, these clothes are very sturdy when wet which makes them durable while using and wash after wash.
• Less chemical reliance: Reusable cloths often work well freshly wrung out with just hot water or natural cleaning solutions like castile soap or white vinegar. Choosing a natural cleaning combo will reduce your dependence on harsh chemicals or toxic cleaning wipes.

Regular maintenance and proper care can keep these cloths in action for a long time, making them a far better option than throwaway alternatives.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Deep Clean Your Reusable Cleaning Cloths

1. The Soapy Squeeze

This is ideal if you get some grime on your cloth that won't just rinse away with water. First things first, give your cloth a rinse under the tap to remove any soiling that will come away easily. Then pop your cloth in the bottom of the sink and wet it up, you want it wet, but not dripping. Grab your Home Cleaning Castile Soap or and add about a teaspoon directly onto the cloth - you can also use Figgy's bar soap for this step. Using the hard surface of the sink to push against, use your finger tips to push the soap through the cloth - this will allow the soap to dissolve out the grime lurking in the cloth and also, the pressure and rubbing will help break up the stains. Work the soap thoroughly all the way out to the edge, then flip it around and work in the next direction until you are happy the entire cloth has had a soapy squeeze! Rinse it out under the tap and see how much cleaner it looks. Hang your cleaning cloth to air dry.

2. Stove top cleaning with Washing Soda for the Heavy Soiling

Time to bring out the big guns! This is especially good if you have microfiber clothes as they are notoriously difficult to deep clean because of how they are made. Grab a large pot, fill it with water, and add 1 tablespoon of washing soda per two litres. Dissolve the washing soda into the water then add your cloths. It's important to not overcrowd the pot—your cleaning cloths need room to move around. Bring the water to a high simmer (we’re not boiling pasta here, just a nice simmer with some steaming), and watch as the grime and grease lift off into the water. Stir the cloths with a big spoon, moving them gently through the water so the washing soda can get good contact and loosen the grime. Once the water turns murky, tip it out and repeat the process until the water runs clear. At this stage you might be very surprised at the state of your water, especially if you have hardworking cloths. But the good thing is you are releasing all the grime and your cloths are going to be so lovely and clean!

Safety Tips when Boiling Cleaning Cloths

• Keep an eye on the pot—you don’t want a boil-over situation in the middle of your day! Modern clothes don't need a prolonged boiling like granny would have done - But if this is your vibe, save that for standard cotton cloths like a cut up old towel or flannel.
• Tongs to the rescue—those cleaning cloths will be hot when you pull them out, so no bare hands, please.
• Ventilation is key—switch on the rangehood or open a window to keep the steam from turning your kitchen into a sauna.

3. Stain Removal and Sanitization with Oxygen Bleach

After cleaning with the washing soda, your cloths are clean, but they may still be stained! If your cleaning cloths are still clinging to stubborn stains, we’ve got one more trick up our sleeves. Repeat the stove top process, but this time, swap the washing soda for oxygen bleach . Use 1-2 tablespoon of oxygen bleach per litre of water. Again, you don’t need a full boil here—just bring the water up to steamy simmer, around 80 degrees Celsius. The turn off the heat and let the cloths sit in the pot for a couple of hours while you take a break (you’ve earned it!). This will lift those tough stains and leave your cloths looking good as new. Oxygen bleach, also known as green bleach, harnesses the power of hydrogen peroxide, which is a great, safe alternative to chlorine bleach that won't strip colour or eat your fabric.

Why It’s Crucial to Clean Your Cloths Properly

Here’s where things get serious. If you’re not cleaning your cleaning cloths regularly, you’re not just wiping away dirt—you could be spreading bacteria, germs, and even allergens. Reusable cleaning cloths, especially those used in the kitchen, can become breeding grounds for bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Not exactly the kind of guests you want hanging around your home! Let's take a closer look:

• Bacterial Growth: When left damp, cleaning cloths are the perfect home for bacteria to multiply.
• Cross-Contamination: Dirty cleaning cloths aren’t just a risk to one surface—they can spread bacteria and allergens from one area to another. Studies have shown that allergens like peanuts, milk, and eggs can transfer across surfaces from a dirty cloth. Yikes!
• Odours and Decomposition: That funky smell? It’s bacteria hard at work breaking down organic matter (AKA that food you just wiped up) trapped in the fibres of your cleaning cloths. Time to evict the germs and deep clean!

When to Wash Your Cleaning Cloths Immediately

Some cleaning tasks call for an immediate wash rather than a rinse and reuse:

• After Contact with Raw Meat: If your cloth comes in contact with raw chicken or other raw meats, it must be washed immediately to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella.
• After Cleaning the Floor: Cloths used on floors, especially in bathrooms or kitchens, should be laundered right away to avoid cross-contamination of dirt and germs across surfaces.

Before placing any cloth in the laundry pile, rinse it well to remove food residue and collected bacteria. This helps prevent smelly odours and ensures that the cloth doesn’t become a bio-hazard while waiting to be washed. The last thing you want is a warm, damp cloth becoming the breeding hot spot for bacteria and the food that's right there for them to feast on. Don't skip this step.

How to Keep Your Cleaning Cloths Clean and Odour-Free

To keep your cleaning cloths in top shape, make sure you’re washing them regularly—especially those used in high-risk areas like the kitchen and bathroom. There's lots of ways to get the job done, so do what works best for you. Hand wash with hot water and castile soap to quickly break down grime and kill bacteria, ensuring your cloths are fresh and ready for action right away​. Or you might have a weekly schedule to wash tea towels and cloths.

Regular Maintenance Tips for Reusable Kitchen Cloths

• Hand Washing: After each use, wash your cloths with castile soap in warm water to remove surface dirt. Rinse well and air dry.
• Dishwasher Cleaning: For a deeper clean, you can place your Figgy eco cleaning cloths on the top rack of the dishwasher. This is a quick and effective way to clean and sanitize them.
• Microwave Sanitization: To kill bacteria, place a damp cloth in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Be sure the cloth is wet before microwaving to avoid any fire hazards.

By maintaining your reusable cloths with regular cleaning and occasional deep cleans, you can extend their lifespan and keep your home healthier. These small steps ensure your cloths are enjoyable to use, help reduce waste, save money, and prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. Whether you’re using microfiber or Swedish cloths like the Figgy Eco cleaning cloth , you’ll find these methods quick, easy, and eco-friendly. Happy cleaning!

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