Cheesecloth is a versatile kitchen tool with many applications, from wrapping cheese and straining liquids to basting poultry and bundling herbs. But like any fabric that’s exposed to food particles and oils, cheesecloth needs to be washed regularly to stay clean and ready for the next use.
Fortunately, cleaning cheesecloth is easy—all you need is a mesh laundry bag, hot water, mild detergent and optional items like cleaning wipes. Learn how to wash and care for your cheesecloth to reuse it again and again.
Cheesecloth, often called butter muslin, is a gauzy cotton fabric used for a variety of cooking and crafting purposes. It’s used to wrap herbs and spices, strain liquids and even help with cheese-making.
To make sure food remains uncontaminated, it’s important to clean cheesecloth properly after each use. Doing so will help ensure it stays in optimal condition and free from any particles or debris.
It’s generally recommended to wash cheesecloth before use, as it may contain impurities or debris from the manufacturing process. Washing also helps to remove lingering dyes or chemicals. To wash, simply soak the cheesecloth in hot water for a few minutes, then wring it out and let it air dry.
What is cheesecloth made of?
Cheesecloth is a lightweight, open-weave fabric typically made from cotton thread. The thin, gauze-like material is designed to allow liquids to pass through while capturing small solids.
Can you wash and reuse cheesecloth?
It’s important to check the label or packaging when using cheesecloth, as some are designed for single use only. If the cheesecloth is reusable, you can easily wash, dry and store it for future use in cooking or crafting projects. However, some may break down or become too worn after a single use and should not be reused.
Cleaning Your Cheesecloth
FAQ
Should I wash new cheesecloth before use?
Can you use a wet cheese cloth?
Does cheesecloth shrink when washed?
Do you reuse cheesecloth or throw it away?
Should I wash cheesecloth before use?
It’s generally recommended to wash cheesecloth before use, as it may contain impurities or debris from the manufacturing process. Washing also helps to remove lingering dyes or chemicals. To wash, simply soak the cheesecloth in hot water for a few minutes, then wring it out and let it air dry.
How to clean a cheesecloth?
If your cheesecloth does not have any major stains or odors, handwashing is the simplest and most effective method. 1. Fill a sink or large bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild detergent and a pinch of baking soda. 2. Place the cheesecloth in the water and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. 3.
How do you wash cheesecloth in a washing machine?
1. Place all the cheesecloth into the washing machine along with any other kitchen towels or linens. 2. Add your detergent and a small amount of bleach to the machine, depending on how soiled the fabric is. 3. Set the washing machine to the “Cotton” or “Normal” cycle and run the wash.
How do you sterilize a cheesecloth?
Bring a medium pot full of water to a boil over high heat. Add the cheesecloth to the pot and let it boil for five minutes. The hot water will sterilize the cloth, preparing it for the next use. 4. Wring and hang dry. Wring out excess water before hanging the cloth to dry.