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Original poster

What to do with damp microfibre cloths

222 replies

WannabeMarieKondo · 06/04/2023 20:12

I use microfibre cloths in the kitchen. They are about 30cm by 39 cm. I don’t want to hang over the tap and don’t want them in the sink getting smelly .

I cannot find a caddy that has a bar to hang it on that is high or big enough. I ordered ine that looked ok, but it’s 25 cm high, the bar, and the cloth is too large to go on it .

Any ideas ?

What do others do ?

here ar some ex apples, not tall enough. They have pics of cloths in them but they must be small beciase I’ve ordered similar and had to send back.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dishcloth-Organizer-Adjustable-Scrubber-Organization/dp/B09464D24Q/ref=sr_1_19_sspa?crid=37MGCCYTPX8EL&keywords=microfibre+cloth+clan8nt+cloth+caddy+rack&qid=1680808173&sprefix=microfibre+cloth+clan8nt+cloth+caddy+racj%2Caps%2C68&sr=8-19-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&psc=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SA-Products-Sponge-Cloth-Organiser/dp/B08JVDG7BZ/ref=asc_df_B08JVDG7BZ/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=472427659432&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1899493474252329731&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046004&hvtargid=pla-981359874135&psc=1

OP posts:
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Original poster
WannabeMarieKondo · 07/04/2023 07:54

Also I’m trying to be more “green.” So used to use lots of kitchen roll, one use wipes . So no problem with them, use and chuck.

That’s not good for the environment. So bought reusable large microfibres cloths and then didn’t know where to put them and they ate damp and get musty in sink and messy on taps . Hence asking here , genuinely ! As never had this issue with single use paper or wipes .

OP posts:
LoobyDop · 07/04/2023 07:55

WillowtreeHouse · 07/04/2023 05:53

I have read every post on this thread and now I hate myself.

Yeah, you know JK Rowling and Oprah Winfrey never read five pages of “where can I put the cloths”, “in the kitchen”, “yes, but”.

tupperwaretowers · 07/04/2023 08:01

Goes to drape self over tap and boil head in hot water.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Cleaning Home improvement
MinnieEgg · 07/04/2023 08:06

I wouldn't like the look of a used cloth hanging on a caddy and I don't see what that's better than a banana tree, or leaving it next to the sink or hanging it on a hook.

You need smaller cloths. That is the solution here as you clearly will only be happy if your cloth in on a bar on a caddy.

Like most people are saying, I use a cloth, put it next to the sink or straight in the washing machine. I've never had a caddy and I never will.

Yirk · 07/04/2023 08:06

Me thinks you are having a laff poster .

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 07/04/2023 08:07

This thread is amazing 😂

MinnieEgg · 07/04/2023 08:07

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 07/04/2023 08:07

This thread is amazing 😂

I agree. It's completely glorious.

YellowDots · 07/04/2023 08:10

somuchtolearnabout · 07/04/2023 06:12

Surely you've got a cupboard under the sink? I have a sticky hook on the door of the cupboard under the sink and it goes on there in between uses hidden away.

No, no no, she doesn't want a damp cupboard in innard.

Or a banana tree, or smaller cloths, or to hang it over the cupboard or oven door, or a hook or to put it In the washing machine.

WillowtreeHouse · 07/04/2023 08:21

I think you should just wear the damp cloth as an accessory OP, it's the only answer to this worrying problem.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 07/04/2023 08:27

WannabeMarieKondo · 07/04/2023 07:54

Also I’m trying to be more “green.” So used to use lots of kitchen roll, one use wipes . So no problem with them, use and chuck.

That’s not good for the environment. So bought reusable large microfibres cloths and then didn’t know where to put them and they ate damp and get musty in sink and messy on taps . Hence asking here , genuinely ! As never had this issue with single use paper or wipes .

Microfibre cloths are worse for the environment.

savoycabbage · 07/04/2023 08:29

How big are they ? I want a cloth that can hang on a caddy, or a bit enough caddy !

This is the crux of the issue. You just need smaller cloths.

cherrypied · 07/04/2023 08:46

What's a caddy?

ExtremelyDetermined · 07/04/2023 08:46

Ok, so we bought microfibre cloths years ago when they were being touted as the best thing for the environment. They are still going strong, I do wash them in full loads but am not switching to liquid detergent or low spin speeds as those have other environmental considerations so what am I meant to do? Bin them? They are clearly not going to bio-degrade.

But getting back to the question - a neatly folded cloth on a saucer (to save worktop dampness) looks far neater, is cheaper and takes up less space than any caddy I've ever seen.

dew141 · 07/04/2023 08:52

Yirk · 07/04/2023 06:43

Just use paper towel and bin it, problem solved.

Exactly what I do but didn't dare suggest it on environmental grounds. Although I compost/recycle afterwards.

The larger, better quality ones are great for wiping surfaces rather than disintegrating into mush.

Doublevodka · 07/04/2023 09:15

I think this is the most bonkers thread I’ve ever read. 😂

Okunevo · 07/04/2023 09:22

Why is it messy on a tap but not on a caddy? Caddy is just additional clutter surely? Not at all minimalist.

SirChenjins · 07/04/2023 09:30

Doublevodka · 07/04/2023 09:15

I think this is the most bonkers thread I’ve ever read. 😂

It’s certainly up there with best of MN crazy 😂

MidgeHardcastle · 07/04/2023 09:42

Look op. Just buy a sodding caddy. You know you want to. Then buy a cloth to fit. Or cut down your old one. Then remember, life is for living.

NotMeNoNo · 07/04/2023 09:46

It's real. We used to live in a very gossippy village and after renovating the house the kitchen sink was at the front by the window. Nothing, nothing would stop DH hanging the dishcloth on the lovely high rise tap in full view to all of our slovenly ways. Obvious solution: moved house.

stbrandonsboat · 07/04/2023 09:51

I use cotton cloths which I put in the washing machine and have a fresh one each day. They don't go smelly like the microfibre cloths. I fold it in half and just hang it over the tap. It looks okay.

Original poster
WannabeMarieKondo · 07/04/2023 10:20

YellowDots · 07/04/2023 08:10

No, no no, she doesn't want a damp cupboard in innard.

Or a banana tree, or smaller cloths, or to hang it over the cupboard or oven door, or a hook or to put it In the washing machine.

Show quote history

I’m going to take a look at the banana tree thing and also the smaller cloths that are better environmentally than microfibre, I didn’t know about the microfibre being bad for the environment . Plus the other cloths are smaller it seems . So I am taking on ideas !

OP posts:
Original poster
WannabeMarieKondo · 07/04/2023 10:22

I don’t have sponges, but do have one brush for the odd thing I wash in sink, so if you’re all anti caddy’s , what do you do with your brushes and sponges ?? You can’t look those in hooks or over taps .
inout the brush in the caddy , but I can’t use that for the sponge . So a caddy for both I thought would be good !

OP posts:
MinnieEgg · 07/04/2023 10:23

I have a suction cup washing up brush.

Original poster
WannabeMarieKondo · 07/04/2023 10:24

somuchtolearnabout · 07/04/2023 06:14

But as a side note, im bewildered you've responded 41 times to this thread and not a single option has been viable for you. I also enjoy a minimalist house (or as minimalist as possible with 2 toddlers) but this is getting silly

I have said I’m thinking of getting the banana bungee and I’ve been positive about the small cloths suggested .

OP posts:
Original poster
WannabeMarieKondo · 07/04/2023 10:26

MinnieEgg · 07/04/2023 08:06

I wouldn't like the look of a used cloth hanging on a caddy and I don't see what that's better than a banana tree, or leaving it next to the sink or hanging it on a hook.

You need smaller cloths. That is the solution here as you clearly will only be happy if your cloth in on a bar on a caddy.

Like most people are saying, I use a cloth, put it next to the sink or straight in the washing machine. I've never had a caddy and I never will.

So what do you do with sponges and brushes ?

OP posts: