Why Use Knitted Dishcloths – More Benefits than Reducing Disposables
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Why use knitted dishcloths when you can just buy dishcloths? Or the frugal method: cut up old rags? In this article, I share the benefits of knitted dishcloths.
I didn’t get it.
Why on earth would you knit dishcloths?
Sure, reusable dishcloths are better than using disposable ones.
But why not just cut up old towels or other rags.
After all, you’re just washing dishes with the things. Why go to all the effort of knitting a dishcloth?
It turns out that knitted dishcloths have several benefits over conventional dishcloths.
1. Knitted dishcloths are great for learning to knit
Recently I discovered the continental way of knitting.
As a lefty, I find knitting a bit awkward. My nanna taught me when I was around 9 years old and although she was also a lefty, many years of abuse in school meant she did everything with her right hand and that’s how I learned to do things too.
With the continental (European) knitting method, you hold the yarn in your left hand, rather than your right. I thought (I hoped) it would be less awkward than the Brittish way.
It definitely is. But…it took some practice to relearn and retrain the muscle memory.
And so I went from a competent knitter to beginner again. And dishcloths were the perfect way to practice.
Holes? Dropped stitches? Wonky tension? Doesn’t matter. They are just for cleaning.
2. The knitted texture helps clean dirty dishes
The texture of the knit helps with cleaning.
It’s not going to scrub off burnt-on food, but it’s just textured enough to make cleaning dishes easier.
I also use these cloths for cleaning as well and the texture helps with getting weetbix and oatmeal off the table – and you know how that stuff can stick!
3. Knitted dishcloths are more hygienic
Having a bunch of knitted cloths means you can use a new one each day – without the waste!
To clean them, just throw them into the washing machine when your next wash.
If you’re not washing them immediately, rinse in cold water and hang to dry so they don’t go funky while they’re waiting to be washed.
Alternatively, you can put them in a bucket of cold water with nappy soaker or oxy-bleach to sanitize prior to washing.
4. Knitted cloths are better for the environment
Obviously, by reusing dishcloths rather than buying disposables, you’re reducing the amount of household waste.
But there’s another reason knitted dishcloths are better.
Microfibre cloths, which are popular for cleaning, are made from plastic. And as we know, microfibres entering the ocean is becoming a big problem.
Knitted dishcloths, when made from cotton (ideal), bamboo yarn, wool or a blend, don’t contain microfibres and aren’t shedding them into the waterways when they get washed.
And, if you are using natural fibres (organic is best), you can add the dishcloth to the compost pile at the end of their life, which gives back to the soil.
Looking for more information on knitted dishcloths? Check out the following posts:
Knitted Dishcloths - How to Make Them
How to make knitted dishcloths and how to use them.
Find a variety of knitted and crocheted dishcloth patterns.
I love knitted dishcloths, I need to make more. Sugar n Cream is a really tough worsted weight yarn which is great for dishcloths. Are you on Ravelry?! http://www.ravelry.com look me up if you join my ID is EclecticRose.
Ha! I’m not sure I’m in the Raverly league! I’m a very beginner, pick it up occassionally knitter. Half the problem is QLD weather! Not knitting weather – not that I’m complaining.
I love knitting l the grandkids are too grown up to wear hand knitted clothes. So. what do you knit. I now knit for charity. It’s great. And I also love knitting dish cloths and face washers. . It’s true. Far better than the throw away type that we’ve wasted so much money on over the years
Hi Wendy, it’s wonderful you knit for charity. Win all round. ????
hi there
just discovered your site . looks good however I am sooooooo basic with knitting..can only cast on, off and knit plain ..thats it..
can I still make discloths with the plain stitch or do I have to do all the fancy stuff….
I am going to try to learn how to crochet but mum and mother in law are left handed. Will look on the internet for you tube vids.
thanks
Hi Alison,
You certainly can make dishcloths in plain stitch! I do a lot of plain stitch, so meditative…
My grandmother and myself are lefthanded, but my grandmother learned to crochet right handed and taught me the same – I understand it’s easier to just learn right handed, but as that’s all I know, I’m not sure if that’s true. Anyway, if your mum crochets right handed (holds the hook in her right hand) she may still be able to teach you.
Actually, I just came across this website five minutes after replying that has a crochet ‘school’ (free).
http://www.craftyminx.com/crochet-school/
First time I used a knitted dishcloth I couldn’t believe how efficient at cleaning they are! I was like “what’s this magic ?!?” 😂 They are truly great. I make dishcloths to try new stitches and techniques but also just to practice my skills, I’m knitting in plain garter at the moment. The only downside, and that might just in my household, they rarely last more than a year… the boys tend to get holes in them and they start unravelling.. I think they are not mindful while doing the dishes and they get knifes and other sharp edges through them.. anyway that’s another battle on top of the dirty balled up cloth left in the sink.. fortunately, after a good wash and dry time in full sun they always come back clean!
Hi, thanks for your comment. I don’t know how to win the balled-up cloth in the sink issue either 😁