Kitchen towels pose hygiene risks due to bacteria buildup

Microbiologists are warning that kitchen towels can become significant sources of bacteria, viruses, and fungi if not managed properly. Because these cloths are frequently used to wipe surfaces, clean up food residue, and dry hands, they often harbor pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter.

Brian Hedlund, a microbiologist at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, notes that food particles left on a towel provide nutrients for microbes, especially when the cloth remains damp for extended periods. While a towel used exclusively for drying clean hands may not require daily replacement, the common practice of using a single cloth for multiple tasks increases contamination risks.

To maintain hygiene, experts recommend washing kitchen towels separately from other laundry using hot water, detergent, and bleach, followed by drying them at high temperatures to effectively kill microorganisms.