Most homeowners go online or visit a home goods store, buy the first tea towels they see, and then wonder why their glasses are streaked, why their plates are fluffy, or why are their pots and pans pans do not dry out after drying. This is a common misconception, and many people are unaware that there are a variety of options available, each offering its own unique benefits to help you get everything in your kitchen to dry after washing.

Even if you own a dishwasher, there are times when you will wash by hand and want to dry your packing items, leaving your kitchen clean and tidy. This means that, ideally, each kitchen should have four different tea towels ready, ensuring each item dries properly before storing, reducing the risk of bacteria growth, and helping to keep the family healthy.

One of the first tea towels to look for is a cotton waffle option. These are easily identifiable with their crossover design that looks like a checkered pattern. These towels provide excellent absorbency and are the perfect choice for drying pots, pans, and hands. They can soak up the water left in pots and pans with ease, allowing you to store them with complete peace of mind.

The next option is the plush options. Terry is another form of cotton that is soft to the touch. You can identify it as it is the material that is often used for bath towels and bathrobes. Plush is also highly absorbent and is the perfect choice for cleaning wet countertops. You can also use them as a hand towel in the kitchen area to wash your hands while preparing meals for the family.

A cotton-blend dishcloth that is soft to the touch and free of loose pieces is the best option when it comes to drying glasses and glass bowls. These options are lint-free, reducing the risk of lint on your lenses or unwanted scratches. A little trick if you find that your glasses have stripes. Put some boiling water in a bowl and hold the glass upside down just above the bowl, allowing the inside of the glass to moisten. Once you have enough steam, use your cotton blend drying cloth to clean the inside of the tumbler for a shiny finish.

Flat-weave tea towels are ideal for drying cutlery and crockery. These options are also lint-free, but offer good absorbency to remove excess water from dishes. These can dry your plates, side plates and bowls quickly so you can put them away, leaving you with a clean and tidy kitchen. Once you’re done, wipe the counters with your terry cloth and your kitchen is ready for your next meal to begin with ease.

Make sure when buying tea towels that you buy from a reputable supplier who has experience in the industry. When you have to buy four different options for your kitchen space, you want to make sure they are of the highest quality, so you don’t have to replace them in the near future. It is advisable to have a minimum of three of each type of towel, so that you can always have clean ones on hand when you need them.

Wash your dish towels regularly, which reduces the risk of spreading bacteria. The kitchen is one of the most dangerous areas in the kitchen, so take advantage of the high-quality cloths you buy and wash them after just one or two use. The more you wash, the healthier your family will be.