Why Most Cleaning Cloths Don’t Work (And What You Should Be Using Instead)

Most cleaning cloths are a bit of a joke, and you probably already know it.

The thin ones from the supermarket barely make it through one spill. They leave fluff on the bench and streaks on the glass, and after a few washes they're stiff, grey and starting to smell. They also all look the same, in the same few sad colours.

I got sick of buying them, so I made my own.

What's wrong with supermarket cloths?

They're cheap for a reason. Most of them are:

• Linty. You wipe the bench and end up with fluff and streaks where the crumbs used to be.
• Soggy. Once they're wet they get heavy and just push water around.
• Short-lived. A few washes in, they're thin, misshapen or falling apart.
• Boring. Not one bit of personality between them.

So you buy another pack, then another, and they all end up in the bin.

What makes DirtyGirl different

I spent over a year testing fabrics before I found one I was happy with. DirtyGirl cloths are made from a polyester and polyamide blend that does a few things really well.

They're absorbent and quick-drying. They soak up spills properly, then dry fast on the tap or oven handle, so they don't sit there damp and start to smell.

They pick up the mess. Grease, crumbs and grime cling to the cloth instead of getting smeared around the bench. For everyday clean-ups, water is usually all you need.

No lint, no streaks. They're great on glass, mirrors and stainless steel, which is exactly where cheap cloths let you down.

They last. Wash them cold with your normal detergent, skip the softener, and they'll keep their shape and keep working wash after wash.

They look good. We've got more than 30 prints, from florals to Aussie birds to desserts, so you can leave them out instead of hiding them under the sink.

Is it worth paying more for a cleaning cloth?

I think so. One good cloth that lasts and actually cleans beats a drawer full of cheap ones you keep replacing. You'll use fewer sprays, buy fewer packs and spend less time going over the same spot twice.

If you're ready for something better than the supermarket stuff, have a look at our cleaning cloths. For tips on getting the most out of them, our Wash, Use & Care Guide has everything you need.

Please note: the tips in this post are general information only. Every home, surface, fabric and appliance is different, so always check the manufacturer's care instructions and patch test on a small, hidden area first. Any tips are used at your own risk, and DirtyGirl can't be held responsible for any damage that may result.