Housekeeping · Kitchen cloth care

Handle dishcloths and kitchen towels to limit cross-contamination

Keep cloths used on raw-food spills separate from hand and dish towels; launder and dry washable cloths.

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Using one cloth across multiple surfaces can transfer contamination, especially after raw meat, poultry or seafood preparation. FoodSafety.gov recommends cleaning utensils and surfaces with hot soapy water and laundering dishcloths frequently on the hot cycle where care labels allow.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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Assign separate towels for hands and cloths for kitchen work surfaces.
Do not reuse a cloth used on raw meat, poultry or seafood juices for other food-contact areas; use dedicated tools.
Wash contaminated counters, boards and utensils thoroughly with hot soapy water and rinse safely.
Launder washable dishcloths frequently on a hot cycle if permitted by the care label.
Dry cloths completely and avoid leaving damp used cloths sealed in containers.
Replace frayed or persistently soiled cloths, and wash contaminated hands with soap and water.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

Further reading

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