my favourite dish cloths/tea towels from small batch productions 

An obvious sequel but sometimes predictability is a good thing.

There are two ways I can tell the story of drying the dishes.

Number one: a tea towel. You may think that’s a sufficient answer but, no. Because a quality tea towel should never be underestimated. It doesn’t merely dry dishes; it’s slung over the shoulder in a passionate cooking session, it hangs on a handle or a hook waiting to dry hands and it cradles the just-out-of-the-oven casserole dish or baking tray. It’s one of the most useful items in the kitchen.

Number two: linen.

I could end the post right there but that might come across as a little contrived. I’m not ashamed of my love affair with linen. It’s beautiful to look at, a pleasure to touch, it softens with use and it’s quick to dry. It’s the latter point that really makes a difference for me. I want one tea-towel in the kitchen – no more – and I need it to be useful.

Linen is an eco-friendly product (the cultivation of flax/linen requires little if any pesticides), it absorbs well and dries quickly. However, it’s absorption qualities also means it sucks in oils and odours so you do need to wash it regularly. A short soak in warm water with some baking soda and a drop or two of lemon oil works well as does a regular wash in the washing machine. If you have the opportunity to hang them on the line and dry them in the sun do so.

After using linen in the kitchen I’m considering introducing it into the bathroom, too.

Fancy some new linen in the kitchen? I love this citrus hue, a rainbow or muted collection and a classic stripe.

What are your requirements for a good tea towel?