Adishcloth ordishrag,[1] also known astea towel,tea cloth (British English) ordishtowel (American English),[2] is used in thekitchen to clean or drydishes and surfaces. Dishcloths are typically made ofcotton or other fibres, such asmicrofiber.
Dishcloths are often left damp and provide a breeding ground forbacteria. Since the kitchen sink is used to clean food, dishcloths are routinely infected withE. coli andsalmonella. In 2007, a study from theJournal of Environmental Health found that putting a damp dishcloth (or sponge) in themicrowave for 2 minutes killed 99% of living pathogens.[3] However, fire departments have subsequently warned people not to do this as it can be a fire hazard, especially if the dishcloth orsponge is not sufficiently wet. Several small fires have been started as a result of people following the advice from the study.[citation needed]