What Type of Cloth Is the Best for Washing Chinaware?

Netted Dishcloths

• Netted dishcloths are good for scrubbing dried food particles from chinaware. The open, looped nature of a netted dishcloth allows it to become wet quickly, ready for service. Use care when scrubbing gold or silver trim with a netted dishcloth.

Microfiber Cloth

• Made from a blend that is typically 80 percent polyester (scrubs and cleans) and 20 percent polyamide (absorbs and quickly dries,) microfiber dishcloths are ideal for cleaning chinaware. The thin and lightweight nature of microfiber makes it easy to handle when wet, and the small, textured fabric loops are gentle on china.

Cotton Washcloths

• Washcloths made from 100 percent cotton are very absorbent, creating a heavier washcloth when wet. A heavy, wet washcloth does a good job of cleaning dishes. Washcloths made from 100 percent cotton specifically designed for use in the kitchen are smaller than washcloths used in the bathroom, making them easier to handle in warm, soapy water.

Cotton-blend Washcloths

• Cotton-blend washcloths, generally made with 86 percent cotton and 14 percent polyester, are more lightweight when wet than 100 percent cotton washcloths. Therefore, cotton-blend washcloths may be easier to handle when wet but may not tackle food particles as well.