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cheesecloth on the drying rack
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How to Clean Cheesecloth

As a new cheesemaker, cheesecloth has become a staple in my kitchen linens. The first time my cheese recipe failed, the curds melded into the fibers of my cheesecloth and left me frustrated. Thankfully, you don’t have to throw it away, cheesecloth washes and reuses easily Learning how to clean cheesecloth properly can save money, reduce waste, and extend the life of this useful kitchen tool.
Total Time25 minutes

Equipment

  • pot of water
  • soiled cheesecloth
  • metal tongs or wooden spoon (optional)

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp baking soda
  • splash white vinegar

Instructions

  • Rinse loose food particles immediately after use.
  • Using a large pot, fill it about 1/3 full of water. It needs to be deep enough for the cheesecloth to be submerged, but allow plenty of space for boiling.
  • Add a tablespoon or so of baking soda.
  • Bring the pot of water to a boil.
  • Boil the cheesecloth for 5 to 10 minutes. 
  • Use a pair of tongs to "agitate" the cheesecloth as it boils.
  • If the cheesecloth is stained, soak the cheesecloth in a baking soda and vinegar solution for at least 30 minutes.
  • Repeat steps as needed.
  • To sanitize the cheesecloth, boil the cheesecloth in clean water for 10 minutes. 
  • Hang to dry.
  • Cheesecloth is machine washable and can be dried in the dryer. However, to ensure all food particles are removed from my cheesecloth, I always follow these handwashing steps prior to tossing it in the washing machine.