The Use of Linen Dish Cloths And Their Care
I like to think housewives of the past embroidered their dish towels with weekly activities as a way of reminding them what household tasks were to be done that day. Has a sort of romantic old fashioned appeal don’t you think?
Truly I’m not sure for the reasoning for the specific homemaking duties embroidered on dish towels but it was popular not that long ago as there are many stories going around of remembering one’s mother or grandmother’s vintage set. It has also seen a resurgence but not for ready made ones. If the idea appeals to you you will find for making your own set.
Here are some vintage tips for caring for your dish cloths.
“For dish towels there is nothing better than the glass towelling of linen, barred with blue or red. It wears well, and leaves no lint on the dishes, and is quite as economical as the best quality of crash.
Dish towels are too often made of coarse harsh linen which when new will not wipe the dishes dry, and after it has become old, it is apt to retain a greasy smell.
Do not use towels that are part cotton, for they will not do the work well.
After every dish-washing the dish cloth and towels should be thoroughly washed and placed
where they will dry quickly. A rod attached to the stove is used for the purpose. As often as the weather permits they should be dried out doors.
In every household it ought to be a rule that the towels and dish cloths be put into the wash once a week, and a fresh supply used. “
~From Attic to Cellar; or Housekeeping Made Easy
More on Vintage Dish Towels
Free knitting pattern for making letter Days of the week Dish Towels
Vintage European Linens at Touch of Europe
