Yarn suggestions for dishcloths?

unwordable · 06-17-2009, 07:42 PM

I knit some dishcloths from an old ball of Sugar and Cream 100% cotton yarn, but they smelled funky after the first use, even after they went through the washing machine. Since the rest of my laundry was fine, I'm wondering why the yarn held the smell? I wonder if it was the brand or type of yarn because I used two colors from the same brand and they both had that problem.

Either way, I'd like to continue knitting dishcloths, but was wondering if anyone had better luck making kitchen fluff with a different yarn that stayed a bit, uh, fresher? (Something I could pick up at Joann's with my good ole' 40% coupon would be great!)

Thanks!

AngieLanigan · 06-18-2009, 12:48 AM

I've only ever made dishcloths out of cotton yarn. I've used the Sugar'n'Cream and Bernat Handicrafter cotton, and have never noticed a smell issue. Sorry!

Jan in CA · 06-18-2009, 01:03 AM

I always use cotton and my cotton of choice is Tahki Cotton Classic. The colors stay more vibrant and the yarn is slightly finer even though it's considered worsted weight. I do have some Sugar and Cream though and I've never had them smell. You have to use an absorbent yarn and cotton is really the best.

OffJumpsJack · 06-19-2009, 01:07 PM

Oh I hate it when I grab a "sour" dishcloth and wash up a dish or three before I get a sniff!

Did you mean it was a left over?

Smell is either from germs or mold/mildew. Was it stored where it might get moisture? Perhaps the first use picked up some yuck?

You could try steam iron after the wash (or microwave the damp cloth until it steams.) Steam will not hurt 100% cotton and will kill the germs or mildew.

We have the antibacterial liquid hand soap so I take a big squirt of that and suds up any offending dishcloth and let it sit and work before rinsing and sending it to the laundry. Sometimes they smell if they don't get to hang dry after use.

suzeeq · 06-19-2009, 02:07 PM

My mom used to bleach washclothes, but vinegar will take out mold and mildew. Just soak it in the dishpan with a bit of vinegar and water for a bit, then rinse out.

Mirl56 · 06-19-2009, 03:29 PM

I use Sugar n Cream, Peaches n Cream mostly. I use a fresh one every day, sometimes 2 per day. I wash them in with a load of towels in hot water & dry in the dryer. I've never had a smell after washing.