Having an organized kitchen can make cooking and cleaning tasks easier and more enjoyable. One simple way to keep your kitchen neat is by properly folding and storing your dish towels.
Kitchen towels get used frequently for everything from drying dishes to wiping up spills. Because they get so much use, it’s helpful to have a good system for storing them in an accessible yet orderly fashion.
Folding your towels in a particular way can:
The key is choosing a folding technique that works for the size and shape of your towels as well as your available storage space.
Marie Kondo’s Standing Towel Fold
One of the most popular methods for folding kitchen towels was introduced by Marie Kondo, the organizational guru. Her technique results in towels that can stand upright, making them easy to grab and put away.
Here are the steps for the Marie Kondo standing towel fold:
The key to this fold is making sure the towels can stand independently. If yours won’t stand, re-fold it more tightly following the steps.
When stored upright, these compact folded towels make it easy to see all your options at a glance in the drawer. You can quickly grab one without disrupting the rest.
The File Fold For Shallow Drawers
If your kitchen drawers are quite shallow, the Marie Kondo fold may not work as well. In this case, try the simple file fold instead:
This flat fold allows you to neatly stack towels in a shallow space. Place them in the drawer vertically, with the triple folded edge facing up.
You can easily see and access any towel without messing up the pile. If the drawer opens from the side, you may want to alternate the folds facing opposite directions.
Quick Tri-Fold For Countertop Baskets
For a fast fold that works well in countertop baskets or bins, use this simple tri-fold method:
The tri-fold creates a neat, compact rectangle that stands up nicely in a basket or container on your kitchen counter. This makes fresh towels very accessible for everyday use.
You can easily see all your towel colors and patterns at a glance. Just grab one from the top when needed, then re-fold it and place it back in the basket.
Key Takeaway: Choose a folding technique based on your available storage space – upright for deep drawers, file folds for shallow drawers, or tri-folds for countertop baskets.
The Rolled Towel Method
Another simple but effective way to store kitchen towels is to roll them up. This works especially well for dish towels and hand towels.
Here’s how:
Rolling keeps towels compact while preventing wrinkles and bunching. The cylindrical shape makes them super easy to grab and put away.
You can stand the rolls upright or lay them sideways, depending on your storage container. If laying sideways, it may help to alternate the direction the ends are facing.
For countertop storage, roll up a few fresh towels and place them in a small basket or bowl. This gives a neat yet rustic look while keeping clean towels handy.
Storing Kitchen Towels Properly
Along with folding your towels neatly, it’s important to store them in a designated place away from moisture and grime. Some smart storage solutions include:
Choose sealed containers if storing in damp areas to prevent musty odors. Line any bins with a clean cloth for added freshness.
It’s also a good idea to use separate storage spots for clean and used towels. That way you won’t mix up soiled rags with your fresh linens.
For easy access, keep a small container for used towels near the sink or stove. Empty it regularly into the laundry hamper.
Maintaining Neatly Folded Towels
Of course, no matter how perfectly you fold and store your towels, they’ll eventually get mussed up again with daily use. Establish a simple routine to keep them looking tidy:
Doing a quick tidy of your kitchen towels each day only takes a minute but goes a long way towards keeping this high-traffic area looking neat.
You may also want to use decorative baskets or containers to conceal towel storage. This gives a polished look while hiding any minor towel disarray.
Key Takeaway: Along with folding neatly, designate specific storage bins for clean and used towels, and routinely re-fold and tidy them up.
FAQs
How often should you replace kitchen towels?
Aim to switch out kitchen towels at least once a day, more often if heavily soiled. Used towels are breeding grounds for bacteria.
Can you fold kitchen towels with the KonMari method?
Yes, the standing towel fold is the organizing technique introduced by Marie Kondo in her KonMari decluttering method.
What’s the best way to store dish towels?
The best storage keeps dish towels visible yet contained. Some good options are shallow drawers, countertop baskets, or shelves with towel bars.
Do you have to iron kitchen towels after washing?
No, it’s not necessary to iron dish towels. The folding or rolling process will remove most wrinkles. Just take care when removing them from the dryer.
Should you store damp kitchen towels?
No, never store damp or wet kitchen towels as they can quickly grow mildew and bacteria. Always ensure towels are completely dry before folding and storing.
Conclusion
Taking a few minutes to neatly fold and organize your kitchen towels makes a surprising difference in how clean and put-together your kitchen looks and feels. Once you get the hang of one or two folding techniques, keeping your towel situation tidy is a breeze.
Try out the standing, file, tri-fold, or rolled methods depending on your storage needs. Combining smart folding with designated “clean” and “used” towel bins will make your kitchen linens easier to access and maintain.
