The Different Cloths Used in a Professional Kitchen

In a professional kitchen, choosing the right cloths isn’t just about cleanliness; it’s about efficiency, hygiene, and even safety. Whether you’re a head chef, kitchen manager, or business owner, understanding the types of cloths used in a commercial setting can make a significant difference in your kitchen’s daily operations.

In this blog, we’ll explore the various types of cloths commonly used in professional kitchens, their specific uses, and how to select the best ones for your needs. 

Why the Right Cloth Matters

The right kitchen cloths help:

• Maintain hygiene standards, reducing cross-contamination risks.
• Enhance efficiency in food preparation and cleaning tasks.
• Prolong the life of your cookware, utensils, and surfaces.

Selecting the best restaurant linen is crucial for maintaining an efficient and hygienic kitchen environment. Let’s dive into the different types of cloths and their specific purposes.

Tea Towels: The Multi-Purpose Workhorse

Tea towels are a staple in most kitchens, known for their versatility. They’re perfect for:

• Drying dishes and glassware due to their absorbency.
• Handling hot cookware as an alternative to oven gloves (though we recommend using the latter when possible).
• Wiping hands during food preparation.

 

Pro Tip: Always wash tea towels separately in hot water to remove grease and bacteria effectively. If this becomes too time-consuming, consider using a restaurant laundry service to ensure your kitchen linen is thoroughly cleaned.

Did you know? Many professional kitchens designate specific tea towels for certain tasks to maintain hygiene standards.

Microfibre Cloths: The Quick-Drying Cleaner

Microfibre cloths are a favourite for their cleaning efficiency. They:

• Trap dust and dirt particles without the need for chemicals.
• Quickly absorb liquids, making them ideal for spills.
• Polish surfaces to a streak-free shine, perfect for countertops and glass.
• Glass Cloths: Streak-Free Perfection

These cloths are specially designed for drying and polishing glassware. Their smooth texture:

• Prevents lint from sticking to glass surfaces.
• Ensures a streak-free shine, enhancing the presentation of glassware in your restaurant.

Pro Tip: For best results, use glass cloths when slightly damp. If you find yourself frequently in need of fresh, clean glass cloths, opting for linen rental could be a convenient solution.

Oven Cloths: Heat-Resistant Protection

Oven cloths are essential in professional kitchens for safely handling hot trays, pots, and oven racks. They are:

• Made from thick, heat-resistant materials to protect hands from burns.
• Larger than regular cloths, providing a better grip on hot cookware.

Choosing the Right Cloths for Your Kitchen

When selecting cloths, consider:

Absorbency: Tea towels and microfibre cloths offer high absorbency for drying tasks.

Material: Cotton is durable and absorbent, while microfibre is excellent for streak-free cleaning.

Purpose: Use specific cloths for designated tasks to ensure hygiene standards are met. Utilising a restaurant linen supplier can take the stress out of sourcing high-quality cloths, ensuring you always have the best materials on hand.

Get in touch with the London Linen team today to learn more about how our restaurant linen rental and laundry could be the ideal solution for your restaurant.