I have a ton of kitchen towels. I’m a bit of a germ-a-phobe when it comes to raw meat and general gross kitchen yuck.
So I have a lot of kitchen towels and dishcloths and I change them often. It is not unusual for me to go through 3-5 in a day. And then there’s my Sadie that keeps me rolling through the dishtowels.
I’m not a fan of piling them up on the kitchen counter or in the corner of the floor until it is time to take the to the laundry room.
So I use this:
This little trashcan sits underneath my kitchen sink. Whenever I deem a towel to wet/dirty/gross to continue in the mix, I put it out of the way in my laundry trashcan.
I typically empty it every other day at the very least. If I forget about it and let it sit longer than that, then I have mildew-y, smelly towels. So I try really hard to remember to not go down the Smelly Towel Road.
I love my little laundry hamper for my kitchen towels, especially on Freezer Cooking Daze! I seem to go through 10+ towels on those marathon cooking sprees.
This definitely works for me!
(I am not a Southern girl that puts on airs – well, only on the very rare occasion – so forgive me for not cleaning out under my sink before snapping this picture.)
I am pleased to link this post to WFMW over at We are THAT Family. Go visit for a ridiculous amount of good ideas.
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{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
My mom in law and I love you. We do. This is such a great idea! I just read it to her. We are looking for a trash can in the other rooms. I have actually been putting my laundry away!
.-= Jana´s last blog ..Blissdom! =-.
Twitter: momsmagic
February 24, 2010 at 11:18 am
This is just the tip I needed – and perhaps I’ll put “take the towels to the laundry” on the kids’ chore chart
BTW – I think it looks pretty neat under your sink – what does that say about mine?!?
.-= RLR´s last blog ..Sweet Thoughtfulness =-.
Twitter: MamaLaundry
February 24, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Oohh-fabulous idea to put it on the kids’ chore chart! I’ll copy your idea and do the same! Good thinking….
Well, I had to shove a few things out of the way to actually take the picture. So it appears much better than it seems!
good idea! i do something similar, but it’s not in such a handy spot.
thanks for the tip!
I do that with a bucket but I keep it on the dryer. I usually drape the cloth over the edge so it will dry out and not be stinky and moldy.
Twitter: MamaLaundry
February 24, 2010 at 7:12 pm
I should have added that I either 1) lay my towels/dishcloth on the edge of the sink to dry overnight or 2) drape them over the top to dry.
You’re right-this is best. Otherwise they mildew. Bleh.
Thanks for commenting!
Twitter: crystalinnc
February 24, 2010 at 4:20 pm
I had been using a mesh bag hanging up in my kitchen, but I am on a mission to find an open basket-type bin for this purpose. I thought maybe that would help with airflow or something. I may have to rearrange my cabinet to make space after seeing this, though.
.-= Crystal´s last blog ..3 years =-.
Twitter: MamaLaundry
February 24, 2010 at 7:13 pm
The mesh bag is a good idea too! I would love to have some type of itty-bitty trash can with holes in it. I agree that airflow would be better!
re: itty-bitty trash can with holes
Usually in the office supplies section you can find mesh trash cans that would probably work – just make sure to get one that has coated wire so it doesn’t get rusty.
Or you could always just drill your own holes in the container you’re currently using.
Just use a pencil to sketch out the spacing and a Dremel tool or something – I love mine and use it frequently!
What a great idea! I currently have a wetbag (cotton on the outside, PUL on the inside–like used for cloth diapers) that hangs on my stove handle. Its too small, though, to hold more than a day’s worth. And so then I’m left with a pile on the counter for another day or so…this idea would be perfect! And good motivation to finish cleaning out my under-the-sink black hole. LOL
Twitter: MamaLaundry
February 24, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Oooh-the wet bag is a good idea! I wouldn’t have thought of that!
The under-the-sink black hole. Such an appropriate title…
This is a really good idea! Kudos just one thing instead of using a garbage can you can get a mini hamper to make it look like it’s made for that
Twitter: MamaLaundry
December 10, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Oh I didn’t even know they made a hamper this little! I’ll have to look that up – great idea! Thanks
-Lauren
You mean I’m not the only one with the pile of dirty dishtowels on the counter???!!!
Well that’s an idea you don’t see everyday. I never thought about using a trash bin as a laundry hamper. I have the same problem, and i think i will try using one as well. Thank you for the wonderful idea.
Gloria @ White Wicker Hamper´s last [type] ..White Wicker Laundry Hampers – Offering a Convenient and Gorgeous Way to Organize Your Laundry
I’ve been looking for a tiny hamper for my kitchen towels! I’d like to use a new washrag and new towels every day and run them in the wash separately from our clothes at the end of the week. Where did you ladies find the tiny hamper?
Twitter: MamaLaundry
March 31, 2012 at 11:20 am
Cathy – I found our little “hamper” (it’s really a little bathroom trashcan) in the plastic/Sterilite/Rubbermaid section at Wal-Mart. I’ve seen them at Target too.
thanks MamaLaundry!