Paper Towels or Kitchen Cloths? Experts Reveal the Healthier Choice for Every Home

Paper towels are recommended for high-risk tasks like cleaning up raw meat juices to prevent cross-contamination.

Wet kitchen cloths can harbor bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella for hours if used to wipe raw meat liquids.

Kitchen cloths should be washed in hot, soapy water every day or two and dried completely, preferably in the sun.

Heating a damp kitchen cloth in a microwave for 1 to 2 minutes can kill most germs.

Kitchen cloths should not be washed with daily wear or undergarments to avoid transferring bacteria.