Kitchen design
Tea Towels, Aprons and Oven Gloves: A Guide to Kitchen Textiles
Linen or cotton? How to choose tea towels that actually dry, plus aprons and oven gloves that last.
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Kitchen textiles are some of the cheapest ways to change how a kitchen looks, and some of the most used. The difference between a good tea towel and a poor one is obvious the first time you dry a glass.
Where to buy
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Tea towels: which fabric?
| Fabric | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Linen | Glasses and china | Lint-free, dries fast, gets softer with washing; absorbs less at first |
| Cotton | Everyday drying, hands | Absorbent and inexpensive; can leave lint on glass |
| Waffle or honeycomb weave | Heavy-duty drying | Very absorbent |
| Linen–cotton blend | All-round | A compromise of both |
Printed tea towels are a British institution in their own right: souvenirs, charity designs and gifts. For display rather than drying, any fabric will do.
Aprons and oven gloves
- Aprons: heavy cotton or canvas protects best; a cross-back design is kinder to your neck than a loop.
- Oven gloves: check that they are thick enough for very hot tins and long enough to protect your wrists. Never use damp gloves or cloths on hot pans: water conducts heat quickly and can burn.
Care
Wash tea towels hot and often. Skip fabric conditioner on tea towels, as it makes them less absorbent.
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Frequently asked questions
Which tea towel is best for glasses?
Linen: it is lint-free and dries fast, so glasses come up without fluff.
Why should I not use fabric conditioner on tea towels?
It coats the fibres and makes them less absorbent.
Why should I never use a damp oven glove?
Water conducts heat quickly, so a damp glove or cloth on a hot pan can burn you.