Seven Surprising Ways to Use Shirayuki Kitchen Towels Every Day

I use Shirayuki Kitchen Cloths around the house a lot. I mean a lot—every single day. They’re not just for drying dishes or wiping countertops; they’re one of the most versatile tools in my home. Today, I want to share some of my favorite ways to use this amazing cloth.

1. In the Shower
Shirayuki Cloths soften beautifully over time, making them perfect for washing your face and body. The more you use them, the gentler they feel against your skin. In Japan, these cloths are often given as gifts for newborns because they’re ideal for delicate skin, making bath time a soothing experience for both babies and adults.

2. Removing Makeup
Shirayuki Cloths are excellent for removing makeup. The eight layers of mesh cloth work together to gently lift makeup off your skin. Just wet the cloth, and with a gentle circular motion, wipe away your makeup—even stubborn eye makeup comes off effortlessly.

3. Cleaning Cast Iron Skillets    
Here’s a trick I stumbled upon by accident: the Shirayuki Cloth is fantastic for cleaning greasy cast iron cookware. I was struggling with my skillet’s greasiness when I decided to try scrubbing it with a Shirayuki Cloth instead of soap. The results were astonishing—the excess grease slid right off with warm water, preserving the pan’s seasoning.

Now, whenever I clean cast iron cookware, I start by removing any food residue with a Tawashi (Shuro Palm Scrubber), then gently scrub the pan with a Shirayuki Cloth under warm water. After cleaning, I dry the skillet with—you guessed it—a dry Shirayuki Kitchen Cloth. If you have cast iron cookware, I highly recommend trying this method!

4. As a Substitute for Oven Mitts    Every day, I cook rice in a Staub pot with a metal knob that gets extremely hot. To avoid burns, I fold a Shirayuki Cloth over a few times to create a thick layer and use it to grab the lid. It’s an easy and effective way to protect your hands from heat.

5. As a Pot Mat    
In a pinch, a folded Shirayuki Cloth works great as a pot mat. Just place it under a hot pot to protect your table from scorch marks. (While you’re at it, you might want to check out our Niigata Straw Pot Mat too!)

6. Cleaning Around the House
When I first open a new Shirayuki Cloth (always a moment of joy!), I usually start by using it as a dishcloth. After a while, I repurpose it as a kitchen cloth for wiping down counters and tables.

Once the cloth is well-worn, I use it for general cleaning tasks. Shirayuki Cloths are incredibly durable, so they last a long time, even with heavy use.

7. Living with Less Waste    Isn’t it great to reduce waste? Shirayuki Cloths are a fantastic alternative to disposable paper towels and other less sustainable options. They’re perfect for cleaning windows, mirrors, handrails, doorknobs, tiles, bathrooms, and even wiping your dog’s paws. Despite repeated washings, the cloths don’t fluff up or lose their effectiveness.

To clean your Shirayuki Cloth, a quick wash usually does the trick. If necessary, you can use chlorine or oxygen-based bleach to remove tough stains without worrying about color fading.

For a deep clean, I like to boil the cloths. Simply fill a pot with water, bring it to a boil, add the cloth, and let it boil for about 15 minutes. This kills any bacteria that might be lurking. Afterward, use tongs to remove the cloths and hang them to dry.

I hope these tips inspire you to try new uses for your Japanese Style Kitchen Towels. If you haven’t tried them yet, now’s the perfect time! Shop our collection of Japanese Style Kitchen Towels here and discover the perfect addition to your home.

What’s your favorite way to use Shirayuki Cloths? Share your tips in the comments below!