Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil on the stove.
Add Baking Soda: Once the water is boiling, add baking soda to the pot. You can use about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda per gallon of water, depending on how many dishcloths you're cleaning and how strong you want the solution to be.
Add Dishcloths: Carefully add the dishcloths to the pot of boiling water and baking soda solution. Use tongs or a spoon to ensure they are fully submerged.
Boil: Allow the dishcloths to boil in the baking soda solution for about 10-15 minutes. Boiling helps to loosen dirt, grease, and bacteria from the fibers of the cloths.
Remove and Rinse: After boiling, turn off the heat and carefully remove the dishcloths from the pot using tongs or a spoon. Rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining baking soda residue and loosened debris.
Machine Wash (Optional): If desired, you can then wash the dishcloths in the washing machine with laundry detergent to further clean and freshen them. Use the hottest water setting recommended for the fabric.
Dry: After washing, air dry the dishcloths by hanging them on a clothesline or drying rack, or tumble dry them in the dryer on a high heat setting. Make sure the dishcloths are completely dry before using them again.