I regularly replenish my stock of dish cloths as, although I was them regularly, I can't abide the thought of them harbouring germs. They also become very tatty even after a few washes so they don't last well anyway. Therefore, I prefer to get them for as cheap as possible as I repurchase them so frequently. Most recently, I picked up a packet of 5 Everyday Value Dishcloths from Tesco for 75p.

The cloths were, indeed, basic. I could tell that just by looking through the plastic film in which they were sealed. They are the thinner sort of dishcloths that are 'doubled up' and made of a thin mesh like cotton. I personally prefer the slightly thicker cloths that are just one layer and more 'knitted' in appearance (that's the best I can describe them, sorry it's not the best description!!). However, for 75p I was more than willing to give these a try.

The cloths were a decent size and pretty square in shape - I would say the average size of a dishcloth. They were absorbent when used to wipe up spillages and held together well when wet and pressure applied. I wash my dishcloths after a days use (I find they start to look grubby and any stale water they hold can start to smell, plus I am a little paranoid about the bacteria they must contain) and usually use a hot wash (60 degrees) but at the minimum 40 degrees. After washing, I found that the dishcloths had changed shape somewhat - they were noticeably smaller and the two layers no longer matched neatly to give a square shape. Nevertheless, they were still perfectly usable.

I would say that a pack of these probably lasted me 2-3 weeks. They washed well initially but after a few washes they did start to look like they had seen better days. I find more robust cloths can last me longer than this without any necessary need to change them (other than my own preference). I would rather spend a few extra pennies on a better quality packet of cloths that will maintain their shape better and last a little longer.