How to Clean Pot Holders

Pot Holders: Grease and Heat Stains Are the Main Challenges

Pot holders are used constantly for handling hot cookware and accumulate grease, food splatter, and heat stains. Most fabric pot holders are machine washable, but proper pre-treatment and drying are essential. Here's how to keep them clean and safe.

What You'll Need

Laundry detergent
Grease-cutting dish soap (for pre-treatment)
Baking soda
White vinegar
Warm water

Machine Washing Fabric Pot Holders

Check the care label — most fabric pot holders are machine washable
Pre-treat grease stains: apply a drop of grease-cutting dish soap directly to the stain, work in with your fingers, let sit 10–15 minutes
Machine wash in warm water with regular laundry detergent
Use a normal or gentle cycle
Air dry completely or tumble dry on low — never high heat, which can damage the insulation

Hand Washing

Fill a basin with warm soapy water
Submerge and scrub the pot holder with a sponge
Pay attention to heavily soiled areas
Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear
Press out excess water — don't wring
Air dry completely before use

Removing Grease Stains

Grease is the most common pot holder stain. Pre-treat with dish soap as above. For set-in grease stains, apply a baking soda paste, let sit 30 minutes, then machine wash. For very stubborn grease, apply dish soap, let sit overnight, then wash.

Removing Burn Marks

Light scorch marks can be treated with a baking soda paste — apply, let sit 30 minutes, scrub gently with a soft brush, then machine wash. Deep burn marks that compromise the insulation mean it's time to replace.

Silicone Pot Holders

Silicone pot holders wash easily with warm soapy water and a sponge, or in the dishwasher on the top rack. For grease buildup, apply a baking soda paste, scrub, and rinse.

When to Replace

Insulation is thin or compressed
Fabric is worn through or has holes
Deep burn marks that go through the material
Persistent odors that don't wash out

Final Thoughts

Most pot holders are machine washable with grease pre-treatment. Complete drying before use is critical — damp insulation conducts heat and reduces burn protection. Replace when the insulation is compromised.

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