We use the JL terry ones too. Best tea towels ever.” (Reviewed by Mumsnet user AwkwardSquad) Our verdict However, thanks to tea towels being so absorbent, they are also the perfect home for bacteria, mildew and even mould, so it’s always a good idea to wash them every few days. If you get to the point where your tea towels don’t smell too fresh even after a hot wash, then it’s time to say goodbye and invest in some new ones. Look to replace your tea towels every two years. What are the most absorbent tea towels?

I got bright waffle tea towels from John Lewis within the last 12 months. I chose mustard, there were other colours.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Iannistunut) Our verdict Made from a cotton and linen mix, these durable tea towels are often seen in bars and restaurants, and whilst you shouldn’t expect them to be as fluffy and soft as some other tea towels, they’re a great option for successfully drying and polishing your glassware at the same time.

2. Best budget tea towels: IKEA HILDEGUN Tea Towel

For an unbiased view, you can’t beat the recommendations of thousands of happy consumers and, when it comes to tea towels, they all agree that the best material for tea towels is microfibre. IKEA are the best. There is a lovely one, cream with red stripes on there.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Xiaoxiong) Lamont Poli Dri. Last for years. Expensive but worth it.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user hairymuffet) If you’re bored of always seeing streaks on your glassware and find yourself repeatedly needing to polish your wine glass before you top it up, Linen Union Glass Cloths could be the perfect solution. When it comes to household products, our Mumsnet community have tried a huge range of products - the good, the bad and the ugly. We first sought out the trusted opinions of the Mumsnet users, many of whom have a favourite type of tea towel that they rate, recommend and use in their own home.

Like any household item that takes a hit day in, day out, your tea towels will eventually start to show their age and need replacing. The more you look after them, the longer they will last, so wash them frequently to stop the build-up of bacteria. If you’re on a tight budget at the moment (energy prices anyone?!) or are simply trying to keep costs down, then you can’t get much cheaper than these IKEA HILDEGUN tea towels. These are brilliant. Have to wash them a few times to get their absorbency going, but that's fairly normal. I think of them as being quality ones that might be used in non-domestic kitchens.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Yearsyonder) Our verdict The answer to this largely depends on what you’re using your tea towels for and how often you’re using them. If you’re simply using your tea towels to dry just-washed dishes, then you won’t need to wash them that frequently. We gathered our users' opinions on the brands they rated as well as the fabrics and styles that they felt were the most efficient and effective when washing their dishes and glassware. Expert recommendationsIf you like your tea towels to make a statement and aren’t afraid to pay a little more for the luxury, Radical Tea Towels offers a wide range of striking tea towel designs with a political slant. From literary figures to rebels, philosophers and women’s rights campaigns, these tea towels are a great way to spark up a conversation during house parties! (Plus, for extra wow factor when entertaining, don't miss our guide to the best placemats - there's plenty of options sure to impress.)