Whether you're soaking up spilled wine or drying water off the counter near the sink, chances are your dish towels collect a fair amount of moisture over time, leaving them damp at best. If this is the case, it's important to let your kitchen towels air-dry before dumping them into the washing machine to prevent the growth and spread of mold and mildew. This step is as easy as hanging the towels on a hook or laying them flat on the counter before actually washing them.