10 Ways to Use Muslin Cloth Around the Home

March 31, 2026 Biome

First published September 2022. Updated in March 2026.

Have you ever wanted one multi-purpose item that can take the place of several everyday household items — without contributing to landfill at the end of its life?

Did you think that one product can take the place of cosmetic wipes, sieves, food preparation and more? Muslin cloth is a simple, time-tested option. Soft, breathable and reusable.

This natural cotton cloth has been used for generations, and its versatility is what continues to make it a staple in many homes — especially when building a more considered, low-tox routine.

What is muslin cloth used for?

Muslin cloth is used in a wide range of everyday ways, including:

Baby care (swaddling, feeding, clean-up)
Cooking (straining, nut milks, cheese making)
Covering and preparing food (yoghurt, dough, grains)
Skincare (cleansing and gentle exfoliation)
Cleaning and dusting

Its lightweight, breathable weave makes it particularly suited to gentle, low-tox use around the home.

What is muslin?

Muslin is a plain-weave cotton cloth known for its soft, lightweight texture. The word muslin derives from the French mousse, because of its soft, foamy feel.

Different types of muslin vary in thickness and weave. Some are very fine and delicate, while others are slightly coarser, similar to calico. Most are known for being breathable and quick-drying.

Muslin originated in the Indian subcontinent, where its open weave made it well suited to warm, humid climates. Like lots of new, ground-breaking things, it was introduced to Europe in the 1600's by the English and Dutch East India Companies. In the eighteenth century, muslin was used for petticoats, aprons and kerchiefs and became popular for children's clothing. The popularity of muslin has endured due to its versatility.

Cheesecloth is another name often used for muslin, particularly in cooking.

10 ways to use muslin cloth around the home

Muslin is a versatile, multi-purpose cloth used in everything from dressmaking and furniture polishing to theatre sets and even medicine. Often made from natural cotton, it can be used throughout the home without introducing unnecessary chemicals. Just as importantly, muslin is reusable, making it a simple way to reduce everyday waste.

Here are some practical ways to use this soft, durable cloth around the home:

1. Using muslin cloth for baby care

Because it is soft, breathable and natural, organic muslin wraps are a gentle option for baby’s sensitive skin. Large muslin squares can be used for swaddling, particularly in warmer weather like Australia.

Muslin can also be used as a light cover when breastfeeding, for wiping spills, as a pram shade cover, or as a layer on a change table. Muslin can also be used as a gentle washcloth during bath time, or placed over baby’s tummy to help keep them warm in the water. It’s easy to wash and reuse throughout the day.

Muslin is often one of the most used items in a baby routine, thanks to its simplicity and versatility. You can explore more gentle, low-tox options in our baby essentials guide.

2. Using muslin cloth in cooking

Muslin cloth is handy for many uses in cooking, such as sieving jam, nut milks, and making butter and cheese. The open weave allows liquid to pass through while holding back solids. It can also be used to strain yoghurt when making labneh or thicker-style yoghurt at home, and to cover bowls when resting dough or soaking grains.

Homemade jam is the best. The yummy, fruity texture and natural sugar taste is unbeatable. It is so noticeably different from the store-bought variety and not as difficult to make as you might think. Use the muslin cloth to strain the mixture and remove large lumps of seeds.

The muslin cloths for cooking available at Biome include:

Mad Millie Butter Muslin Cloth 90 cm x 90cm
Green Living Muslin Cotton Cloth Loose Weave 90cm x 90cm
Green Living Cheese Cloth Tight Weave 90cm x 90cm

3. Using muslin cloth for cheese making

Muslin is ideal for separating curds from whey when making cheese. It is reusable and easy to clean, making it a practical option for home use. Some cheesecloths are less soft or durable and may need to be discarded after use, whereas muslin can be washed and reused many times.

The Mad Millie butter muslin cloth is designed for this purpose and offers a generous 90cm x 90cm size, making it suitable for larger batches.

4. Bouquet garni and herb infusions

Tie up a square of muslin fabric, or use a ready-made bouquet garni herb bag, to infuse your cooking with herbs and spices without leaving stems or fragments in your dish.

A simple blend might include sage, peppercorns, parsley, thyme, bay leaves and rosemary. Place the herbs into the muslin cloth, tie the top with string, and add to soups, casseroles or stews to gently release flavour. Delicious!

This method works particularly well for larger herbs like bay leaves, cinnamon quills and lemongrass.

Find muslin herb bags here >

5. Squeezing citrus

How does a muslin cloth take the place of a squeezer? You simply cover the citrus wedge with the cloth and squeeze! This method naturally catches the pips and strains the liquid. No need to buy a plastic citrus squeezer that ends up in landfill at the end of its life! Green Living's muslin cloth is a wonderful option. Find that one here >

6. Using muslin cloth for skincare

Muslin can be used as a gentle face cloth for cleansing. It provides light exfoliation while remaining soft on the skin. A muslin washcloth is also a good alternative for removing makeup and supporting a simple, low-tox skincare routine. Compared to more abrasive exfoliators, muslin offers a softer approach.

Choosing reusable cloths is one way to simplify a skincare routine while reducing waste and unnecessary ingredients.

The Black Chicken Muslin Face Cloth is a popular option.

7. Using muslin cloth for cleaning and dusting

Muslin is lint-free, making it useful for dusting surfaces, polishing furniture and cleaning glass without leaving residue. It can also be used to apply and buff natural oils on timber furniture, leaving a smooth, even finish.

It can be washed and reused, reducing the need for disposable cleaning cloths. This kind of simple swap is a great starting point when moving towards plastic-free and low-tox cleaning at home.

8. Room freshener or natural pest control

Take a muslin cloth and fill with pot-pourri, sprinkle on some pest repelling essential oils, then tie at the top. This can be hung in bedrooms and wardrobes or can sit in drawers to nicely scent and freshen the air.

You could also soak a cotton ball or two in peppermint oil and put into a muslin cloth to repel creepy crawlies. Great for keeping moths out of wardrobes.

9. Reusable gift wrap

Save on paper and make your gift wrapping reusable with an organic muslin baby wrap. Tie with chunky twine or a pretty ribbon for a simple, thoughtful finish — and can be reused long after the gift is opened! Make your gift stand out from the crowd!

10. Polishing shoes

Muslin is very good for shining shoes as it doesn't leave any residue and can be reused. Used regularly it keeps shoes shiny without the need for harsh chemicals.

As you can see, muslin is a versatile material to keep around the house. So nifty, it can be used across baby care, cooking and cleaning, washed and reused, and will biodegrade at the end of its life — helping to reduce waste and chemicals and simplify everyday routines.

Small swaps like this can make it easier to build a more considered home.

Frequently asked questions

What is muslin cloth used for?
Muslin cloth is used for baby care, cooking, skincare, cleaning and general household tasks due to its soft, breathable and reusable nature.

Is muslin the same as cheesecloth?
Muslin and cheesecloth are very similar. Cheesecloth is typically a type of muslin used for cooking and straining.

Is muslin cloth good for skin?
Muslin can be used as a gentle cleansing cloth and provides light exfoliation without being harsh.

Can muslin cloth be reused?
Yes. Muslin is designed to be washed and reused many times, making it a practical alternative to disposable cloths.