Cheesecloth is a loosewoven gauze-like cotton cloth used primarily in cheese making and cooking.
Cheesecloth is available in at least seven different grades, from open to extra-fine weave. Grades are distinguished by the number of threads per inch in each direction.
| Grade | Vertical × horizontal threads per inch |
|---|---|
| #10 | 20 × 12 |
| #40 | 24 × 20 |
| #50 | 28 × 24 |
| #60 | 32 × 28 |
| #90 | 44 × 36 |
The primary use of cheesecloth is in cheesemaking, where it is used to remove whey from cheese curds. Cheesecloth is also used in straining stocks and custards, bundling herbs, making tofu, and thickening yogurt.
Cheesecloth was used as a material for making shirts during the 1960s and 1970s.[1]
Cheesecloth can also be used for several printmaking processes including lithography for wiping up gum arabic. In intaglio a heavily starched cheesecloth called tarlatan is used for wiping away excess ink from the printing surface.[2]
Cheesecloth has been used to create the illusion of "ectoplasm" during spirit channelings or other ghost related phenomena.[3]
Cheesecloth #60 is used in regulatory testing for potential fire hazards. Cheesecloth is wrapped tightly over the device under test, which is then subjected to simulated conditions such as lightning surges conducted through power or telecom cables, power faults, etc. The device may be destroyed but must not ignite the cheesecloth.[4]
Cheesecloth made to United States Federal Standard CCC-C-440 is used to test the durability of optical coatings per United States Military Standard MIL-C-48497. The optics are exposed to a 95%-100% humidity environment at 120°F for 24 hours, and then a 1/4" thick by 3/8" wide pad of cheese cloth is rubbed over the optical surface for at least 50 strokes under at least 1 pound of force. The optical surface is examined for streaks or scratches, and then its optical performance is measured to ensure that no deterioration occurred.[5]
Cheesecloth may also be wrapped around young trees in order to protect them from cicadas.