The utility rag

At my office there is a small kitchen with a fridge, microwave and sink where we store our lunches or heat up water for coffee or tea. There is also a small washcloth/rag/towel thing hanging over the sink on a rack where paper towels would go. It has been hanging there for many months and is slowly changing colors. I recently realized that no one is quite sure what this fabric's purpose is. This was evidenced by the following series of events involving a use of the cloth:

1. dries off a clean plate
2. cleans up a small food spill
3. dries hands after washing in sink
4. wipes mouth dry after someone brushes their teeth
5. nose blow

Let's hear it for the utility player!