I've only done the kind where you pleat a tea towel, but for $2, why not have the dedicated one. I would wash it before using it the first time. Thereafter only if it starts to smell or otherwise get ick. Let it get really hard dry before trying to use it so you don't get mud. It'll work like a pastry cloth, which I used before silpats. You want to infuse it with flour, which makes it non-stick, but it'll take a couple of uses before it gets really good. If you get stuck on bits of dough, let them dry out and scrape off with a plastic bench scraper or spatula (metal can cut the cloth fibers). Between uses, store the cloth in a zip bag or container to keep the flour contained.

The point of the rods is to hold up the pleats. Just drape the fabric over, so you have cradles for your baguettes.

To begin with, flour the cloth well and make sure your dough is tight, with a smooth rather than shaggy or sticky, surface, and flour it extra-liberally. You won't need as much flour on the dough once the cloth is well impregnated.

The French couch (couche) is usually made from linen. The rods may hold the outer edges from rolling up or rolling out after dough forming and for helping move the logs to the baking sheet (I use a large pizza stone instead) since the fabric is very flexible but I have thick wooden dowels on each end that work well. I've had one for many years and is invaluable for making French baguettes, but also for my braided challah so it goes higher rather than wider. I do not know why it has legs!!! Too little counter space?

Yes, it does get washed, just like your linen kitchen towels - gentle cycle, cool water, very little detergent, gentle spin, hang to dry, but not that often since I am the only one using it. If it was from a thrift store it probably was handled quite often - others trying to figure out what the heck it was, and as it was used before, who knows what they put in it? It is treated with flour and dusted for excess every time you use it. Then when its purpose is finished (to wick away any excess moisture from the bread) it is hung to dry out for the next time. Maybe the legs lets the fabric dry? Post a photo?

That made me laugh. The most usual translation of the word couche is what you call a diaper 😀😀😀

Now I would definitely wash it first. lol!

That's really nice! and a steal for $2.

I would wash it by hand before using, and each time between use.

Thanks for the pic. I was curious. Nice design. Especially being able to move it out of the way easily. And adjustable.

I'm not sure about the washing. For some reason mine is in the freezer after shaking out on the deck then left to sit in the sun on the railing. Shake again, then folded and rolled, then into a zip-lock. Freezer time. I've only used it a couple times in the last two years.

I have a big bolt of raw linen so did run mine through the wash a couple times before using to tighten the weave and remove any factory starch. Ironed.

I have a new recipe I want to try when we get flour delivered next week.

I know from baking sessions, the slightest bit of flour on surfaces can get gummy, then rock hard. I would hesitate, even the slightest bit of flour in my washer.

Worth researching.

Freezer is a good way to keep the flour in it from going icky. Agreed about hand washing once there's flour in it. But not washing is best until you have to.

Beesneeds, if the fabric looks like it might ravel, or feels like it's not strong as iron (i.e., heavy linen), you can handwash it to start. You're just getting rid of incidental dust and dirt, and any fabric treatments that may have been added in manufacture.

Pastry cloths are also linen. It's the flour that is caught in it that keeps them from sticking.

Il sûre if you make sure its dry, give it a really good shake. Use a very natural soap in your machine...... no chemicals, no softener , let dry in the sunshine. Apparently washing once a year is ok for intense use. Yours need washing as you don't know where they've been lol

OK, thanks everyone so far.

Since it isn't all that big of a bit of fabric, I'm going to go with doing a hand washing and outdoor line drying with it. I do the same with a couple of table linens this time of year.