I can't decide on this one myself. On the one hand I totally see your point. It seems like a waste of time to crochet something only to get it dirty the first time it's used.

On the other hand, worsted weight cotton is machine washable so as long as you finish them off correctly, they won't unravel or anything if you throw them in the washing machine.

I have made cross stitch baby bibs and quilts before only to be told that they won't be used because they'd get dirty. So now I make sure that the recepient knows that they can be hand washed - the thread is colorfast and I wash it before I give it as a gift to remove any trace of dirt I might have gotten on it, so I know it's safe to use.
I made a quilt for my niece and nephew (took a year to do my nephews and almost two years to do my niece's) and my sister didn't intially use them. That bothered me a bit.

I realize I just rambled on here...I say, if you find a dishcloth that you like, make it and use it. You can always make another one if it wears out.

It's fun to have something pretty to use instead of just any old rag, and compared to other items a dishcloth is a breeze to make. The washing machine makes them all fresh and nice again.

Hot pads are also small, quick to make, and can go longer between washes. You may feel better about making hot pads - double the fabric to avoid owies. Or face clothes. Or mug coasters.

That's what I used to think. Then I got tired of sponges that get smelly before they're a week old, and decided to try a handmade dishcloth. Now I've made 7. They're quick, colorful, and can be thrown in the washer. I change the kitchen cloth every day and no longer have to worry so much about germs.

I understand your point, but for me, crochet is as much about the process as the finished object, so the first thing I want to say is that the work doesn't matter to me. I love crocheting, so making something that will get dirty isn't that much of an issue.

Dishcloths are cute, useful, and quick. They are a great way to improve your skills, try new stitches, etc. It's a project that's unlikely to become a UFO. They're relatively cheap to make, too. It's true that people might not use them if you give them as gifts because they don't want to get them dirty, but I always had that same problem with things I've sewn (aprons, potholders, etc.).

Also, for those of us who have loved to crochet for a long time, we suffered through many years when it was hard to find good patterns and yarn. I know that when I was desperate for something to crochet, say 10 to 15 years ago, my choices seemed to be ugly afghans with icky cheap yarn (couldn't find quality affordable yarn--unlike now), thread doilies, or dishcloths. I like to make doilies but I really have no use for them, so I loved dishcloth patterns (and potholders) and I could afford the cotton yarn--and the time--even on a graduate school budget.

I'll confess that it never occurred to me to create my own patterns then. Now there is such a flowering of crochet--so much interest, so many great books and websites like this one and Ravelry, wonderful blogs, etc. There's so much inspiration and information available now! I still get a kick out of making dishcloths in between other projects.

Thanks guys. Maybe this is something to overcome after I finish my current blanket... :-)