One of the main reasons is for drainage purposes but then also at times it’s necessary to get a smooth surface on the surface layer of cheese. Particularly if there are ridges on your drainage containers - always lay a layer of disposable cheesecloth in your vat prior to placing the cheese on the drainage bath. The cheesecloth can also be used to cover the cheese whilst draining. 

Cheesecloth is washed with your other containers, utensils etc and just hung to dry. 

There are two types of cheesecloth - disposable and linen material.

If there is excessive wastage of cheese fines during Feta cheese manufacturing then try and place cheesecloth around your container where packing or in your drainage bath so that this can be scooped up easily after and placed in a bucket as fines and sold to the catering industry.