Wondering if a cloth lid is really enough to keep everything out though. My main worry would be little bugs or dust getting in during those first few active days. Seems like risking mold for just saving a few bucks on a proper lid.
Ever try those fancy airlock lids? Total waste. My cloth-covered jar sat on the counter for two weeks. Zero issues. Not a single fruit fly got in. The kraut came out perfect, super crunchy. Felt kinda dumb for buying all that extra gear before.