Reusing Paper Towels and Napkins

Tip: Reusing Paper Towels

RoamingEskimo

January 13, 2011

We use paper towels in our house. I really don't like using a germy towel, so I buy recycled towels and if people only use the paper towel to dry their washed, clean hands off, we put them in a pretty little basket. I use them to Windex the TV, glass, clean out ashtrays, clean the sink area, clean up a spill, and the list can go on and on! Seems like I'm always finding a new use for them!

So I feel like am doing part, granted a small part, but I believe that if we all just make small changes, it will add up to something much larger! Small steps are easier for a lot of us to make and to stick with. By doing this little trick, I cut my purchasing of paper towels in half.

By RoamingEskimo from Vanceburg, KY

Tip: Reuse Paper Towels and Napkins

15mhhm15
Diamond Post Medal for All Time! 1,298 Posts

October 17, 2017

In our household, if you opt to use paper towels/napkins to dry your hands after washing then the paper towel/napkin should be used for at least another 2 times.

 

Here's how it works:

1. Wash your hands and your hands are clean just wet, so you need a paper napkin to dry off.

2. Once you finish drying off your hands, soak the napkin in water and squeeze excess water out.

3. Allow paper napkin to dry on the counter and the following day, you'll have the napkin(s) to use.

4. We usually repeat once again then the third time use to wipe down the tables, clean any messes/spills or accumulate for cleaning the restrooms mirrors, vanity and such. This process will only work if the paper towels/napkins are the durable kind. If they are the flimsy ones like the ones you receive from fast food restaurants, those won't work.

 

 

 

 

Tip: Make Paper Towels Serve Dual Purpose

Brianna Southworth

October 19, 2010

Every time I wash my hands and use a paper towel to dry them off, I use the fact that it is wet and give a quick clean-up swipe to either the splashes of water on the sink and counter top or another small spot of dirt that could use the ol' once-over.

Tip: Paper Towel Waste Eliminated

Diane

July 27, 2011

To stretch the use of your paper towels, obtain a net bag. After using a paper towel to dry hands or wipe water off counter top, place the paper towel in the net bag to air dry.

Tip: Saving Paper Towels When Frying Food

Montana Jewel Therapy

August 2, 2011

I save a bit on paper towels and the trash they create when I am draining fried foods. Rather than using several layers of paper towels, I first place a few pages of an expired telephone book on the plate, then only one or two towels.

Tip: Second Use For Paper Towel

After washing your hands, use a paper towel to dry. Once you're done, use that same paper towel to clean the counter and sink and faucet. You'll always have a clean sink. By Vonetta

Tip: Save Your Paper Towels

I recently read a tip from a reader who rinsed out her paper towels to see if she could use them a little more before reaching for another towel. I believe I can do her one better. I save the old towels, washcloths, dishcloths, etc. that are too thin or ragged for their original use.

Archive: Reusing Paper Towels

If you don't have a salad spinner and use paper towels to dry lettuce, reuse the paper towels! Just drape them over a drying rack.