I know right? Paper towels? But we use them for everything! Cleaning up spills, messes, scrubbing the counter tops, bathroom…even carpet spills!
Well for those of you who have never thought of it (or simple never have made the switch)- Guess. What. Cloth can do the same things, only BETTER!
I’ve certainly used my share of paper towels in my day. In fact, I’m pretty sure I have both a paper towel and spray cleaner addiction, passed on from what I remember of my mother’s cleaning and my hectic teenage years. But recently I have put a major focus on using various “cloths” to clean rather than paper towels, popular disposable mop heads, and even wet wipes. We have always done cloth diapers, but that’s another post 
. Based on my albeit limited experience with cloth and microfiber, I’ll give you some ideas of what I have changed and why. Perhaps it will inspire and help you ditch a few more paper products yourself!
First, things I have changed and LOVED the results of.
#1. Cleaning counter-tops. I have had a past addiction to two very popular paper towel brands- One of which is awesome and one of which I was able to get free couponing that was pretty darn good. Considering I’ve stepped away a bit from the couponing scene, I decided I needed another method of saving money in this area- So to cloth we went. I was excited to find some good cotton scrubbing “dish cloths” cheap at Target the other day. Sure I could use just about any old rag, but these have a scrubber side! So any who, to work I went- And finished faster than ever. Not so surprisingly, cloth held up much better than paper towels, actually removed dried on junk and didn’t just push around what needed to be wiped up. Score. An easy goodbye to paper while cleaning counter-tops.
#2. Mopping. Once again, I am the not so proud owner of a past addiction to a popular “disposible pad” spray mop. But I happily ditched it last year when I found something better. This mop is a powerhorse when it comes to scrubbing off blackberry, avocado and other various gross sticky messes that my son leaves behind on our tile floors (um, and walls, but that’s a job for our new scrub cloths). Now, as of late I might find a suggest a more “natural” fiber mop, but this is the one I have. It works, so it stays for now. Use it up, wear it out, make due or do without! Not to mention that I can use a simple solution of natural soap and water to clean, and not worry about chemicals and expensive refills. If you do have this popular spray mop already though, you can simply attach a microfiber cloth or rag to it, and refill the cartridge with a cleaner of your choice.
#3. Washing windows and mirrors. Oooo, my new favorite. First of all, make your own window cleaner- It’s cheaper and more family friendly. Simply use equal parts white vinegar and water. If your windows are especially dirty, you can use 1 cup isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), one cup water and 1 TBS white vinegar. Spray some on the glass surface, and wipe with a microfiber cloth. Couldn’t be easier, and you’ll love the streakless shine.
#4. Polishing Wood. Keep in mind that most woods, unless you’re home is full of antiques, are probably “finished” and have some type of waterproof coating on them. Most of my wood can be cleaned by simply wetting a microfiber cloth (or heck, using a dry one) and wiping it down. You could add a few drops of essential oil if you like a fresh smell. Some people choose to use a feather duster every few days, but I like to trap the dust. If you are unsure if you can of use water on your woods (especially older finishes), simply wipe with a dry cloth.
#5. Cleaning up spills. Whether on carpet or hard flooring, why not use cloth instead of paper towels? On hard floors, the cloth will likely absorb faster and hold more than paper towels. It also gives you the scrubbing power you may need. For carpet, you may need two rags- One for soaking up the majority of the spill, and another for rubbing and cleaning the spot. Either way, the cloth goes in the hamper, instead of (I don’t know how many) paper towels in the trash can. Plus you won’t have all those little pieces of paper towel that flake off as you scrub the carpet. I hate that! I have had countless times where I used those patterned towels to clean up a spill and dye got on the carpet (Should I admit that I have done this more than once??).
#6. Little fingers. I’ve preferred cloth over towels/wipes for this a LONG time. Hands get so much more clean using cloth to wipe! I dedicate one clean dishcloth to little fingers each day- and just rinse it between uses. I leave it hanging from my little one’s high chair. I like this too because I can control exactly what cleaners my baby’s hands come into contact with. Major bonus since baby wipe companies don’t list ingredients on their labels.
#7. Cleaning the bathroom. Ok, I can see how some of you may draw the line here. But I have a special basket by the washing machine for my “dirtier” cleaning cloths. They are usually old teeshirt rags and such. I just clean the toilet with one rag, from the cleanest area to the dirtiest. I use a separate cloth for the counter, sink and the floor around the toilet. Voila! Clean bathroom, with two rags instead of 10 paper towels. Me likey.
#8. Let me leave you with this idea- Which I do not currently employ, but perhaps it will get you thinking. I have other cloth diapering mommy friends who use very little toilet paper, because they have “wipes” for themselves. Hopefully some of the more extreme savers out there can appreciate this- I’m not scared to post it! They simply have a little area/wet bag by the toilet or under the sink where they keep the fresh and used cloth wipes, and wash them with the diapers. Why not? Oh, and of course I’ll draw any new comers back to a post about Diva Cups- I LOVE mine!
Now let’s look at some reasons WHY you might employ these techniques:
#1. You are trying to save money. Well you’ve come to the right post. Outside of couponing in a competitive area like mine, it’s hard to get paper towels for cheap. The good ones run about $2 a roll even on sale- And I know I can go through one roll a week! I know as I type that you can pick up a pack of 5 cotton scrub cloths (in the color of your choice) at Target right now for $4. I use about 2 a day for all of our demands, and I just toss them in with an appropriate load of laundry. They will last for years to come if washed on a regular basis. That can save $2 a week, or $104 a year!
#2. You are trying to reduce waste. Some of us aren’t necessarily frugal for the sake of saving money- And I understand that. Imagine how much trash you would decrease from using all of these techniques in just one week- You might save 2-3 spray jet mop pads, a roll of paper towels and quite a few wet wipes from hitting your trash can (and landfills!) each week. Hmm, that might mean you save on trash bags too. AWESOME! Now you’re saving the earth AND money:).
#3. You’re trying to save time. Wow, that seems like a confusing one. Paper towels are more convenient, right? Gosh, I might have to question that. First, it’s an added item on your shopping list. Second, it’s more trips to the trash can. Third, especially if you coupon, you have to hunt down coupons and deals and sales to get them cheap. Fourth, they take up valuable room in your house. Fifth, it takes more of them, and more time, to clean up a mess. I’m not even kidding! Try them for a week and see for yourself. I personally feel like tossing them in the laundry is nothing compared to all of this. There’s always room for a few cloths in at least one load each week.
So what DO I use paper towels for? At this point, really nasty messes that I don’t want to save and wash. If the dog goes #2 in the house, I pick it up with toilet paper and clean up the rest with paper towels. Also I use them to soak up the small amount of grease my lean grass fed beef produces when I make my hubby tacos. I’m sure you’ll have a select few things you want to use them for, and that’s ok. Every little change makes a difference! Never forget that.
Please please please share some of your thoughts on this as well- You never know how you will help another reader 
Here’s to living: Happier, healthier, more FRUGAL lives!
~~FrugalMegan~~
“Use it up, wear it out, make do or do without!”
. Thanks Jessica!
