Paper towels are so useful, yet so wasteful for the environment and your wallet, whether you are looking to reducing waste or saving money this simple change in the kitchen can make a big difference for both. Here’s how to switch entirely from using paper to cloths in your kitchen.
You will need
- A whole bunch of sturdy rags or towels for deep cleaning (you can chose a color system, yellow for kitchen, red for bathroom, green for pets, etc.)
- Inexpensive microfiber cloth for everyday spills and wipe-downs (to clean mirrors and windows)
- Big rags to clean the floor and other big messes (think about the messes your kids might get into)
- Nice fabric napkins for dining (you can consider having some for daily use and other for fine dining with guests)
Setting up a successful system
Setting up an efficient system is important when switching to a paper free kitchen. Just as your paper towel dispenser is at hand, so should you strive to make this new system simple and accessible. Keep the cloths near in and around the kitchen so that everyone can use them. For example, set up a basket with neatly folded napkins on your counter for easy cleaning or spills. Keep a couple of them close to you sink for drying your hands and dishes. Also, in a the table set up cabinet to be used as napkins. Think about the categories in form and function, all the ways you use paper and place the rags in all those convenient places for those specific uses. Add hooks inside cabinet doors under the sink to dry the rags, so you can hang them when you are done using them but not ready to wash. Don’t forget to set up a place to put dirty towels so they can be washed for the next use.
If you have made the switch to a paperless kitchen, we would love to hear your tips and experience!