I have decided not to buy paper towels anymore. I am using several alternatives. For draining fried foods (bacon, chicken, fries) I use a cloth diaper. I had some new ones that we're never used for my grandson. After I put the food on the diaper, I wash (degrease with dish soap) the diaper after I wash the dishes and let it dry on the old paper towel holder.
I have a rag box (cut up old clothing, towels, etc) which I use regularly for several things around the house, cutting my use of paper towels drastically.
I buy cheap paper towels that go on sale 2/$1.00. A roll usually lasts me 2-4 months. For draining bacon, I use newspaper covered with one paper towel. I hesitate washing things that are too greasy or draining any grease down the drain, when a pipe gets clogged at the street, our city traces it to a specific home, and they get charged for the city's repair - not cheap. A couple rolls of paper towels are well worth the money.
Share on ThriftyFunThis page contains the following solutions. Have something to add? Please share your solution!
To save on paper towels, and land fill. Tie a hanging towel in the kitchen. They are hard to find, but easy to make. I use mine, when cooking and cleaning the whole time.
ThriftyFun is one of the longest running frugal living communities on the Internet. These are archives of older discussions.
If I give up paper towels, what should we use for quick pick ups, spills, etc.? I don't want to be passing germs using cloth rags, on items in the kitchen. Any ideas?
What are some alternatives to using paper towels? - Nancy J.
