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. They work great for dusting, scrubbing, etc. They even work with 409, Fantastik, or whatever spray cleaner you use.

When washing windows, using spray window cleaner, I use good old-fashioned tea towels, the ones that are too thin to be much good for drying dishes. I even grab them when washing the car windows. Since I like to buy the heavier, cloth-like paper towels, I can make a roll last much longer this way. I save them for the things I don't want to deal with again, like when the cat upchucks or something exciting like that. Also, when some grease gets spilled because that coats your rag or dishcloth or whatever and you'll probably never get it out and it won't absorb very well after that either. I feel this is both a frugal tip as well as an ecological tip.

Sue