When we have to deal with a spill or some dust, the easiest solution is using a paper towel. As useful as they are, paper towels are not fit for any surface, and in some cases, using them can result in damage. And like any other paper product, paper towels are not great for the environment, so it’s best to limit our use of them when possible.
To protect your items and avoid waste, we rounded up 7 items that you should clean with a reusable cloth or other cleaning tools, and NOT a paper towel.
The next time you need to clean your bathroom mirror or wash your windows, experts recommend that you reach for a microfiber cloth rather than a paper towel. Since paper towels are made of tiny paper fibers, they can leave lint and fuzz all over the clean windows. If you don't have a microfiber cloth, you can use a newspaper or even a paper bag.
Accidentally spilled some tea on the rug or sofa? Don’t reach for a paper towel. Scrubbing stains on carpeting and upholstery will leave paper residue on the fabric. On top of it, scrubbing will make the lint go deep into the fibers, and it will be difficult to vacuum it out afterward.
Instead, use a clean dry cloth or a sponge to soak up the stain, let the area dry, and then vacuum. This approach is gentler and will keep your rug and sofa in good condition in the long haul.
Related: 9 Best Ways to Remove Carpet Stains
When it comes to electronic screens, paper towels can be a little too abrasive. Hence, using them to clean delicate glass surfaces like TV screens, laptops, and even your cell phone is not a good idea. The harsh fibers could cause permanent scratches on the screens of your devices.
There are microfiber cloths specifically designed for these surfaces, but a regular cloth will work just as efficiently. Remember not to apply too much pressure when cleaning these screens, too.
Rinsing your produce has always been an important part of one's post-grocery shopping tasks, and it is even more common now, ever since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out. But a paper towel isn’t the best way to dry these foods, as it can scratch or bruise your fresh fruits and vegetables.
So, what can you do instead? When it comes to small products, such as grapes or blueberries, for example, lay them out on an absorbent towel or a drying mat after washing. You can also use an absorbent towel to hand-dry larger produce items like tomatoes or cauliflower.
Any surface that might have soap stains like your sink, shower, or bathtub cannot be cleaned with paper towels. According to cleaning experts, the best way to remove soap scum or residue is to use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and dish soap to cut through the grime. After allowing it to sit for 15 minutes, wipe dry with a clean reusable cloth.
Related: 17 Common Cleaning Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Bathroom
If you’d like to add a bit of shine to your silver - whether it’s formal silverware, home decor, or jewelry - you’d be better off using a tool made specifically for the job, or a soft piece of linen cloth. Paper towels are too coarse and might scratch your precious silverware.
Alternatively, you can dry silver using a hairdryer kept at a distance of at least 15cm (6 inches).
If you try to remove dust using a paper towel, all you will achieve is moving the dust from one spot to another. To get rid of dust efficiently, use a soft brush vacuum attachment and an electrostatic mop to clean the floors, and then dampen a microfiber cloth and wipe down the surface.
Share these useful tips with others!
No More Rice Bowls! Four Ways to Salvage a Wet Phone
Getting your phone wet can be stressful, so here are four tips on how to save it from water damage, from tech experts (there is no rice involved...)
30 Genius Cleaning Hacks For the Bathroom
If you like your bathroom squeaky clean, then you simply must take a look at the 30 genius cleaning hacks in this video!
How to Revive a Dying Plant
If you have a dying plant on your hands, don't be too quick to lose hope. Here are 9 tips to revive a dying houseplant.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Coffee Storage
The way you store your coffee is no less important than the kind you buy and the way you make it. So how can you ensure the perfect morning cup?
6 Home Security Mistakes to Stop Making Today
These security mistakes make you home an easy target for intruders. This is how to avoid them.
You Don’t Need Fancy Gadgets For Cooking or Cleaning!
Once you learn these clever hacks, you will never have to buy another cooking or cleaning gadget.
How To Prevent Roaches From Entering Your Home
Learn some useful tips as you struggle to keep roaches out of your home.
Use This Genius Method to Revive Dirty White Socks
In this article, we’ll show you how to remove the dirt, the staining, and the greyness from white socks with regular home supplies.
50 Great Kitchen Hack That Everyone Should Know About
Spending time in the kitchen makes you realize that you can do things a lot quicker than you thought possible. Let me share my tips with you.
If You Love Dogs, Then Avoid Doing These Things With Them
Even though you love your dog, you might be annoying it with some of your habits. Watch to find out more...
Easy Tutorial: How to Fix a Running Toilet
In this tutorial, you'll learn, in the most straight-forward and practical way, how to fix a running toilet.
Before You Buy: 8 Important Tips When Buying New Clothes
In this article, we'll discuss the difference between natural and synthetic fabrics as well as 9 essential tips for evaluating the quality and comfort of fabrics.
These Stunning Photos of Women in the 1940s Take Me Back
Not much is known about talented Russian Photographer Nina Leen. Throughout her career she produced memorable work, some of which you are about to see here.
Say Goodbye to Shrunken Clothes with This Neat Laundry Trick
Recently I accidentally shrunk my favorite pair of pants. I was preparing to bid them farewell until my friend suggested a laundry trick that would revert them back to their former length. I didn’t even know this was possible. See how it's done!
Easily Create These 8 Natural Sprays
Eight wonderful recipes to make eight natural sprays that can make your life easier and healthier.
This Tip Collection is Amazingly Helpful!
You’ll be pleased to hear there are old wives' tales that are grounded in fact. This list of 9 true tales will help you get your house spic and span!
Using Vinegar to Clean These Items Can Really Damage Them
Cleaning these common home surfaces and other items with vinegar can seriously damage them...
10 Kitchen Tips That Will Turn You into a Culinary Master
The following 10 kitchen tips will take you one step closer to becoming a culinary god.
Practical Tips on Adjusting a Home to be Senior-Friendly
Take note of these useful tips that will help you make your home more accessible and safe for your life ahead.
4000 Years of History in One Glorious Map
In one incredible map we see thousands of years of history.
Here's Why You Should Never Wear Shoes Inside Your House
Here are 7 reasons why you should get into the habit of taking your shoes off before you enter your house!
Have You Been Eating Bananas Wrong Your Whole Life??
There are so many food items we have been eating the wrong way our entire life. Here are the right ways to eat these 10 foods.
7 Sounds Your Cat Makes and What They Mean
This video will show you the 7 different sounds cats make and the purpose for each of them.
12 Unusual DIY “Hacks” People Used to Improve Their Lives
Take a look at some weird and unusual "inventions" made by people to solve their everyday problems.
The Best Peeling and Cutting Advice From Expert Chefs
Learn to peel and cut your food in new and beautiful ways.
If You Have Glasses, Here Are 12 Tips You Should Know...
Broken hinges, misplacement. These occurrences mean we sometimes need assistance in the vision department .These are 12 hacks to get by without spectacles.
Are You Making These 7 Mistakes with Your Cutting Board?
Are you making these 7 mistakes with your cutting board?
Dog Can't Stay Alone? 5 Tips to Help Resolve Their Anxiety
When your dog shows anxiety when left alone, here are some tips to help you deal with the problem.
5 Common Insect Bites You Should Fear and Beware!
Sometimes bug bites can be relatively harmless, and sometimes they can be much more worrying. But how do you know when? Here are 5 bug bites to watch for.
Do You Wear Glasses? You Must Read Through This Guide
Do you wear glasses? This guide will teach you how to keep them in good condition.
These 20 Hacks Will Make Gardening So Much Easier!
This rapid-fire video gives you tips on not only how to manage and maintain your garden, but even make use of normally useless items!
This is the Right Way to Load a Dishwasher For Best Results
What's the best way to load your dishwasher? Find out in this guide.
Learn How to Create a Beautiful and Impressive Hairstyle!
You don't need to spend big bucks at the hair salon to look like a superstar! Here are 16 impressive tutorials that'll make you look and feel like a queen!
Give Your Shoes a New Life with These Clever Hacks
Everyone should know these life-changing shoe hacks.
Here's One Really Cheap & Easy Way to Clean a Stovetop
Looking for an effortless and cost-effective way of cleaning your stovetop? Then you've come to the right place.
Discover How to Use Turmeric to Remove Unwanted Hair
Turmeric is a wonderful spice from India that has a whole myriad of different applications. Here's how to make 5 turmeric-based masks for unwanted hair removal.
7 Tips to Ensure You Never Buy a Bad Watermelon Again!
Watermelons are delicious, but before you buy one heed these 7 traits that indicate that the watermelon that you’re about to buy is bad.
10 of the Fastest-Growing Vegetables
There is a variety of fast-growing vegetables, including legumes, leafy greens, and root vegetables. We feature 10 of the fastest-growing veggies in this article.
Transform Your Room with These DIY Painting Tips
Painting your own room may seem like a daunting task. But here are some useful tips that will make the job easier.
25 Ways to Keep Your Garden Healthy and Thriving
We've collected some great tips for maintaining a healthy garden that will help you every day.
Who Needs a Professional Cleaner With These Tips?
These stubborn stains can easily be removed with a little guidance.
This Is Why You Should Never Throw Out Silica Gel Packets
Have you ever thrown away these bags of silica gel? Of course you have. But here are some reasons why you SHOULD keep hold of them...
Guide: 11 Ways to Defend Yourself in an Emergency
The basic self defence tips all women should know.
These Easy Fruit Arrangements Are So Refreshing...
A collection of 13 summery delights that will both please the eyes as well as the pallet.
Some Tips You Might Not Know About Whisky
If you're a lover of whisky and would like to know how best to drink it, the guide will cover everything you need to know!
A Must Have Kitchen Cheat Sheet to Help With Any Recipe!
Simple fact sheets that will turn any cooking job easier to understand.
Reaching age 112: People Share Their Long Living Secrets
10 of the oldest people on earth would like to share their secret...