The Evolution of Paper Towels
Paper towels have come a long way since their invention by the Scott Paper Company in 1907. Originally created to repurpose unusable toilet paper, they have now become a staple in American households. The usage of paper towels has been on the rise, with more and more people incorporating them into their daily routines.
Despite their versatility, many consumers still make mistakes when using paper towels. From cleaning eyeglasses to purchasing based on the number of sheets rather than cost per square foot, these errors can lead to wastage of money and even damage during the cleaning process. It's important to be aware of these common mistakes and learn how to use paper towels effectively.
Cleaning mirrors and windows can be a hassle, especially when dealing with fingerprints, dust, and splattered toothpaste. Instead of reaching for paper towels and window cleaner, which can leave behind lint, consider using a piece of newspaper or a microfiber towel for a streak-free shine. It's important to use a glass cleaner specifically designed for these surfaces to avoid streaks. Simply spray the cleaner on the glass and wipe in an up and down or left to right motion with your chosen material. For heavily soiled surfaces, you may need to repeat the process. If cleaning tinted car windows, opt for an ammonia-free glass cleaner for best results.
In addition to choosing between a newspaper or microfiber towel, you'll also need to make sure you're using a glass cleaner and not an all-purpose cleaner. This is because the surfaces of your mirrors and windows are prone to streaks. Once you have the right cleaner, spray a little on your glass and start wiping either up and down or left to right with your chosen material. You may need to repeat this process if the surface is heavily soiled. As an additional note, if you're washing tinted car windows, make sure you're using an ammonia-free glass cleaner.
When getting ready for a dinner party and setting the table with your best silverware, you might feel the urge to quickly buff them up using a paper towel. However, this is not recommended. While paper towels are great for cleaning wooden handles, they can actually scratch the silverware itself. To properly clean your silverware, opt for a polishing cloth or a cellulose sponge instead.
After the party, make sure to wash your silverware with care. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges that can damage the metal. Instead, opt for a gentle dish soap and warm water. Dry the silverware thoroughly with a soft cloth to prevent water spots and keep them looking shiny and beautiful.
Cleaning rugs and carpet stains
When dealing with stains on rugs or carpets, it's essential to act quickly to prevent them from setting in. Start by blotting the stain with a clean cloth to absorb any excess liquid. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can spread it further into the fibers.
Next, mix a solution of warm water and a small amount of dish soap. Apply this to the stain with a clean sponge, working from the outside towards the center to prevent spreading. Blot the area with a dry cloth to soak up the cleaning solution and stain.
If the stain persists, you can create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply this to the affected area, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up. This method can help lift stubborn stains from carpets and rugs.
Spills are bound to happen, particularly if you share your space with pets or little ones. When an accident occurs on your area rug or living room carpet, your initial reaction might be to reach for a roll of paper towels and start soaking up the mess. However, using paper towels isn't the most effective approach as they tend to disintegrate when you try to clean, leaving bits of paper stuck in the carpet fibers. In such situations, a sponge proves to be a more suitable tool for the job.
Act promptly upon noticing a spill by gently dabbing a sponge over the liquid to absorb it. For larger spills, you may need to squeeze out the sponge in the sink and repeat the process. Rinse the affected area with water and then pat it dry using a clean microfiber towel. If you own a carpet shampooer, using it for a thorough clean is advisable, as these machines are specifically designed to extract messes from deep within your rug.
For stubborn stains like coffee or tea, it's recommended to apply a homemade cleaning solution before rinsing the fibers clean with water. To create this solution, simply mix 1 cup of warm water, 1 tablespoon of white distilled vinegar, and a few drops of your preferred dish soap.
Sliding glass shower doors are not only sleek-looking but also cost-effective, as you don't need to continuously replace liners and curtains. The downside of this bathroom design choice, however, is the tracks, which easily collect soap scum, dirt, and hair. Cleaning this mess with paper towels is a mistake, as they not only leave behind lint that could affect the sliding door's ability to open and close, but they also aren't strong enough to remove all of the grime. Cotton balls and toothbrushes are a much better option for cleaning this part of your bathroom.
Soak a few cotton balls in distilled white vinegar. This isn't just a powerful cleaner — it can also kill a few germs, such as E. coli. If you feel the need to fully disinfect your shower tracks, opt for isopropyl alcohol instead, as vinegar isn't registered as a disinfectant. Wipe down the tracks with the moistened cotton balls, and use a toothbrush to scrub any spots the cotton balls can't reach. Flush the tracks with some hot water, and you're all done!
When it comes to reducing your paper towel usage, there are simple tricks you can implement. Instead of grabbing a full sheet, tear off a few perforated sheets and cut them in half with scissors. This way, you have smaller pieces ready for when you only need a little bit of paper. You can also tear off smaller amounts as needed, like just a corner for minor tasks such as squishing a bug, leaving the rest of the sheet for larger jobs.
Cleaning grout
Kitchen backsplashes can easily become dirty while cooking, leading to splatters and grease stains. However, using paper towels to clean grout is not recommended. The rough texture of grout can tear the paper towels, making the cleaning process messier. Opt for towels or toothbrushes for more effective cleaning.
For grout cleaning, use a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in hot, soapy water to scrub away dirt. Wipe the grout with a lint-free cloth or consider using a grout sponge, available at home improvement stores for a few dollars. These sponges are designed for efficient grout cleaning and can be washed and reused multiple times.
Wiping down your dashboard
When cleaning your dashboard, avoid using paper towels as they can leave behind lint and streaks. Instead, opt for a microfiber cloth or a towel specifically designed for automotive surfaces. These materials are gentle on the dashboard and provide a streak-free finish for a polished look.
When getting ready for a road trip, the initial step is often cleaning the interior of your car. Many people typically begin by tackling the dashboard with a spray cleaner and a roll of paper towels. However, paper towels are not the most effective choice for car interiors as they tend to push dust around rather than remove it. To properly clean your dashboard, opt for a microfiber cloth and an interior car cleaner instead.
Start by spraying the cleaner on the dashboard and then use the microfiber cloth to wipe the surface. Microfiber cloths are ideal for capturing dust without leaving any lint and are gentle enough to prevent scratches. It's advisable to clean one side of the dashboard completely before moving on to the other side. Additionally, avoid using paper towels on your car's exterior as they can potentially damage the paint due to the rough surface.
Instead of discarding your old paper towel rolls, consider repurposing them for various uses around your home. These cardboard rolls can be transformed into useful items such as seed starters for your garden, art caddies for your child's desk, or organizers for cables and cords in your home office. You can even create a peanut butter bird feeder to hang from your front porch using these rolls. For kids' crafts, the possibilities are endless - from rainsticks and snakes to castles and kaleidoscopes. Cut the rolls to make unique napkin rings, or crease them to form heart shapes for stamping purposes.
Cleaning eyeglasses
Maintaining clean eyeglasses is essential for clear vision. While it's recommended to clean your glasses daily, using paper towels for this task can be damaging due to their rough texture. Opt for a microfiber lens cloth or a soft handkerchief to gently clean your eyewear without causing any harm to the lenses or coatings. Before cleaning, ensure your hands are clean, then wet the glasses and apply a small amount of dish soap to remove dirt and oils. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free towel immediately. Store your glasses in a protective case when not in use.
Buying paper towels based on the number of sheets
When purchasing paper towels, consider the number of sheets in each roll to ensure you're getting the best value for your money. Some brands may offer more sheets per roll, making them a cost-effective choice for your household needs. By comparing the sheet count, you can make an informed decision and select the paper towels that provide the most value in terms of usage and durability.
When it's time to purchase a new pack of paper towels, one of the most significant errors you can make is not considering the cost per square foot. Each brand produces rolls with sheets of varying sizes, so a roll with 72 smaller sheets will not offer the same value as a roll with 72 larger sheets. To determine which pack of paper towels is the most economical, you'll need to calculate the cost per square foot.
Begin by inspecting the paper towels' packaging to find where it indicates the square footage. The next piece of information you require is the total package price, which should be displayed on the shelf where the paper towels are stocked. After that, divide the price by the number of square feet to determine the cost per square foot. Repeat this calculation for the other brands and compare their respective costs to identify the best deal.
Shopping Tip: How to Choose the Best Paper Towels
Next time you're at the store and considering buying a package of paper towels, here's a handy trick to ensure you're getting your money's worth. Instead of just looking at the packaging or price, take a moment to feel the roll of paper towels before making your decision.
Simply pinch one of the rolls in the package. The packaging should be thin enough that you can easily compress the roll with your fingers. If the paper towels have little give and don't compress easily, it's a good sign that you're getting the quality and quantity advertised on the package.
On the other hand, if you pinch the roll and find that you can easily squeeze the sheets so that they all compress together, it's likely that you're paying for a lot of air and not getting as many paper towels as you thought.
