Have you noticed the price of paper towels lately? It is something we all use and price continues to increase. Today, the Practical Princess would like to offer some alternatives to using the usually rolls of paper towel.
Use Cloth Towels:
In my bathroom and kitchen I invested in a package of white hand towels and proceeded to roll them. I used a basket that I had around the house and stacked the rolled towels into the basket. My initial outlay the the white hand towels was about $10 for a quantity of 20. I used decorative basket for the dirty towels and wash them, as needed. This has not only been a practical solution; but an elegant one, as well.
I have also instituted this in my kitchen and it is working and looking Great!
Re-Use Paper Towels: I was first reminded of this principle when I read the book by the Delany Sisters, “Having Our Say“. They mentioned how if they used a paper towel to dry water or dry their hands they would allow it to dry and reuse that paper towel sheet for cleaning or wiping up a spill at a later time.
Cleaning Cloths: For windows and cleaning you can make wipes from old t-shirts, shirts, etc., and use them instead of paper towel.
Compare Prices: In some instances it may be more frugal to purchase a box of the hand towels (like to see in public restrooms) from your local warehouse store(Sams, Costco’s.,etc). Most often they are around $20 for 2000 towels.
Use Less Paper Towel (Smaller Pieces): The Pick-A-Size option is offered by most of the major brands and is a Great option in using smaller pieces and less paper towel. Most often we don’t need an entire sheet of paper towel, but proceed to use it once it is torn off the roll. The Pick-A-Size option will allow you the option of using smaller pieces and saving more paper towel. I have done the cost comparison and this is a Great Option!
Use Cloth Napkins: Again, I have instituted using cloth in another part of my day. Instead of using paper towel/paper napkins, I invested in some cloth napkins. This not only saves money but brings a totally different atmosphere to your meal. Most often you can purchase cloth napkins bulk at very reasonable prices.
Let us know how you may be saving on paper towel or if you tried any of the above options and what savings were generated.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Fabulously frugal,
The Practical Princess