When it comes to dealing with inevitable messes while cooking, hosting, or simply tidying up, paper towels are the quick and convenient solution most people turn to. However, these absorbent sheets are more versatile than you might realize. While they are commonly used for wiping down surfaces and cleaning up spills, there are some creative and unexpected ways to use disposable towels around the house that may surprise you.
Transform Them into DIY Wet Wipes
If you find yourself out of traditional wet wipes or disinfecting cloths, paper towels can easily be repurposed into a homemade version. Simply dampen the sheets with water and a gentle cleaning solution like Dawn dish soap to create your own DIY wet wipes. These can be used to clean countertops or messy faces with ease.
Keep Vegetables Fresh
An ingenious way to utilize paper towels beyond cleaning is by wrapping them around vegetables to help maintain their freshness and crispness in the refrigerator. By wrapping greens, herbs, and other veggies in damp paper towels, you can help retain moisture levels and prevent wilting, ultimately extending the shelf life of your produce.
Prevent Food Waste
To keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer, consider lining your refrigerator’s crisper drawer with paper towels. The sheets will absorb excess moisture, reducing the chances of premature spoilage and helping to maximize the flavor and quality of your produce.
Emergency Coffee Filter
If you ever run out of coffee filters, don’t panic. A paper towel can serve as a makeshift filter in a pinch. Simply fold the towel to fit your coffee maker, add coffee grounds and water, and brew your morning cup of joe without missing a beat.
Clean Stained Containers
For those stubborn stains left behind in food storage containers, a simple solution is to fill the container with warm water, a few drops of dish soap, and a torn-up paper towel. Shake the container vigorously, rinse, and watch those stains disappear.
Protect Your Cookware
To prevent scratches and damage to your pots and pans when stacked in storage, use paper towels as a protective layer between each piece. This cushioning will help preserve the nonstick finishes and keep your cookware in top condition.
DIY Dryer Sheets
Instead of purchasing expensive dryer sheets, create your own at home using paper towels and a few drops of your favorite perfume or essential oil. Toss it in the dryer with your clothes to achieve similar results at a fraction of the cost and with a personalized scent.
Freshen Shoes
Combat funky odors in shoes by adding a few drops of essential oil to crumpled paper towels and placing them inside. Leave them overnight to wake up to fresher-smelling footwear in the morning.
Maintain Bread Freshness
When thawing frozen bread, prevent sogginess by using paper towels to absorb excess moisture as the loaf defrosts.
Placing a paper towel inside the bread bag can help absorb excess moisture and is a useful hack for all types of bread, especially those without preservatives like homemade and artisanal loaves. This tip, shared by Caitlin Bensel and Torie Cox, can help keep your bread fresh for longer.
If you find your brown sugar as hard as a brick when you’re craving a Brown Sugar Cranberry Poundcake, don’t worry. A simple trick involving a paper towel can save the day. Just place the brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 20 seconds. The moisture in the paper towel will help soften the brown sugar, making it ideal for your baking needs.
After tuning up your sewing machine, residual oil may be present, potentially causing stains on your fabric. To prevent this, use a paper towel to absorb any lingering grease. Simply thread the sewing machine as usual, and instead of sewing on fabric immediately, stitch a few lines on a paper towel. This will help keep your sewing projects clean and oil-free.
When reheating food in the microwave, prevent messy splatters and food stains by covering the container with a slightly damp paper towel. This will help keep your microwave clean and save you the hassle of scrubbing off dried food later on.
To prevent cutting boards from slipping on counters while chopping food, place a damp paper towel underneath the board for added grip and stability. This simple hack ensures a safer and more convenient chopping experience in the kitchen.
Extend the life of your can opener by wiping down the blades with a paper towel after each use. This helps prevent buildup and cross-contamination between foods, keeping your kitchen tool in good working condition for longer.
If you accidentally spill candle wax on your carpet, don’t panic. Use an iron and two paper towels to remove the wax effectively. Place the folded paper towels over the wax, preheat the iron, and then press it onto the paper towels for a minute or two. The heat will melt the wax, transferring it onto the paper towels and leaving your carpet clean.
These handy paper towel hacks, as featured in Southern Living, offer creative solutions for everyday tasks around the house.
