How to Save Money on Paper Towels (Real Life Tips)

Paper towels have become a staple in most households, used for everything from wiping up spills to drying hands. But with their convenience can come a hefty cost. Luckily, there are many ways to save money on paper towels. Keep reading for tips!

Saving Money on Paper Towels

Sometimes paper towels are just necessary such as for cleaning up bacon grease or wiping up a mess that you just need to toss. Other times I’ve found myself feeling guilty when I use a roll of paper towels to clean up a mess just because that’s what I had on hand.

Paper Towels have gone up in price significantly since the cost of all paper goods (especially toilet paper!) has started rising in the past couple of years.

In our home, we mostly use paper towel alternatives but we also still use a few paper towels for things like drying bacon or doughnuts from the fryer. In this post, I’m going to share some of the ways we’ve found to save money on this household staple.

Cloth Paper Towels

If you’re looking for a way to reduce your environmental impact and save money, then consider switching to cloth paper towels (or, as I like to call it, un-paper towels or rags).

Cloth paper towels are reusable and more durable than their paper counterparts so that you can wash and reuse them over and over again. This eliminates the need to buy new paper towels constantly and reduces the waste you generate.

Cloth paper towels come in various materials, from cotton to microfiber, so you can find the perfect one to suit your needs or keep a variety on hand to tackle any cleanup.

One potential downside is that you’ll need to wash and dry them after each use, which can be more time-consuming than throwing a used paper towel in the trash. But if you’re willing to put in a little extra effort, switching to cloth paper towels is an easy way to be more eco-friendly and save some money in the process.

Want to learn how to make your own cloth napkins and un-paper towels at home? Check out this blog post: Easy Handmade Gift: DIY Cloth Napkins and Un-Paper Towels.

Where to Get Cloth Paper Towels

Here are my most common sources of cloth paper towels:

• Make them myself (I like cotton flannel the best)
• Walmart occasionally has something called cloth paper towels in their kitchen appliances area. These are small but good for little cleanups.
• Old t-shirts or used clothes that need a new life. You can cut these to size.
• Old cloth napkins that you don’t want to use at the table anymore.
• Old kitchen towels that need a new life.

How to Clean Cloth Paper Towels

Here’s how I clean my cloth paper towels after using them.

First, I rinse any crumbs or messes into the kitchen sink after wiping something up.

Then I toss them in with my regular laundry to be washed along with the next load. We don’t have a dryer, so everything gets hung dry outside or by the fire in the winter.

Remember, I don’t use cloth towels for grease, so I’m not adding any grease to my laundry. If you plan on doing this, I recommend soaking the towels in some grease/stain remover before washing them and possibly washing them as a separate load from your regular laundry.

3 Paper Towel Alternatives

Other alternatives are available if you’re not quite ready to switch to reusable paper towels.

1. One of the most popular lately is the use of Swedish dishcloths or bamboo towels. Not only are they reusable and eco-friendly, but they are often made of more absorbent materials than paper towels, so they can be more effective at cleaning up spills and messes. Plus, they can be used for various other cleaning tasks, such as drying dishes or wiping down surfaces.
2. Another option is using sponges, which can also be reused multiple times before needing to be replaced. I use sponges for washing dishes.
3. If you’re looking for a way to clean your windows and mirrors without using paper towels, try using newspaper instead.

TIP: Keep in mind that some of these alternatives may require more effort to clean and maintain than disposable paper towels. Dish towels and rags will need to be washed and dried regularly, while sponges may need to be sanitized to prevent bacteria buildup. But even considering the extra steps you have to take with these methods, these paper towel alternatives are a great way to reduce waste and save money.

How to Use Fewer Paper Towels

If you’re looking for ways to reduce your household expenses, cutting back on paper towel usage is a great place to start. Fortunately, many easy ways exist to use fewer paper towels at home without sacrificing cleanliness. To begin with, try to avoid using paper towels for tasks that can be done with other materials.

Here are a few scenarios in which you can use fewer paper towels:

1. Using washcloths (or cloth paper towels) or a sponge to clean up spills or messes instead of paper towels is an excellent way to reduce waste and save money. Not only can washcloths and sponges be reused multiple times, but they also do a great job of absorbing liquids and cleaning surfaces.
2. Switching from paper towels to cloth napkins or handkerchiefs for wiping your hands or face can help you reduce your environmental impact while adding a touch of style to your daily routine. Cloth napkins are a versatile alternative that can be washed and reused multiple times, saving you money in the long run. We’ve been using cloth napkins instead of paper napkins for over 10 years.
   
3. Microfiber cloths or newspapers are a great alternative to paper towels for cleaning windows or mirrors. Not only are they more absorbent than paper towels, but they also leave no streaks, providing a sparkling clean finish.
4. Using a dish towel or a clean rag to dry dishes instead of paper towels is another great way to reduce your waste and save money. Not only do they absorb water well, they also last longer than paper towels and can be washed and reused multiple times. Plus, using a dish towel or a clean rag is a great way to add a touch of charm to your kitchen décor. I personally use flour sack towels.

TIP: If you’re a mom or mom-to-be looking for a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to baby wipes, try my Homemade Baby Wipes Tutorial.

By taking these simple steps to reduce your paper towel usage, you can save money and reduce waste at the same time.

Also, consider buying double- or triple-ply paper towels for improved absorbency and folding the paper towel in half or quarters to increase its absorbency. Air drying your hands or using cloth to wipe on instead of using a paper towel can also help you cut back and save money on paper towels.

How to Save Money on Paper Towels at the Store

If you’re looking to save money on paper towels at the store, keep a few things in mind.

• One great tip is to buy paper towels in bulk. Typically, the larger the package of paper towels, the lower the cost per roll. This means that buying a bulk pack of paper towels can save you money in the long run. Some of the best prices on paper towels that I’ve found have been at Costco, Sam’s Club, and other warehouse-type stores.
• Another way to save is to use coupons or look for sales. You can often find coupons for paper towels in your local newspapers or online. Some places like Walgreens or CVS will often have digital coupons you can use. I’ve even seen digital coupons from my local grocery store for paper towels.
• If you are having trouble finding any sales, you can also opt for purchasing cheap paper towels like Sparkle brand.
• Consider purchasing double- or triple-ply paper towels. While they may be slightly more expensive than the single-ply options, they are often more absorbent and can last longer, making them a better value in the long run. You could also cut these in half to use less and get more from them than you could on regular rolls.

By following these tips, you can save money on paper towels and keep your home clean and tidy at the same time.

How can I save money on paper goods?

To save money on paper goods, you can do a few things.

• First, consider switching to reusable alternatives such as cloth paper towels or handkerchiefs. While the initial investment may be higher, they can save you money in the long run since they can be washed and reused multiple times.
• If you prefer to use disposable paper goods, look for sales and coupons, and buy in bulk to save money.
• Also, consider purchasing cheaper brands or using less of the product with each use, such as folding instead of crumpling toilet paper.
• Additionally, try to be mindful of how much paper goods you use and only use them when necessary, as reducing overall usage can save you money over time.

How do you make paper towels last longer?

To make paper towels last longer, you can do a few things. First, consider buying higher quality, double- or triple-ply paper towels as they are more durable and absorbent. This way, you will use a few less with each spill.

You can fold the paper towel in half or even in quarters to increase its absorbency to use it longer. You can also try to use fewer paper towels overall by using reusable alternatives such as cloth towels or rags. When cleaning, try to use one paper towel at a time instead of grabbing a handful, and use the entire towel before discarding it.

Finally, be sure to store your paper towels in a dry place to prevent moisture from weakening them.

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There are many ways to save money on paper towels while also reducing your environmental impact. Switching to cloth paper towels or other paper towel alternatives can save you money in the long run, while using fewer paper towels and shopping smart can save you money at the store. With a little bit of effort, you can save money on paper towels and feel good about doing it.

Interested in learning more about paper alternatives in your home? Give this a read: Simple Paper Product Swaps to Try.

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Merissa has been blogging about and living the simple life since 2009 and has internationally published 2 books on the topic. You can read about Merissa’s journey from penniless to the 100-acre farm and ministry on the About Page. You can send her a message any time from the Contact Page.

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This article on How to Save Money on Paper Towels was first posted on Little House Living in June 2023.