7 Items You Should Never Clean with Paper Towels
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.
1. Windows and mirrors
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.
2. Rugs and upholstery
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.
3. Electronic screens
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.
4. Produce 
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.
5. The Bathtub
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.
6. Silver
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).
7. Dusty decor
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.