In the household, we often reach for paper towels for quick cleaning. However, paper towels are not always the best choice. There are several objects and surfaces for which you should use other cleaning methods. Below, we present thirteen things you should not clean with paper towels, the reasons why not, and the appropriate cleaning agents.
Paper towels they are convenient, but not always the most suitable for cleaning. Avoiding their use on sensitive surfaces can prevent potential damage such as scratches and unpleasant traces. S correct selection of cleaning agents accessories not only to improve cleaning efficiency, but also to extend the life of items vvI'm going home.
Advantages and disadvantages of using paper towels for cleaning
Due to their convenience and efficiency, towels are often the choice of many households for cleaning. They allow quick absorption of liquids and are easy to use, helping to clean up spills immediately. But theirs single use also brings disadvantages. They represent an environmental burden, as their production and disposal increase the amount of waste and the consumption of natural resources. Furthermore, the fixed costs of purchasing new inventory of paper towels can add up quickly. They are an alternative washcloths, which are a more sustainable option, although they require regular maintenance.
13 things you shouldn't clean with a paper towel
Carpets and rugs
Wiping carpets and rugs with paper towels is ineffective, as paper cannot remove deep-seated dirt and leaves tiny residues. Also, the paper tears quickly, which means extra work removing paper scraps. A better alternative is to use a vacuum cleaner for regular cleaning of dust and dirt and a wet cloth or special carpet cleaner for more thorough cleaning.
Electronic screens
Paper towels are too abrasive for sensitive screens on electronics such as televisions, computer monitors and smartphones. Using paper can cause tiny scratches that degrade the quality of the screen. Instead, use a soft microfiber cloth to gently clean the screen without the risk of scratching.
Silver
Wiping silver surfaces with paper towels is not recommended because paper cannot effectively remove tarnish or stains and may leave a fine residue. Use a dedicated silver polishing cloth designed to gently remove dirt and tarnish without damaging the surface.
Mirrors and windows
Paper towels often leave lint and marks on glass surfaces, requiring extra work to achieve a clean result. Microfibre is a great alternative as it leaves no lint behind and effectively removes dirt and stains, achieving a crystal clean surface with no extra effort.
Car exterior
Using paper towels to clean your car can cause tiny scratches on the paint, especially if the towels are hard or contain dust and dirt residue. Instead, use soft cloths specially designed for car care that are gentle on surfaces and effectively remove dirt without damaging it.
Fruits and vegetables
Wiping fruits and vegetables with paper towels can leave tiny particles of paper on the surface, which is not hygienic. A better option is to use a clean tea towel or cloth towel that is absorbent and leaves no residue, allowing for thorough drying and cleaning.
Kitchen counter
Paper towels are not absorbent enough to effectively clean kitchen counters, especially after food preparation when greasy and sticky stains appear. Instead, use tea towels that are absorbent and durable, allowing for thorough cleaning and removal of all types of stains.
Hands while cooking
During cooking, paper towels quickly become saturated and become useless, which means that you need to change them often. Using an apron with built-in hand wipes is a more practical and environmentally friendly solution, as it enables easy and quick hand wiping without waste.
Dusty surfaces
Dusting with paper towels is ineffective because the paper spreads the dust instead of catching and removing it. Use a duster or microfibre cloth, which effectively traps dust and prevents it from re-dispersing around the room, allowing for a more thorough cleaning.
Bathroom
Paper towels degrade quickly when wet, making them unsuitable for cleaning bathrooms where moisture is present. Instead, use sponges or cloths, which are more durable and effective at removing dirt and stains in the bathroom, while leaving no residue.
Cutting boards
Paper towels are not durable enough to clean cutting boards, especially after preparing raw meat or fish. Use a sponge or cloth strong enough to thoroughly clean and disinfect cutting boards, ensuring hygienic food preparation.
Glasses
Wiping the glasses with paper towels can cause tiny scratches on the lenses, reducing visibility. Instead, use a microfiber cloth designed specifically for cleaning glasses, gently removing dirt and grease without damaging them.
The kitchen
Paper towels become saturated quickly and become ineffective in cleaning kitchen surfaces, especially after food preparation. Use tea towels that are more absorbent and durable, allowing for thorough cleaning without the need for frequent towel changes.
