Decision: To Use or Not To Use Papertowels and Napkins

I mentioned before that we are couponers and that we have a stockpile of a bunch of things.  Well, yesterday I ran out of paper towels in the kitchen and went downstairs to take the last three rolls from our stockpile.  In my mind I think "can we do away with paper towels?"......

We use a lot of paper towels in our household, and so I first have to understand what we use them for so that I can decide if we can do without them. This would be a big change for me, and one that would make it very apparent to guests/family that I am an urban homesteader.

1. Wiping up spills around the house
2. Cleaning windows, TV screen
3. In place of napkins (when we run out of napkins or if they are more handy)
4. Drying produce after washing them
5. Drying larger pots and pans occasionally
6. Drying hands after washing them
7. Blowing my nose because they are handy
8. Who knows what else, it's an uncontrollable reflex to reach for a paper towel right now.

Yup, all of these reasons can be replaced with something more efficient, more absorbent, and more reusable.....a dish towel/hand towel. 

I asked my husband if when we run out of paper towels, if he wouldn't mind switching to washable towels.  He kinda looked at me for a second, thought about it and then said nope he didn't mind. (I love my husband, he seems supportive of my urban homesteading quest.  He said he is up for pretty much anything I want to do except replacing toilet paper!  haha)

I have been keeping my eye out for a bunch of earth friendly wash cloths/cleaning cloths that I will need to buy.  Right now I am not sure how many I will need, I guess it will be trial and error.  And a system for drying them, storing them, and a washing bin to throw them in.  I have found a couple cute ideas on Pinterest.

Same goes for napkins, rather than the disposable ones, I am going to invest in some reusable/washable ones that will match our dishes.

I am still deciding if I want to replace the Kleenex with washable fabric.  I have a bunch of old baby wipe tubs that can be used as a container for the reusable facial tissue.  Hmmm.....I am sensing a project for the future.

I will keep you updated if and when we actually make the switch to reusable/washable papertowels, napkins and facial tissues.