Eco-friendly cleaning cloths

When it comes to household cleaning a simple, yet powerful solution lies in the switch to eco-friendly cleaning cloths. Let’s discuss the benefits, usage tips, and the sustainable future reusable cloths promise.

Traditionally, we all reach for paper towels when doing our household chores and everyday tasks like wiping down counters, cleaning up spills, etc. But single-use paper towels generate a substantial amount of waste. It is estimated that each household in the United States uses about 147 rolls of paper towels annually! That’s a lot of paper towels building up in the landfill.

So, what are some alternatives?  You may have heard of microfiber cloths, bamboo paper towels, and reusable paper towels. Let’s get into each of these and discuss their pros and cons.

Microfiber cleaning cloths: Can be made of various materials but they are typically made from polyester and nylon which provide durability, making them compatible with a variety of surfaces. You can typically buy microfiber cloths at a low cost and in a multipack. However, these microfibers are also called microplastics which shed and build up in the environment, contributing to microplastic pollution. The majority of microplastic pollution occurs when the microfiber cloth is washed in the laundry, allowing microplastics to directly enter the water system. If your heart is set on using microfiber cloths, do your research to find a high-quality brand.

Bamboo paper towels: Bamboo is known for its eco-friendliness because it’s technically a grass and can grow up to 2 feet in just one day! Making it a renewable source. It’s also highly durable and can withstand being reused multiple times. But what most people don’t know is that the material used in bamboo paper towels, clothing, etc., is not the raw form of bamboo, it’s bamboo Rayon. Bamboo Rayon is made by chemically treating bamboo until there is no trace of the original plant left. Raw bamboo is naturally antibacterial but once it is chemically treated there’s no evidence that it retains this property. Bamboo Rayon is a soft and breathable material which is desired for clothing but doesn’t make the best paper towel replacement.

Reusable paper towels: Are made from 30% cotton and 70% cellulose which are all natural, renewable materials that are 100% biodegradable. One reusable can replace 17 paper towel rolls! Known for their versatility, these towels can absorb 20 times their weight in liquid making them the perfect solution for spills of any kind. They are naturally antibacterial which means they don’t smell, creating a simple alternative for traditional kitchen sponges. With just water, reusable towels leave behind a streak-free finish and eliminate the need for cleaning chemicals.

Tips for use:

1. Eco-Friendly cleaning cloths can be utilized in both wet and dry cleaning applications, offering flexibility and convenience. For larger spills use the cloth dry and for everyday wipe downs or dusting dampen the cloth with water or preferred cleaning solution.
2. Washing and Maintenance: Reusable paper towels can be washed up to 200 times! Here are the top 3 ways to wash them: 1. With warm soap and water. 2. In the dishwasher on the top rack. 3. In the washing machine. Avoid fabric softeners or bleach, as they may diminish absorbency and durability. For each cleaning method make sure to air dry only.
3. Air Drying: After washing, allow the eco-friendly cleaning cloth to air dry naturally. Avoid using a dryer, as excessive heat may compromise the integrity of the fabric, shrink it, and reduce absorbency over time. Prickly Pear Essentials is a reusable paper towel brand that provides hanging clips with each order, so air drying is easy and convenient!

Eco-friendly cleaning cloths represent a sustainable and practical solution to traditional paper towels. With their renewable materials, cost-effectiveness, versatility, and chemical-free cleaning properties, these cloths offer numerous benefits for both users and the planet.

At Prickly Pear Essentials our goal is to help reduce environmental waste one reusable at a time. We encourage you to make the switch to eco-friendly reusable paper towels and join us in our commitment to a more sustainable future. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener lifestyle and pave the way towards a brighter tomorrow.

Visit pricklypearessentials.com to order your eco-friendly reusable paper towels today and learn more!