From Kleenex Trails to Cloth Napkins
When my daughter was a toddler, she loved to grab a box of Kleenex, pull out a tissue, dab at her nose, and then toss the tissue behind her shoulder onto the floor. She would walk around the entire house, leaving Kleenex in a trail behind her. And not only at our home! Both grandmas have similar stories of our little stinker, wandering around, leaving trails of Kleenex in her wake. This, my friends, is why I quit Kleenex, napkins, and paper towels forever! Anyone who has ever been to my home, eaten at my home, or cleaned at my home will get the same answer when asking for a paper product: “We don’t carry those here!” (Toilet paper not included, don’t worry!) Usually, the story about my daughter follows.
So, what do I replace these disposable paper products with? Cloth! Cloth napkins, simple white washcloths, even handkerchiefs. Remember the movie You’ve Got Mail, and the handkerchief with the daisy embroidered on it? Right?! If you know, you know!
I have been using cloth napkins exclusively for a long time. I love the intentional touch it brings to a simple meal. I love how it elevates even a weeknight family dinner. I love how it surprises guests and makes them feel special. I love how it shocks people when we use them with spaghetti sauce or blueberries. And stains? No problem! My favorite napkins to use are 100% linen because they absolutely DO NOT stain! I’ll share my secrets down below.
What about paper towels? Well, I don’t use those much, either. Instead, I purchase piles of inexpensive white wash cloths (like these) that can be bleached. I use them for cleaning all over my home. I don’t use paper towels to clean windows either, as I have a window-cleaning cloth that works wonders and leaves my windows streak-free.
I will admit I don’t use handkerchiefs much, and I actually would like to start. I love collecting them, and even making them, and why not use beautiful things whenever possible?
Here are my simple tips and tricks for keeping my cloth napkins looking great and stain-free, with minimal effort.
Always use linen or cotton cloth napkins - I have never had a stain that I can’t get out of my 100% linen napkins. I have these from Williams Sonoma, and they are my favorite!
Treat any stains on the napkins with OxyClean spray before washing.
Always use cold water!
Never dry them. Instead, pull them out of the washer, and let them air-dry. This is key!Drying the napkins sets any stains that may remain. It also makes them shrivel and crinkle, requiring you to then iron them. If instead you shake them out and lay them flat, or drape them over the back of a chair, they will dry perfectly, no ironing needed.
Keep them nearby and easy to reach. I keep mine in an F&M basket close to the table, so they are easy to grab, to use, and to put away.
What do you think? Are you ready to make the switch to cloth napkins for the every day?