{This post sponsored by Viva Vantage paper towels. We love to share the unique ways we use household products and hope you enjoy this post!}
While we use our share of napkins, cloth rags, and such, there is no substitute for a quality paper towels for some jobs. Our brand of choice is Viva. The new Viva Vantage paper towels we bought on a recent trip to Wal Mart fills the bill quite nicely. Be sure to check out this brand the next time you are shopping for paper towels!
17 Uses for Paper Towels:
1. Test viability of old seeds
To find out if seeds are viable, dampen a folded paper towel and place a few seeds on it. Cover with another folded dampened paper towels. Over the next couple of weeks, spritz the towels with water to keep them damp, and watch the seeds. If most of the seeds sprout, then plant the rest of the batch in the garden
2. Keep cast-iron pans rust-free
Once you’ve cleaned the cast-iron pans, place a paper towel in the bottom of each to absorb any moisture. To ensure the pans are dry, I like to place them in a warm oven for a few minutes.
3. Emergency coffee filter
Simply fold a paper towel into the basket of your coffee maker, and use it as a replacement filter!
4. Clean a can opener
Clean that gunk off your can opener wheel by “opening” a paper towel. Simply close the wheel on the edge of a paper towel, close the handle, and turn the handle. The paper towel will clean off the gunk as the wheel cuts through it.
Cleaning fresh corn on the cob can be a not so fun task. Dampen a paper towel, then slide it across the ear. The towel picks up the silk, and the corn is ready for the boiling pot or the grill. The Viva Vantage paper towels work especially well for this job because they are strong and don’t rip or tear.
6. Strain grease from broth
Put a clean pot in the sink. Place a paper towel in the strainer. Pour the broth through the towel into the waiting pot. The fat will remain in the paper towel, and the broth will strain into the pot.
7. Keep produce fresh for a longer time
Simply line your refrigerator’s vegetable bins with paper towels. They absorb moisture that would normally cause your produce to rot. Doing this also makes clean-up a breeze!
8. Keep greens crisp
While you’re taking care of that produce, another use for paper towels is to add a dampened one to the bag that lettuce, herbs, and other greens are kept in. The paper towel keeps the moisture in the bag to maintain a comfortable humidity level, but does not cause the produce to rot. The produce will remain ready to eat, without drying out and becoming limp.
9. Clean a sewing machine
Tuning up your sewing machine can leave behind some residual oil. To quickly and completely remove it, simply stitch several lines on a paper towel first. Using a Viva Vantage paper towel for sewing is also a great way to teach new sewers the basics. The durable and strong Viva Vantage paper towels work great for this purpose!
10. Soften brown sugar
Cover the hardened brown sugar with a moist paper towel, leave it in place overnight. In the morning, remove the paper towel, and break up the brown sugar. Do take care for any ant problems. If there are ants present, this can also be done in the refrigerator.
11. Remove wax from crayons or candles from carpet
Place a thick paper towel over the wax stain, use an iron on low heat to rub over it. The heat will melt the stain, the paper towel will absorb it. This works well on hard surfaces, carpet, and upholstery.
12. Keep your microwave clean while re-heating foods.
It’s as easy as using a paper towel for a quick cover over your bowl of food. This can be re-used a couple of times. It works especially well to keep tomato-based sauces from splattering all over the inside of the microwave!
13. Homemade Baby Wipes
Layer paper towels into a plastic container. Mix 1 cup water with 1/8 cup each baby lotion & baby wash. Keep covered. Using this method, you definitely want to use a strong paper towel (enough said!). Try Viva Vantage for this task!
14. Prepare meats for breading, dry rubs, and seasoning
Pat the surface of beef, chicken, or fish with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
15. Replace napkins at a picnic
Use a paper towel holder to keep the towels easily accessible. Not only do they not blow around like loose napkins, they are more durable for sticky picnic foods like barbecue.
16. Keep icing from drying out
Put a damp paper towel in the bottom of a tall glass. When not using an icing bag, place it, tip down, into the glass. If you are storing the icing in the refrigerator, wrap a damp paper towel over the end of the tip before placing the bag into a Ziploc bag.
17. And, of course, you can always wash a mirror or window with a paper towel!
What to do with the leftover paper towel tubes? Check out these fun crafts!
Easy DIY Party Favors from Bree Talks
Rapunzel’s Tower from Teach Beside Me
Windsock from Domestic Goddesque
Paper Towel Roll Snake from Free Preschool Crafts
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- One Big Yet Simple Step for Quality Sleep -
Really enjoyed article/tips
Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment, Dana! 🙂