Make unpaper towels at home with this DIY guide
What's the story
In a time when sustainability is not just a trend but a necessity, discovering cost-effective methods to minimize waste is key.
One such way is by making your own unpaper towels.
These reusable substitutes for paper towels not only save you money over time but also dramatically cut down on waste produced by your household.
This article provides easy and affordable steps to create unpaper towels at home.
Fabric selection
Choose your fabric wisely
The first step in making DIY unpaper towels is selecting the right fabric.
Cotton flannel is perfect due to its absorbency and softness, which get better with each wash.
Or, you can use old cotton t-shirts or bed sheets, making the project even more cost-effective.
While new flannel can range from $2 to $5 per yard, reusing materials already at home brings this cost down to zero.
Crafting
Cutting and sewing tips
After selecting your fabric, cut it into rectangles or squares (12x10 inches is a standard size)
If you possess a sewing machine, simply sew two pieces of fabric together using a zigzag stitch (which helps prevent fraying)
If you don't have a sewing machine, you can use hand stitching or even fabric glue as alternatives.
This step might seem unnecessary, but it really improves their longevity and functionality.
Fastening
Fastening solutions
If you want to replicate the ease of tearing off paper towels from a roll, you might want to consider adding snaps or buttons to join your unpaper towels together.
This step is completely optional, but it adds a nice touch of practicality for storage and usage.
You can purchase snap fastener kits online for approximately $10, and they are simple to apply with basic tools at home.
Storage
Storage and usage hacks
Storing your DIY unpaper towels properly will save space and keep them handy for use.
Either roll them up on an old paper towel tube or fold them neatly in a drawer close to your kitchen sink for easy access.
And, the best part about unpaper towels? After use, they go straight into the laundry, not the trash bin.
Care
Maintenance matters
To keep your unpaper towels lasting longer and working their best, wash them separately on a hot cycle with eco-friendly detergent. This keeps them super absorbent.
Don't use fabric softener - it wraps the fibers in a waxy layer, which hampers their absorbency.
Proper care is key to ensuring these reusable towels truly become a sustainable alternative to disposable paper towels.