7 Unexpected Uses for Cloth Napkins You Need to Try Today

Groceries are very expensive these days. But that does not stop us from throwing our money away by purchasing paper towels and plastic wrap every week. If you want to be smart with your money, it is time to switch to using cloth instead of paper.

You can stop buying paper products today. Cloth napkins are the easy answer to this problem. You can use them to wrap gifts, keep bread warm, keep vegetables fresh, and clean up big messes in the kitchen. Using a washable cloth will not only save you money, but will also instantly give you one less piece of trash.

Let’s discuss the 7 unexpected uses of fabric napkins that you should try!

Key Takeaways

• You can use these napkins to wrap gifts, wine bottles, etc., so that you do not have to buy wrapping paper.

• You can put a napkin in your bread basket to keep the bread nice and warm.

• You can use cheap cloth napkins to clean up the kitchen, so that you do not have to buy paper towels.

Why You Should Care About Cloth Napkins

In my experience, the biggest mistake I see is people saving their good napkins just for big holidays. This is a huge waste. You have perfectly good fabric sitting in a drawer doing nothing for most of the year.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says paper makes up over 23% of the trash we throw away in the U.S. You do not need expensive tools for sustainable living. You just need simple household hacks using things you already own.

Zero-waste expert Anne-Marie Bonneau says it perfectly: 

"We don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly."

7 Genius Ways to Use Cloth Napkins at Home

Here is what actually works when you stop saving your linens and start using them every day.

1. Easy Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap

Stop buying wrapping paper that gets thrown away in one minute. Use eco-friendly gift wrap instead. It looks beautiful and costs you nothing extra.

If you want to know how to wrap a wine bottle with a cloth napkin for a gift, it is very easy. 

• Put the bottle in the middle of a square napkin. 

• Tie two opposite corners at the neck of the bottle.

• Twist the other two corners around the knot. 

This is one of the best sustainable alternatives to wrapping paper using household items.

2. Keep Your Bread Warm

Cold bread ruins a good dinner. A cotton bread basket liner keeps the heat inside and stops the bread from getting wet.

• Lay a large napkin flat in your basket.

• Put the warm bread in.

• Fold the corners over the top. 

These easy dinner party hacks make any simple meal feel very special.

3. Clean the Kitchen Faster

If you want real zero waste kitchen hacks for beginners, start here. Swap out paper towels for an absorbent fabric to clean counters and wipe up spills.

I highly suggest you buy cloth napkins just for cleaning. Keep a small basket of them on the counter. They scrub off stuck-on food way better than a paper towel ever could.

4. Upgrade Your Guest Bathroom

Rolled up napkins look very pretty in a little bathroom basket. Can I use dinner napkins for hand towels? Yes, they work great for this purpose too.

As they are washable and dry very fast, they are very sanitary for guests to use. Just set a little laundry basket nearby. This way, guests will know where to place the dirty ones.

5. Keep Vegetables Fresh Longer

Do not let your expensive greens get slimy in the fridge. Smart improvisation using what you have in a new way to save your food and your money.

• Make a clean napkin a little damp with water. 

• Wrap it around your lettuce, celery, or fresh herbs before putting them in the fridge. 

This simple trick keeps them crisp for much longer than plastic grocery bags.

6. Make a DIY Heat Pack

There are easily 5 creative DIY ideas using old linen napkins, but my top pick is a homemade heat pack. It is very easy to make.

• Fold a napkin in half

• Sew three sides shut

• Fill it with dry rice

• Sew the last side closed

You can heat it in the microwave to relax sore muscles. You can also freeze it to help heal bumps and bruises.

7. Pack Shoes for Travel

Packing dirty shoes next to your clean clothes is gross. Old linens are the perfect fix for this problem.

Wrap your shoes tightly in a large napkin before putting them in your suitcase. You can also use them to wrap up your jewelry or phone chargers safely so they do not get lost.

The Contrarian Viewpoint: Stop Buying Fancy Linens

Most home decor websites tell you to buy expensive, fancy French linen. Do not do this.

Here is the truth:

Fancy linens are a massive waste of money for everyday chores. You need cheap cloth napkins bought straight from a restaurant supply store. Bulk cloth napkins rarely wrinkle, hold up against bad stains, and survive hundreds of hot water washes.

If you want to save the most, use affordable cloth napkins in dark colors or plain white so they can be bleached.

Cloth Napkins vs. Paper Towels: Which is Better?

Let’s look at the real numbers. Here is exactly what happens when you swap reusable cloths.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can you do with old cloth napkins?

If they get too dirty for dinner, don't discard them. Use them as heavy-duty cleaning rags for your car or bathroom. You can also join them together to make reusable grocery bags.

2. Is it cheaper to use cloth napkins or paper towels?

Yes, it is much cheaper. A set of reusable napkins only costs $30 once, whereas buying paper towels costs an average family over $200 every year.

3. How do you fold a napkin for a bread basket?

Lay the napkin flat in the basket, which is empty, with the four corners hanging over the sides of the basket. Then, place your warm bread in the middle. After that, fold the corners over the bread, which traps the heat inside.

4. Where should I buy napkins for daily use?

Skip the expensive stores at the mall. Look online or at restaurant supply stores for basic, absorbent cloth napkins. Buying them in bulk packs will save you the most money.

Conclusion

The easiest way to help the environment and your wallet is to use washable fabrics at home. From making a lovely gift for a friend to cleaning up after a big dinner spill, these handy little squares of material do it all for you.

Quit throwing your hard-earned money away every week in the trash. Get a bulk package of affordable napkins now. You'll be amazed at just how easy it is to change your home for the better.