Frugal Tuesday – Cloth Napkins

I have to say, my husband was skeptical when I brought home our first set of napkins.  He wondered if we would really use them.

Well, almost a year later, we use them a LOT more than we use paper towels.  I do admit to still using paper towels for some things; I cannot bring myself to use another towel to wipe grease out of a pan (the one I used has never been the same… or anything resembling what it used to be).  But, for the most part, we use table napkins for our meals, and the girls have a wash cloth to wipe their hands and mouths if needed.

It has not been that big of a change; instead of ripping a sheet (or two, or three) off of the roll, we simply open the “napkin drawer.”  It has involved our 5-yr-old even more in setting the table; she pulls out four napkins without any help.

Now, for the “frugal” part of using cloth napkins.

:: First of all, after the initial cost of purchasing the napkins, you really are not out that much money.  If you wash the napkins with other clothing, towels, or pajamas, you are not adding a new load.  And, you don’t have to iron them… unless you are {anal} like me.

:: Even if you choose to use paper towels – as I do – you will be purchasing them A LOT less often.  Your stockpile will add up quickly, and stay stocked for awhile.

:: You need to make a commitment as to when and for what you will use a paper towel.  Once you make that decision, do not stray from it, because it can become really easy to slide back into the old routine of ripping one off the roll.

:: Use the napkins more than once… as long as they are not messy.  We normally use our napkins for 3-4 meals, depending on what was served (and if the girls get ahold of them!).

Are cloth napkins better than paper towels?

:: Cloth napkins are reusable; most paper towels do not last after the first use.

:: Trees are not being killed to wipe up spills.

:: A table set with cloth napkins looks nicer and more dressy than a table set with paper towels.

:: It is less expensive (even with washing them regularly) to use cloth napkins a majority of the time.

Are there disadvantages to using cloth napkins?

:: You might be less likely to wipe up spills with cloth napkins.  The alternative?  Have old dish towels on hand to clean up spills and messes.  They are washable, and you do not care if they look nice when you are finished cleaning!

:: Mother is more likely to find the peas you didn’t eat if you hide them in your cloth napkin instead of a paper towel.  Wait…. Wha????

Do you use cloth napkins?  What do you like about them?  Dislike?