10 Things You Should Absolutely Never Clean With Paper Towels

As a mom to a lively bunch of little ones, I’ve wiped up more spills and smudges than I can count. Over time, I’ve learned that while paper towels are a go-to for quick cleanups, they’re not always the best choice.

In fact, there are some things around the house that just don’t pair well with paper towels—believe me, I found out the hard way.

From scratched surfaces to ineffective cleaning, I’ve made a list of 10 things you should steer clear of cleaning with paper towels, so you can save yourself the hassle and your home from damage.

Mirrors and Windows

I used to swear by the old Windex and paper towel combo for my windows and mirrors, thinking it was the best way to get that perfect shine. Well, now I know better.

Instead, I now use microfiber cloths, which are not only better at cleaning but also don’t leave any lint behind. If you’re out of cloths, even old newspapers or a paper bag can be a good substitute. They work wonders and won’t leave those frustrating streaks.

Your Cutting Board

Here’s something I wish I knew sooner about cleaning cutting boards: paper towels just aren’t up to the task. They might seem convenient, but they don’t effectively absorb or clean up all the residue, especially from raw meat. This can be a real health hazard.

The best practice? Always wash your cutting board thoroughly with hot soapy water between uses, particularly when you switch between different types of ingredients.

The Tub

Cleaning the tub with a paper towel seemed like a quick fix until I ended up with more mess than I started with. Paper towels just don’t cut it for tackling the gunk in a bathtub.

Instead, I’ve switched to a homemade mix of vinegar and Dawn dish soap—it slices right through soap scum. After scrubbing, I wipe everything down with a reusable cloth, which is way more effective and eco-friendly.

And for those tough lime and calcium deposits? The Clorox Scrubtastic Power Scrubber has been a game-changer. Its extendable handle saves my back during those deep cleans.

Your Hands While Cooking

Ever tried to dry your hands on a paper towel while cooking, only to tear off a soggy, greasy sheet? I’ve been there, and it’s not pretty. I’ve learned it’s much better to wear an apron while cooking. It doesn’t just keep your clothes clean; it also serves as a handy spot to dry your hands. You’ll save on paper towels and keep things tidier in the kitchen.

Car Windows

Keeping your car windows clean is key for safe driving, but let’s ditch the paper towels for this job. I learned from NAPA Auto Parts that because of their absorbent design, paper towels just aren’t cut out for cleaning glass. They tend to shred and leave unsightly streaks across the window.

Now, I always use microfiber towels. They’re soft, won’t scratch your glass, and leave your windows streak-free. If you’re in a pinch, even old newspapers can do a decent job without the mess.

Sharp Knives

Here’s a tip I picked up after a few mishaps in the kitchen: paper towels and sharp knives don’t mix. Trying to dry a sharp knife with a paper towel is a recipe for disaster. They tear too easily, and you could end up with a nasty cut.

The masters at Shun recommend handwashing your sharp knives and then drying them immediately with a soft, absorbent dish towel. This way, you keep your blades in top condition and your fingers safe. Trust me, it’s worth the extra care.

Electronics Screens

I learned the hard way when I grabbed a paper towel to clean my phone screen after a cooking mishap—big mistake. Paper towels might seem like a quick fix, but they can scratch up your gadgets’ screens and leave behind lint that’s a pain to remove.

Now, I stick to a microfiber cloth. It’s smooth, efficient, and trust me, your screens will stay pristine and scratch-free. A simple swap and your electronics are safe!

Carpet Spills

Ever tried cleaning a carpet spill with paper towels? I did once with a spilled coffee, and it was a disaster. The paper towel just fell apart and left little bits all over. It turns out that while paper towels are great on hard surfaces, they’re not the best for carpets. They tend to break down and leave a mess.

Now, I blot the spill with paper towels gently, then I go in with a stain remover and finish with a vacuum. This approach gets the stain out without leaving any papery residue behind.

Your Eyeglasses

When it comes to keeping your eyeglasses spotless, grabbing a paper towel might seem like a quick fix, but here’s the inside scoop: it’s a no-go. Those lenses aren’t just any old glass; they often come with special coatings that are super sensitive. A dry paper towel can leave scratches, turning your clear view into a blurry mess.

And let’s face it, glasses aren’t cheap! So, do what I learned the hard way and use the soft cloth your optician gave you—it’s designed to protect those lenses while keeping them crystal clear.

Dusty Wooden Furniture

Here’s a heads-up if you’re about to tackle that dusty shelf with a paper towel—pause that thought! Dust itself is pretty rough, and paper towels aren’t exactly the gentlest on surfaces either. I found out the hard way that using them for dry dusting can scratch up the beautiful finish on wooden furniture.

Instead, grab a soft cloth and some furniture polish. This combo does wonders, lifting the dust off gently and leaving your furniture looking shiny and new, without any scratches.