More than just a makeshift napkin or sponge, the humble yet mighty paper towel is one of the most versatile kitchen and cleaning staples around. Boasting a durable and absorbent design, it’s a go-to for cleaning greasy stovetops, charcoaled barbecues, gunky bathroom sinks and more.
So, to really expand your paper towel mindset, the digital Better Homes and Gardens Australia team share their best paper towel cleaning hacks that you might not have thought of.
The BHG team’s best paper towel cleaning hacks
1. Cleaning sauce-stained plastic containers
“My favourite way to use paper towel is to clean sauce stained plastic containers. Add some water, dishwashing liquid and paper towel to your container. Put the lid on and shake. All the oily sauce will be soak away. The trick is to do this before washing them.” – Livia Gamble, Senior Digital Content Producer
2. Preventing microwave mess
“To prevent food splatter in the microwave, I drape a damp paper towel over my dishes. Super simple and keeps your microwave looking spick and span. Just remember to wet it first so it doesn’t become a fire hazard!” – Tiarne Blackwell, Shopping Content Producer
3. Removing dirt from dirty paws
“The best trick I use paper towels for actually involves my dog. If he comes home from a walk with dirty paws, I grab my trusty paper towel, wet it with hot water and run it over my pup’s feet. Hot water and a paper towel works wonders in removing loose dirt and any leftover bits of grass. This trick can also be used for loose pet hair (simply run over their coat to collect it).” – Rachel Iorfino, Digital Content Producer
4. Keeping herbs and greens fresh
“While not technically a cleaning hack, one of my favourite paper towel hacks is for prolonging the life of store-bought fresh herbs and green leaves. Line a reusable plastic container with a slightly damp piece of paper towel, add in your basil or rocket leaves etc, fold over the paper towel and add in another layer of your greens. It should keep it fresher for longer than if in a plastic bag or out on the bench.” – Jessica G. Lynch, Senior Shopping Content Producer
What else is paper towel used for?
Beyond the obvious of wiping up spills and absorbing grease from pans, paper towels (such as Viva Regular) are also great for:
- Germinating seeds
- Cleaning windows and mirrors with white vinegar or glass spray (a debated tip but I personally swear by it)
- Dusting surfaces by adding a bit of water to it
- Applying stain remover
- Removing crayon or candle wax from the carpet
Looking to save on your cleaning products? Check out our coupon codes for Koh, Kogan and more.
Related articles:
- This is how to keep your cast iron pan clean and rust-free
- 4 ways to clean your shower screen the natural way
- How to get ink out of clothes, according to a cleaning expert
Lead image: Getty.
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