Paper towels vs rags?

Question

so what do u think is better...using paper towels to clean or to use rags...that require washing and drying after use?...u are either cutting trees down for extra paper or u are using up valuable water and possibly polluting the enviro with regular detergents....what do u think is better?

Answer 1

rags.

Answer 2

rags as long as each one are used for different (eg one for drying dishes, other one for cleaning table, etc.  

u dont have to wash them using detergents all the time.  just rinse them in warm water would be enough.  it would not be the end of the world if its not really really sanitary.

rags overall are better for the environment because true u would have to use detergents at times but y not use environmentally friendly ones or soap even? sure it uses up water but so does the manufacturing of paper towels, not to mention the dyes, bleaches, and the energy that goes into making them and transporting them.  so if u look at the big picture i guess u can see that rags are a better answer.

Answer 3

we use paper towels! you can buy ones that are made with recycled paper! rags can carry germs especially in the kitchen. like you said you also have to wash and dry rags!

Answer 4

Rags are still better, I think.  Just don't do laundry until you have a completely full load.

Answer 5

Rags are better if you don't wash them too often - just rinse them out.  If you are concerned about germs (which most people are waaaaay too concerned about anyway) then you can use some tea tree oil or soap with tea tree oil for it's antibacterial property.  If you must, you can use a mild bleach or ammonia solution.  But remember, anything that kills "germs" will kill any beneficial microorganisms as well.  When you do wash them, use a biodegradable soap instead of a detergent.

detergent = solvents + surfactants (unnatural and polluting)

soap = fat + lye (natural and better for the environment)

If you feel you must use paper towels, buy some that are made from recycled paper with at least 30% post-consumer content, and that are not bleached or are not bleached using chlorine.

Answer 6

paper towels are more sanitary...

I prefer a combo... rags for general cleaning, and paper towels where sanitation is a concern... kitchen counters, water closet... oh, and on glass surfaces as paper doesn't streak or smear like rags do

plus you can get recycled paper towels.