Paper towels are a go-to for many cleaning tasks because they’re quick and easy to use. However, not everything in your home is suited for cleaning with paper towels. Using them in the wrong way can cause damage, leave lint behind, or make the job harder.
Knowing what not to wipe with paper towels can save you time, money, and frustration. By choosing the right cleaning method for different surfaces, you can keep your home looking its best without unnecessary wear or mess.
Smartphone and tablet screens
You might think paper towels are a quick fix for cleaning your smartphone or tablet screen. But paper towels can scratch the delicate coatings on these screens, leaving fine marks or streaks.
Instead, use a soft microfiber cloth. It gently cleans without damaging the surface or leaving lint behind.
Dampening the cloth slightly with water or a screen-safe cleaner helps remove smudges and fingerprints more effectively. This way, you keep your screen clear and protected.
Non-stick cookware surfaces
You might think paper towels are perfect for cleaning your non-stick pans, but they can actually do more harm than good. Using paper towels to scrub can cause tiny scratches that wear down the coating over time.
If you need to wipe your pan, choose a damp cloth instead. For stuck-on food, a soft sponge with mild soap is much gentler.
Avoid extra force when cleaning. Protecting the surface keeps your cookware lasting longer and working better for you.
Wooden furniture and floors
You should avoid using paper towels on wooden furniture and floors. The rough fibers can scratch delicate finishes and leave behind lint.
Paper towels might also rub spills deeper into the wood, making stains harder to remove. Instead, use a soft, slightly damp cloth to clean your wood surfaces gently.
For floors, harsh wiping can wear away protective layers and dull the wood’s natural shine. Using the right cleaning tools helps keep your wood looking fresh and lasting longer.
Delicate glassware and mirrors
You might think paper towels are perfect for cleaning glass, but they often leave behind lint and streaks. This can make your mirrors and glassware look dusty instead of sparkling clean.
Using paper towels can also push dirt around instead of lifting it. For a clearer finish, try a microfiber cloth—it’s gentler and won’t scratch or leave residue.
If you want your glass items to shine without extra work, switching to microfiber or a soft, lint-free cloth is a simple upgrade you’ll notice right away.
