For years, I thought of paper towels as a one-job item: clean up spills.
Then I started using them for a few other things around the house, and I realized I was reaching for them far more often than I expected. They’re handy for little jobs that don’t always justify pulling out a cleaning cloth, buying another product, or making a trip to the store.
Now I keep a roll of Bounty paper towels in the kitchen and a few other spots around the house. Here are some of the ways I’ve found them useful beyond cleaning up spills.
Start Seeds at Home
Paper towels make an easy seed-starting method when I want to see which seeds will actually sprout.
I dampen a paper towel, place the seeds inside, fold it over, and put it in a sealed plastic bag. The moisture stays trapped inside, creating a warm, humid spot for germination. Once the seeds sprout, I can move them into soil.
This works well for checking older seeds before planting a whole batch, and it pairs nicely with a vegetable seed starter kit.
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Make a Quick Coffee Filter
Running out of coffee filters is one of those small annoyances that can ruin your morning.
A folded paper towel can work as a temporary replacement in a drip coffee maker. I shape it to fit the filter basket, add the coffee, and brew as usual.
I wouldn’t make it my everyday method, but it has saved me from making an extra trip to the store more than once.
Related: Things You Can Do With Coffee Filters Besides Brewing Coffee
Substitute for Cleaning Pads
I don’t always see the point in using a fresh disposable mop pad for every little cleanup.
Instead, I’ll fold a couple of paper towels and attach them to my sweeper. They pick up dust, crumbs, and small bits of dirt surprisingly well. This is especially handy for quick cleanups with a Swiffer sweeper mop.
For a small mess, it can be easier than getting out a bucket and mop.
Prevent Oil Bottle Drips
Oil bottles have a habit of leaving a greasy ring exactly where I don’t want one.
A simple paper towel wrapped around the neck of the bottle can catch those little drips before they reach the counter or cabinet. I secure it with a rubber band and replace it once it gets dirty.
I’ve used this trick with a glass olive oil dispenser, and it makes keeping the area around the bottle much easier.
Care for Cast Iron
After cooking with cast iron, I like to wipe the pan out with a paper towel before putting it away.
It picks up leftover food and excess oil without soaking the pan in water. For a cast iron skillet that’s already well seasoned, this quick wipe-down can be all that’s needed after some meals.
Of course, if the pan needs a proper wash, I’ll clean it. The paper towel trick is just useful for those times when the skillet only needs a quick cleanup.
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Deodorize Shoes
If a pair of shoes needs a little freshening, I’ll put a few drops of essential oil on a folded paper towel and tuck it inside overnight.
Tea tree essential oil is one option I like, though you can use whatever scent you prefer. The paper towel keeps the oil contained instead of putting it directly onto the shoe.
I remove it the next morning and let the shoes air out.
Protect Fragile Items When Packing
Paper towels can also come in handy when I’m packing small breakable items.
If I’m out of bubble wrap or packing paper, I’ll wrap individual pieces in several layers of paper towel before placing them in a box. It gives the item a little extra protection and helps keep surfaces from rubbing against each other.
For very fragile or valuable items, I’d still use proper packing materials. But for everyday dishes, small decorations, or other less delicate things, paper towels can work in a pinch.
Keep Your Microwave Clean
I used to wipe down the microwave after every messy meal. Now I try to prevent some of the mess before it happens.
For foods that tend to splatter, I place a paper towel loosely over the dish before heating. It catches some of the grease and food droplets that would otherwise end up all over the inside of the microwave.
Just make sure the paper towel is suitable for microwave use and avoid using it with foods or settings that could cause it to overheat.
Soak Up Grease the Easy Way
After frying food, I’ll put a few sheets of paper towel on a plate and place the cooked food on top.
The towels absorb some of the excess oil, leaving fried foods a little less greasy. They also keep the plate from sitting in a pool of oil.
I usually pair this with a nonstick frying pan, which makes both cooking and cleanup easier.
Keep Produce Fresh Longer
Excess moisture can make fresh produce spoil faster, especially leafy greens and berries.
One habit that has helped me is putting a sheet of paper towel inside a container with produce. The towel absorbs some of the moisture that collects inside, which can help keep the food in better shape for longer.
I’ll also use paper towels in fridge drawers or inside containers such as produce storage containers. I change them once they become damp.
Speed Up Drying Time
Wet shoes can take forever to dry, especially when I need them again soon.
After washing sneakers, I’ll wrap the outside with paper towels and put some inside the shoes to soak up moisture. The paper also helps the shoes hold their shape while they dry.
For something like white canvas sneakers, I’ll use this trick after cleaning them and let them dry in a well-ventilated spot. If the shoes are wet enough to soak through the towels quickly, I’ll replace them with fresh ones.
Keep Shoes and Drawers Smelling Fresh
A paper towel can make a simple little scent sachet for drawers, closets, and shoes.
I add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a folded paper towel and tuck it into the space I want to freshen. It’s an easy option for drawers that have started smelling a little stale.
For shoes, I leave the scented towel inside overnight and remove it before wearing them again.
Keep Plants Watered While You’re Away
If I’m going to be away for a few days, I’ve used paper towels to create a simple slow-watering setup for small houseplants.
I place one end of a folded or rolled paper towel into a container of water and the other end into the soil. As the towel becomes damp, it can transfer some moisture toward the plant.
I usually set this up in a plant watering tray to catch any stray water. It’s better suited to a short absence and smaller plants than a long vacation, and I always test the setup beforehand to see how quickly the soil is actually getting wet.
Paper towels may have started out as my go-to for spills, but they’ve turned out to be useful for plenty of other little jobs. I still use reusable cloths whenever they make more sense, but having a roll nearby can save me time when I need something quick and disposable.
