Paper towels are a handy cleaning tool, but they aren’t the right cleaning tool for all surfaces or cleaning tasks. In some cases, using paper towels to clean certain materials can leave unsightly scratches, leave behind annoying lint, or at least not clean as well.
To keep things in shape and clean more efficiently, it’s important to know what not to clean with paper towels. So before you grab your cleaning supplies and a new roll of paper towels, check out this list of things not to clean with paper towels, as well as some cleaning methods that will make your entire home look brand new.
7 Things You Should Never Clean With Paper Towels
1. Glass
Cleaning glass with paper towels may seem safe, but it’s not the best choice. Paper towels tend to leave lint residue, making glass furniture, windows, and mirrors look dusty.
Instead of removing dirt and oil stains, paper towels push debris to the surface of the glass, leaving streaks, and ultimately not giving you the clean you want.
You probably have at least one of the following alternatives at home that are better suited for cleaning glass. First, microfiber cloths are non-abrasive, absorb dust, and are much more environmentally friendly than paper towels.
If you don’t have a soft, reusable cloth on hand (or at least don’t have a clean one at the moment), another affordable option is old newspapers. They won’t damage glass or mirrors and won’t leave any residue.
However, the ink may stain your hands, so always wear gloves during the cleaning process. Finally, a squeegee also leaves glass shiny and streak-free, making it ideal for cleaning hard-to-reach stains.
2. Stainless Steel
As with glass, paper towels can leave lint on stainless steel surfaces, making them look dull rather than shiny and sleek.
Additionally, paper towels aren’t great at removing stubborn stains, such as fingerprint stains or grease buildup, which often accumulates on appliance handles.
Fortunately, microfiber cloths can effectively clean stainless steel surfaces. If you’re tackling stubborn stains, use a soft cloth and a commercial stainless steel cleaner.
While fine steel wool should never be used on indoor appliances and countertops, some outdoor stainless steel items can be gently wiped with steel wool.
3. Delicate dishes
Using paper towels to dry plates or glasses does work in an emergency, but it’s not ideal, especially when dealing with crystal or fine china.
In addition to fiber residue, the slightly rough texture of some paper towels can leave tiny cracks in delicate tableware. So not only does this cause minor hygiene issues, but your heirlooms will begin to lose their luster and clarity.
To be safe, use a non-abrasive sponge to clean hand-wash-only dishes, and then let them air dry or gently dry them with a soft microfiber cloth.
4. Nonstick cookware
Cleaning messy cookware, including nonstick pots and pans, can be challenging. Using paper towels on smooth nonstick surfaces may only wipe away grease, rather than lift it up and remove it.
Scrubbing too hard with paper towels can also scratch the protective coating, causing the cookware to need to be replaced more frequently. Instead, use the same cleaning and drying methods as delicate dishes, using soft sponges and rags to finish the job.
5. Wood
Believe it or not, wood is also susceptible to scratches from the grain of paper towels. Using paper towels to clean finished wood surfaces and furniture can damage the finish and, over time, degrade its overall appearance.
Like most of the items listed in this article, wood can also appear dusty after cleaning with paper towels due to the lint left behind.
When polishing wood, a microfiber cloth or feather duster are good choices, both of which trap debris rather than spread it.
6. Leather
Leather requires special care and maintenance, so it’s no surprise that paper towels are avoided when cleaning leather.
Similar to wood, paper towels will eventually leave scratches on leather, causing it to wear out prematurely. Paper towels can also dry out leather and dull its shine. Use a soft cloth and a specialty leather cleaner to keep your leather furniture looking its best.
7. Electronics
Avoid using paper towels to clean computer and TV screens, camera lenses, and even car dashboards. Paper towels leave lint behind and can scratch these delicate surfaces. Since these items are often an investment, it pays to clean them the right way.
Microfiber cloths are generally safe for electronics, but you can also use screen wipes, lens cleaning kits, or chamois cloths.
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