The Magic of Paper Towels: Why They’re Not Suitable for These 5 Surfaces

If you want to avoid damaging your belongings due to a simple oversight, pay attention to these five household items that should never be cleaned with paper towels.

0
26

Paper towels are versatile cleaning tools, but they aren’t suitable for every surface. Here are five things you should never clean with paper towels:

1. Prescription Glasses

Using paper towels to clean your glasses can lead to unexpected issues. Even the softest paper towels can leave scratches on your lenses, especially since they are magnifying glasses with a special coating. It’s best to use the provided microfiber cloth to clean your lenses and a mild soap solution to remove any oily residue. Finish off by drying them with a soft cloth.

2. Wooden Furniture

It may be surprising, but even the softest paper towels can scratch your wooden furniture. The varnish on wood furniture is delicate and can be easily marked. Instead, opt for a damp, soft cloth to clean your wooden surfaces. If you’ve already used paper towels and noticed scratches, not all is lost! Dip a cotton swab into hot tea and gently rub the affected area. Follow this by mixing instant coffee powder with a small amount of hot water and applying it with another cotton swab. Finally, wipe the area with a clean, dry cloth.

3. Electronic Devices

Electronic devices are prone to scratches, and using paper towels to clean them can make them look older than they are. To safely clean these devices, spray a small amount of alcohol onto a soft cloth and gently wipe away any fingerprints or dust. This method will keep your devices looking new and scratch-free.

4. Soft Carpets

Paper towels and soft carpets are not a good combination. Using paper towels on soft carpets can turn them from cozy to coarse. The paper fibers can get tangled in the carpet fibers, creating hard lumps. It’s best to use a white cloth to clean your soft carpets instead.

5. Black Clothing

Be careful not to ruin your black clothing with paper towels! Using paper towels to clean dark fabrics, such as black or navy clothing, can leave white flakes and residue behind. This can make your fashionable outfit look mismatched. Instead, use a clean cloth to wipe down black clothing to maintain its sleek look.

An Nhien – Vietnamnet

Frequently asked questions

Paper towels can be too abrasive for some surfaces and leave scratches. They can also contain chemicals that can react with certain materials, causing damage. In addition, paper towels can disintegrate when wet, leaving behind fibers that can be difficult to remove.

The 5 surfaces that paper towels are not suitable for include: Glass, Mirrors, Stainless Steel, Wood, and Painted Walls. For these surfaces, it is recommended to use a soft, microfiber cloth instead.

For glass and mirrors, it is best to use a microfiber cloth and a glass cleaner. For stainless steel, a soft cloth and a mild detergent can be used. As for wood, a slightly damp cloth is sufficient, and for painted walls, a gentle all-purpose cleaner and a soft cloth will do the trick.

Some alternatives to paper towels include: microfiber cloths, reusable cotton towels, and sponge cloths. These options are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run.

Paper towels have their advantages, such as convenience and hygiene. They are disposable, which can be useful in certain situations, and they can also be more absorbent than other materials.