Paper Napkins - Cloth Napkins Challenge

**pschale** · 03-14-2005, 04:51 AM

Re: The Daily Money Saving Challenge

My family has always used cloth napkins, my Mother never bought paper napkins. She always made them from whatever she had left. She made some from old towels that were too worn out to use as towels any more. She cut them up and hemmed them. She had others that were put on the table when we had guests.

**Jeanne** · 03-14-2005, 05:27 AM

Re: The Daily Money Saving Challenge

Besides using cloth napkins I put a heavy clear plastic sheet over my tablecloth to keep it clean and easy just to wipe off any spills that happen

**pschale** · 03-14-2005, 07:49 AM

Re: The Daily Money Saving Challenge

I use an oilcloth on my tabe(lined) so it won't stick to the table and ruin the finish. I have nice table cloths I use when we have company with matching napkins. When it is just family I use a pretty oilcloth.

**DivaJen** · 03-14-2005, 08:59 PM

Re: Using Cloth Napkins Instead Of Paper Napkins

We use cloth napkins here - can't remember the last time I bought paper napkins. I find it incredible just how clean our napkins get in a normal wash cycle, given how much we really use them.

**PrincessPerky** · 03-15-2005, 03:46 AM

Re: Using Cloth Napkins Instead Of Paper Napkins

WE used to use them when I was a kid, I thought it made the meal so special, I had no idea it was cheaper. (then I do now) Unfortunatly I don't sew and we don't have any, but it is on my wish list. And truthfully when eating with a almost 3 year old and a 1 year old, we actually use a dish rag more than anything else, having it damp helps.

**singinjeannie** · 03-15-2005, 04:23 AM

Re: Cloth napkins vs. paper

The idea of using cloth napkins instead of paper has me wondering. The cost of hot water and laundry detergent to constantly be washing these cloth napkins doesn't seem to be taken into consideration.

It only costs $1.50 for 300 napkins (for the no-name brand) so I have a hard time believing it's less expensive to launder them.

Just a thought.

-Jean

**pschale** · 03-15-2005, 05:03 AM

Re: The Daily Money Saving Challenge

I use cloth napkins for several reasons. They are just as cheap if not cheaper than paper, just throw them in with other things to make a full load and wash in cold water. They are also better for the environment since you aren't cutting down a tree to get them. I use cloth from other things that are worn out for napkins. Cut up old towels that are too thin to use as towels any more and hem them.

**marla** · 03-15-2005, 08:23 AM

Re: Cloth napkins vs. paper

Originally posted by singinjeannie

The idea of using cloth napkins instead of paper has me wondering. The cost of hot water and laundry detergent to constantly be washing these cloth napkins doesn't seem to be taken into consideration.

It only costs $1.50 for 300 napkins (for the no-name brand) so I have a hard time believing it's less expensive to launder them.

If you do a special extra wash for just the napkins, then you're correct. It will cost more. I have never had to do an extra wash. Our napkins hardly take up any space and just get added to a load I would be doing anyway.

**DivaJen** · 03-15-2005, 11:09 AM

Re: Cloth napkins vs. paper

Originally posted by marla

If you do a special extra wash for just the napkins, then you're correct. It will cost more. I have never had to do an extra wash. Our napkins hardly take up any space and just get added to a load I would be doing anyway.

Exactly. I never do an extra load of wash because of our cloth napkins.

And, think about the environmental good you can do by switching to cloth, too.

**Kristean** · 03-15-2005, 12:00 PM

Re: Paper Napkins - Cloth Napkins Challenge

If I didnt have white cloth napkins, I would waste money on laundry. I dont have enough white clothes for a whole washer full, but add the napkins.... There ya go. A full load.

I also agree on the enviromental impact.

**momma4** · 05-23-2005, 01:52 PM

Re: Paper Napkins - Cloth Napkins Challenge

we use cloth napkins here I make mine from old unfitted and fitted sheets (of course not the areas that are stained)just add a band of ribbon, bais tape, or even fabric for some color

**amomof4** · 05-27-2005, 11:28 AM

Re: Paper Napkins - Cloth Napkins Challenge

We use cloth napkins. I hate buying paper anything except toilet paper.

My daughter uses handkerchief's in place of napkins. She bought a whole slew of them at the dollar store right after father's day. She got them for $0.10 each.

**Gailete** · 09-09-2005, 09:15 AM

Re: Paper Napkins - Cloth Napkins Challenge

We switched over to cloth napkins months ago. Even when my boys are over for casual meals they know to grab a cloth napkin if needed. We have some nice big ones that last for several meals for me. I had a stack of cloth napkins around the house for years (while paying several times a year for paper napkins). I'm glad I'm using them now. We also switched to hankies. Since it is just hubby and I this doesn't make much of a bigger pile in the laundry and even when I hang up clothes on the line, doesn't take much extra time +-1minute.

Glad we switched because even little dollars add up to big savings.

**acezz4e_tish** · 01-30-2006, 07:14 AM

Re: Paper Napkins - Cloth Napkins Challenge

i bought mine at the dollar tree. i also bought wine glasses at the same store, a table runner and gems in the craft section. my daughter is 11, asked her to do the table the other day, and she on her own, put a runner on the table, folded matching napkins, placed gems on the table too. they love it and feel so grown up. i also bought my glass bowls there, clear ones, and i keep them in the freezer after cleaning them, adds that lil extra chill to thier apple sauce, peaches and stuff with dinner.

Paper Napkins - Cloth Napkins Challenge