Let’s be honest: most people trying to clean up a spill would reach for a paper towel or cloth without making a distinction. Both cleaning tools will get the job done, no doubt.
However, when you consider the environmental impact, you may see the choice in a different light.
Which one is more eco-friendly, paper towels or cloths? There are no easy answers in this regard. Read on to dive further into the topic!
Paper towels
Paper towels are biodegradable and come from a renewable source. However, most paper towels lose against any reusable cleaning cloth for more than one reason when considering their environmental impact. Here are just a few:
- Paper may contain chemicals: Have you ever thought about why paper towels are white? It’s because manufacturers bleach them with chemicals like chlorine! Also, other chemicals like formaldehyde can be found in paper towels.
- Trees are cut down to make paper: Most paper towels are made from trees. Sure, trees might be a renewable resource, but they take several years to grow.
- They’ll likely end up in a landfill: The fact that paper towels are disposable is enough to turn them into a big concern. Whenever you can reuse, that’s the way to go!
Cleaning cloths
As you may imagine, the environmental impact of a reusable cleaning cloth depends greatly on its materials. You can find everything from organic cotton cloths to synthetic microfiber cloths.
However, the manufacturing process can also affect how eco-friendly a cleaning cloth is. Microfiber made from recycled plastic is gentler with the environment than when it’s made from virgin materials. In the same way, natural fibers like cotton are not necessarily more eco-friendly.
Tips for choosing eco-friendly paper towels or cloths
Picking a product with a low environmental impact is not always easy. However, even trying it is worth it! Here are general tips that might help you choose the best product from the available options.
1. Don’t fall from greenwashed products!
Manufacturers can claim many things to mislead customers into buying their products. Greenwashing occurs when the manufacturer suggests their products are eco-friendly—but they aren’t!
However, avoiding greenwashed products can be more challenging than it seems! Learn the most you can about the towels before buying: Do they contain chemicals? Where do they come from? Do a quick research before buying a new cloth or paper towel.
2. Choose reusable over convenient
Disposable paper towels can be much more convenient because you can skip the washing. However, all that waste has to arrive somewhere! In most cases, a good-quality, reusable cloth beats any disposable towel.
3. Recycle whenever possible
Did you know that even cotton isn’t entirely eco-friendly? If you want to reduce the environmental impact of cleaning with a cloth, first consider if you really need to buy brand-new cloths. Instead, you can cut out several small rags from an old t-shirt!
Do you need help with the chores? Let Illinois Valley Clean Team help!
Keeping your home clean and healthy can be a hassle: from choosing the cleaning supplies to scrubbing and wiping every surface.
If you need a break from your cleaning chores, you can count on the Illinois Valley Clean Team! Our staff uses the latest equipment, cleaning supplies, and procedures to ensure you a spotless home. Request your free estimate today!
