Home Economics Tip #1: Home Rag Service

I used to work in a printmaking studio. We made lots of black, inky, gross messes, often mixed with things like kerosene, simple green, or other toxic things. One of the things I loved was having rag service. We would pick a new rag out of the clean rag bin, use it until it was sopping wet, and then stick it in the dirty rag bin. Periodically someone would bring a new clean bin and take away the dirty bin.

I have thought about this often, especially when paying something ridiculous (like $3+) for decent paper towels. So I decided to come up with my own solution.

I bought a pack of washcloths at Target. You get something like 20 for $2.99. I picked a color that was totally different from anything we used on in our bathrooms at home, so no one would use the cleaning rag to wash their face. I throw them in the wash whenever I am done with them.

6 months later, my rags are going strong, and I haven't purchased any paper towels. I estimate I have probably saved me close to $100. As an added bonus, the well-used rags are pretty much lint-free at this point, so washed windows and mirrors looks much better than they did with paper towels.

There is the occasional downside. Sometimes the cat barfs and I just wish I had a paper towel. But I can adjust! I use the rag, wash it out in a sink, and throw it in the wash. It is worth it to reduce the amount of paper I am using and save money.