Beyond wiping down your counters and drying dishes, there are several outside-the-box paper towel uses you may not know about.
9 Clever Paper Towels Uses That Aren’t Just Cleaning
Updated on Jul. 29, 2024
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Keep Greens Fresh
Wrap salad greens or herbs in a paper towel before storing them in the fridge. The sheet will absorb excess moisture, helping them stay fresh longer.
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Soften Brown Sugar
If your brown sugar resembles a brick, you can reconstitute it by placing it in a bowl covered with a damp paper towel. Place the bowl in the microwave for 20 seconds, and the moisture will soften the sugar again.
(Learn more tricks for how to soften brown sugar!)
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Keep Cutting Boards in Place
Some plastic cutting boards don’t have anti-slip grips on the bottom, which means they’ll slide around the counter as you try to chop. Simply place a paper towel underneath the board for improved traction.
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Prevent Microwave Messes
If you’re heating up something in the microwave and think it might pop or splatter, place a paper towel over the food to minimize the mess. (Here are several other microwave tricks everyone should know.)
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Remove Silk From Corn
When shucking corn, you can quickly remove any lingering pieces of silk by wiping down the produce with a damp paper towel. It will grab the stringy pieces, allowing you to start cooking faster.
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Protect Stacked Pans
Many people warn against stacking pots and pans for storage, as it can lead to dings and scratches. However, if you have to stack your cookware, put paper towels between the pieces to serve as a protective barrier. This is especially useful for cast-iron pans, as the towel will also absorb excess moisture and protect the pan’s seasoning.
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Clean Can Openers
When was the last time you cleaned your manual can opener? If it’s been too long, you can simply clamp it down on a paper towel and twist the handle. The blades will spin, wiping off any gunk onto the disposable sheet.
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Keep Frozen Bread Fresh
Frozen bread often gets soggy as it thaws, but if you put a sheet of paper towel into the bag, it will absorb the moisture, helping to keep your bread dry and delicious.
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Serve as a DIY Coffee Filter
If you need a caffeine fix but don’t have any filters, a paper towel will work in a pinch. Just use it to line the basket of your coffee maker, and it will strain out the grounds.
