DIY Reusable Paper Towels

About four months ago I decided that we were spending too much money every week on paper towels. We were going through an eight pack every two weeks. That is about $10 for two weeks worth of paper towels. At that point I decided to challenge myself to only buy one roll a week. I bought a few more dish towels and just washed and re-used those. I still used the disposable ones for a few things, but found that it was actually a pretty easy adjustment and saved us a bunch of money.

Not long ago, I came across these cute reusable paper towels. I thought it was such a great idea and thought about buying them online. Then I decided I could make some of my own and for a lot less than $52. I kept my eyes open for great deals when we were out over the next few weeks. I came across four packs of dishcloths at marshalls for just $2. I bought three packs (a total of twelve towels). I knew I couldn't beat the price (even if I had gotten them at the dollar store) and I liked that they were a solid color to make removing stains easier. I also loved that I didn't have to do any sewing.

My mother in law offered to let me use her snap tool to add snaps to the paper towels. (You can also find them online for about $15.) It was a really simple process and was actually a relaxing way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I will probably still buy one role of disposables a week because sometimes they are just nice to have in the house.

Here is how I did it:

I set up on the deck so that I could soak in some afternoon sun.

These were all of the supplies that I needed

This is a close up of the gun as I pinched the snap into place.

It is about the same size as a regular roll of paper towels.

I didn't have a free standing paper towel holder and happened to find this one (for $4) in the clearance aisle of marshalls on the same day that I found the towels. That brought this whole project to a total of $10... the same amount that I would spend for just two weeks worth of disposable paper towels!