Is this a dumb idea?

**LastDragonfly** · 09-16-2006, 09:44 PM

I need some feedback. As you know we are on-site property managers for a small multi-family property. Well, our housing, and utilities are paid for so, I am trying to find ways to become frugal other than cutting back on utilities.

I've gone through all my receipts for the last 6 months trying to find ways to save here and there. I found that I spend almost $100 per year in paper napkins and paper towels. Well, I think I could save by using cloth napkins. I went to Big Lots and the cloth napkins were quite expensive, but the cute dishcloths were 5/$5. I bought 3 pkgs. cut them in half and now I have 30 really cute napkins. Well, my family smirked a little, then of course tried to back track when they saw it hurt my feelings, but I just think it's not too bad of an idea.

Do you think this is dumb or should I just consider that I've got 30 new dishrags?

**kabin63** · 09-16-2006, 09:54 PM

Sorry they responded that way Misti. I don't think it's a dumb idea at all.

**amysh** · 09-16-2006, 09:56 PM

I think it's a great idea. (Although I have a 14 year old who I would be thrilled if he would use ANY napkin, paper or cloth!

Anyway, I don't use paper towels hardly at all anymore, and I buy the cheapest napkins I can find. Sometimes we all use cloth, and I actually prefer cloth napkins (seems more fancy to me).

I wish I could get my husband on board with NOT using paper towels - he will use them to dry his hands, and doesn't understand my irritation. I use them mostly when cleaning up cat (or dog!) puke and if I ever make a really ooky mess in the kitchen (like the time I dropped an egg).

Amy

**autumnlynn** · 09-16-2006, 10:53 PM

I think that is a good idea. Saves money and is good for the environment!! I also like cloth napkins.

**LastDragonfly** · 09-16-2006, 11:14 PM

Thanks ladies. I just think if someone else is paying for my water and electricity, why shouldn't I save that $100 and get rid of debt equal to the $$ I save?

I am trying to be frugal with my utilities because I know someday when we have a place of our own I will need to already know how to be frugal instead of trying to learn. And of course I need to teach my kids how to be frugal so when they get out on their own it won't be so hard for them.

**celina** · 09-17-2006, 09:01 AM

i use face cloths at the table...they wipe better and with a 5yr old and 3 yr old, they're real absorbant...whatever works...

**3-boys-4-me** · 09-17-2006, 11:19 AM

I think it's a great idea. Next time they pick fun at you, whip out the $100 you're saving with your frugal idea. Bet they won't think it's so funny then.

I think it's such a great idea, I am going to do the same. When we're out of napkins (I always buy the cheapest I can find), I am going to follow in your footsteps and put your idea into place. So, thanks for the idea...it's a great one!

**DixieJ** · 09-17-2006, 11:46 AM

I think it's terrific idea. That's something I'm planning on doing as well. Growing up my mother always used cloth napins. She sewed a lot so she used the scrap fabric to make napkins. I think I'm going to check the $1 a yard fabric at Wal Mart to see if any of it would be suitable for napkins. I figure I could get quite a few napkins out of a yard of fabric.

Dixie Jean

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 09-17-2006, 11:51 AM

I agree with everyone eles, wonderful idea! I use cloth napkins I've come across in clean outs and have them for all sorts of hoildays and times of the year. Also they were a great teaching tool when DD started to learn to iron. She wanted something to iron and napkins are small enought to have instant results.
We also use old wah clothes, dead towels and dead terry cloth bathrobes in place of paper towels. Work great for all type of messes.

Laurie in Bradenton

**babetteq** · 09-17-2006, 11:59 AM

I think it's a great idea. Next time they mock you, charge them 100$. That should get their attention. What would they use $100 for? or would they just toss it in the trash? Might make them think twice. Besides, you got cute ones. I'd be inclined to tear up and hem an old flannel sheet! They should consider themselves lucky!

babs

**couponchic** · 09-17-2006, 12:41 PM

I think that is a great idea.

**guest32** · 09-17-2006, 01:12 PM

As an aside.....if you still don't want to do cloth, an inexpensive alternative is to buy paper products (napkins) at a restaurant supply outlet. I shop at ours a lot! I also just purchase bar stools for our island. The vintage chrome type with blacks seats, for 28.50 each!!!

**betharoo0** · 09-17-2006, 02:08 PM

its a good idea. I do the same

At walmart in the dishtowel section they have a pack of 30 of Utility clothes(?can't remember the exact name) for 5.00. I use these as napkins, spills,wipe dirty faces, etc.... my dh was kinda the same, so I bought some paper stuff when company comes.

**LastDragonfly** · 09-17-2006, 02:37 PM

Thanks ladies for your honest feedback. I knew I could count on the frugal goddesses' to tell me if my idea was a hit or miss.

DH and I talked and I reminded him remember when we didn't buy napkins and paper towels? He said, "THAT'S BECAUSE WE WERE POOR". I told him I didn't want napkins and paper towels to be my symbol of affluence. LOL

Actually, he's better I guess now that we've (he's) slept on the idea.

Thanks y'all! You are awesomely inspiring.

**marei** · 09-17-2006, 03:24 PM

I haven't bought a paper napkin for the house in probably fifteen years - maybe more. The first thing I did was cut up some old 50's pattern tablecloths that my mom had and sat and hemmed them as I watched tv - did that twice and when they last lot was looking pretty grotty I bought a package of white facecloths really cheap, can't remember how much or how many but they were dirt cheap and am now using them. I also never buy paper towels, if they aren't there people can't use them. I cut up old t-shirts, sweatshirts, sheets - whatever - and never run out. LOL