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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Apr 30, 2020 0:33:26 GMT
Cloth knapkin user for over 20 years. I have found that the more the knapkin is used and washed, the softer it gets. Almost like breaking it in. One thing I have found to cut down on wrinkles (because I'm not going to iron them except for special occasions) is to shake them out when you transfer from washer to dryer. This one little step really helps. Also, make sure you get them out of the dryer as soon as it finishes and fold them right away, hand smoothing as you go. I also ‘snap’ out the napkins (and anything of similar cotton or linen blends) with a hearty shake out of the washer into the dryer. That makes a big difference in potential wrinkling. Folding while warm and hand pressing the wrinkles out takes care of all the rest. I have lots of sets of cloth napkins - both formal and informal. Some are workhorses and never really stain or wear. Others are constantly finicky. Eh. But I like the variety to mix and match with china patterns to set an interesting table. We don’t use them for every meal. But I love having the option. If I’m going to put lots of effort into my food, why would I not want to take a little extra care with the table setting? |
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Post by chaosisapony on Apr 30, 2020 1:19:15 GMT
I've been using cloth napkins for about 12 years now. They're great. Mine are homemade so they match my kitchen decor. I also have holiday ones. I like darker colors with small patterns so if they stain it's not immediately noticeable.
Mine get washed with my weekly load of towels. I don't iron them and because of that some are wrinkly but that doesn't bother me.
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Post by refugeepea on Apr 30, 2020 2:07:15 GMT
Every cloth napkin I have tried/encountered either aren't absorbent at all or get super wrinkly when washed. Anyone have any specific recommendations? I would love to cut back on my paper towel use. I bought a bunch on clearance once and they weren't as absorbent as well. You'd wipe your hands and mouth on them, and it felt like the food was smearing across the napkin if that makes sense. It felt like such a waste of money. I also wonder how much more laundry I will be doing too. I have a very messy child. I live in a state with a desert climate. Is it worse using more water or putting more in a landfill? 
I don't care about stains or wrinkles. Just that they work as well as paper towels and napkins. I'd love some specific recommendations as well.
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Post by lucyg on Apr 30, 2020 2:18:01 GMT
Every cloth napkin I have tried/encountered either aren't absorbent at all or get super wrinkly when washed. Anyone have any specific recommendations? I would love to cut back on my paper towel use. I bought a bunch on clearance once and they weren't as absorbent as well. You'd wipe your hands and mouth on them, and it felt like the food was smearing across the napkin if that makes sense. It felt like such a waste of money. I also wonder how much more laundry I will be doing too. I have a very messy child. I live in a state with a desert climate. Is it worse using more water or putting more in a landfill?
I don't care about stains or wrinkles. Just that they work as well as paper towels and napkins. I'd love some specific recommendations as well.
Be sure you’re getting 100% cotton. It sounds like the ones you got might have been heavy on the polyester. All cotton should be soft and absorbent (after an initial wash and dry). |
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Post by betsyg on Apr 30, 2020 2:25:56 GMT
I use the cloth napkins from Norwex. They launder beautifully, never wrinkle.
I know that “M”. Are you a Redskin or a Redhawk? I graduated in 94.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Apr 30, 2020 2:28:37 GMT
Another source for those looking to buy cloth napkins. Look at vintage ones that you can find at estate sales and thrift stores. Anything from the 30's-50's is going to be cotton or linen, and the quality will be excellent at a lower cost than new ones. I've found some beautiful ones over the years that we use. The linen do have to be pressed, but to be honest, I press all my napkins so that isn't an issue for me.
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FurryP
Drama Llama
To pea or not to pea...
Posts: 6,963
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 19:58:26 GMT
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Post by FurryP on Apr 30, 2020 2:29:52 GMT
Like how much Dawn? Is a quarter cup too much? A few tablespoons full? I would not want the washer to get too soapy. Yeah, a quarter of a cup would probably create a mess. I don’t measure, I just squirt a ring around the tub of my top loader machine. It’s usually just a small load so it’s not much different than if you would fill a large sink to do dishes. I suggest you start with a small amount and see how it goes. I have never had a front loader so I am not sure how that would work. Ok thanks. That makes total sense. Mine is not a front loader either. |
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tracylynn
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,861 
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Post by tracylynn on Apr 30, 2020 2:36:55 GMT
I have homemade ones from my mom, two sets. One is sunflowers, the other is dogs. I don't worry about staining as you can't see them. They are one layer, with hemmed edges. If you flatten, then fold them out of the dryer, the wrinkles aren't a bug deal. And honestly, I'm just not that picky.
It takes me months to go through a roll of paper towels.
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MissChris
Full Member
Posts: 370
Jul 14, 2014 0:46:04 GMT
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Post by MissChris on Apr 30, 2020 3:21:24 GMT
Believe it or not, but I have a somewhat sentimental story about cloth napkins. I was living in AZ when my grandmother, who lived in CA died. I flew up to CA and stayed with a lovely lady named Sharon, who was my mom's childhood friend. Sharon always had breakfast ready for my husband and me when we got up in the morning and always had cloth napkins set out on the table. I made a comment to her about it and she said some meals can be so mundane and routine, but cloth napkins tend to make it a bit more special. After a week of taking care of my grandma's estate, when I was ready to leave she gave me eight beautiful antique linen napkins. She told me to make sure I use them and don't save them for special occasions, as every meal has the potential to be special. Ever since then I've picked up old linen napkins from antique stores and have taken her advice by using them at almost every meal.
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