crazy about cloth napkins
One of the best parts of my eco-quest (a desire to live as manageably green* as possible) has been the switch from paper napkins to cloth ones. We did this about three years ago and have not had paper napkins at our breakfast, lunch, snack or dinner table since. Sadly, we do not yet have critical mass in cloth napkins to cover one of our parties, but I’m working on it!
I was folding these red-checked napkins last night and was struck by how well they’ve held up. I had to check my Etsy account this morning to see how old they are because they look the same, wash after wash (and they get laundered at least 52 times a year). These beauties are from June 2009 and look as if they’ll last for many years to come. They get daily use at our house (fruit, chocolate, berry shakes, etc.) and still look great. Of course, this is because I always launder them in cold water so as not to set any stains (I learned this the hard way with some beautiful, white Williams-Sonoma napkins).
I’m planning to order more soon (note that fabric choices always vary with Etsy vendors) and thought I’d share my source in case you are interested:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62975306/unbleached-organic-cotton-flannel
FYI, patterns are usually better choices than solids – you can reuse them once or twice without noticing the food stains…
Happy Eco Journey!
*Note that it is very difficult to be completely green so we’ve settled for what’s manageable and practical.
I’m curious what your routine is for storing the used napkins until you wash them. I had a basket I’d toss them in, then I realized the basket was growing mold… =( So trying to figure out what to do instead. Thanks!
We hang any wet ones on the plastic laundry basket in the garage and have not noticed mold issues; dry ones are usually tossed in a corner near the garage door! I collect them when I walk out there. Whatever is dirty gets thrown in with weekend laundry (one thing to look forward to when your boys are older – less frequent clothes washing!).