So, awhile back I told everyone about how I'd switched to Method products for my every-day household cleaning. Remember that, so long ago? I like their products because they don't leave behind heavy fumes and they are biodegradable so they don't pollute the drain-water (which is already polluted enough) which later becomes our drinking water. I also just really like what Method does as a company.
I'm all about getting back to the basics. There are some things that I won't budge on, such as disposable diapers, but I try to keep things pretty au-naturale around baby c. We use chlorine, propylene glycole, and scent free wipes. We use chlorine free diapers. When she gets a bath, we use eco-friendly (not to be confused with organic) lotions and soaps, which have even helped thus far with her skin allergies. You get the picture.
Which is why I've been hanging over at Method Lust, where Nathan posts about the daily goings-ons at Method. He's a similar minded-guy, who is trying to cut down on his foot-print on the Earth.
Recently, Nathan has challenged both himself and others to cut down on the amount of paper towels used by using microfiber cloths or other reuseable cloths to replace them in three months. Now, knitters are fantastic at making all sorts of items, including my favorite, the dishcloth. When Rick and I moved into our house a couple of years ago (has it really been that long?) I knit up quite a few of them, which we have used for all sorts of crazy purposes. Honestly, we've worn out/burnt/misplaced/spread around the house so many of them that I've recently had to start knitting more to replace them!
So here's the idea: I am going to knit three washcloths this next week and the week after to give away to the person who posts the most unique and unusual use for their reusable cloths/dishcloths. But spread the word! Post about it on your blog (if you have one) and leave me a comment here, or if you don't have a blog, just post it here. Rick and I will decide on the winner of the washcloths on October 24th.
13 comments:
Hey! I've added this to method lust! Sounds like FUN! Thanks for adding to the challenge!
If you are into hand knit dishcloths, make sure you also check out Tawashi's. These little scrubbies are great on dishes- not to mention cute and fun to knit or crochet.
I'm not sure I use my dishcloths for anything too bizarre. We don't buy paper towels or napkins as a rule, so all of your everyday paper uses are being done by the hand knit items.
I guess cleaning the car is my entry.
Great challenge - there is a pattern here on ravelry:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ballband-dishcloth-reusable-swiffer-cover
for the ballband dishcloth used as a replacement for a swifer sheet - i just love that idea! It can be used wet or dry and then thrown in the wash!
I am a newbie to the washcloth arena. I have been using bar towels instead. I must knit one up to see what I am missing. The thought of cutting into clothing and accessory knitting time is one of my dishcloth mental blocks. I know that sounds weird.
I'm not very unique, but I rarely use a paper towel. We use knitted dishcloths or hand towels for almost everything! Not sure of the ecological impact of washing things, but it feels better. Bev
I saw your post on the SWAK board! This isn't something I use dishcloths for, though many people do. I take an ankle length gym sock that has lost its mate and I cut along the top of the foot so that it opens up flat and I have an instant swiffer wipe! It's the perfect size to wrap around the swiffer so it makes a nice, tight fit, and I can just throw it in the washer when it gets really gross.
Also I use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean with. It's very cheap and no harsh chemicals. I rarely make dishcloths because there's always something else I want to knit.
i also do not think i use them for anything too strange. So love handknit washcloths though! Use them throughout the house, from scrubbing the shower, in the kitchen, scrubbing my face....maybe the strangest would be to wipe down the stray stalker kitty when she comes in out of the rain (she has adopted us). Been green as long as i can remember and love how it has so taken off!
I hope that this doesn't post twice b/c my comment got lost before. We use kitchen cloths for cleaning water off of our wooden kitchen floors, wiping up cat puke and cleaning wet-erase marker off of our to-do list. I also recommend the reusable swiffer covers.
I think the most unusual thing that happens to our dishcloths is that our daughter loves to play with them, waving them in front of her face, rubbing them on the floor, while ignoring all of her blinky, noise-making toys . . . obviously she only plays w/the clean cloths.
Great challenge!
My alternate use was too long a story to write here, so check out my blog to get the scoop.
Well, nothing too bizarre at my house, but I've recently got my fiance trained that blue (and only blue) cloths are ok for harsh cleaning, and that the towels right by the washer are for dog stuff. I've been knitting market bags too, so it's my 'a little bit at a time' approach.
I would use my washcloth at my job, Camp Bow Wow, a Daycamp and Overnight Boarding place for dogs. I am always cleaning. We have gone echo friendly at Camp, largely due to our own green initiative, but also in part at the request of our clients. The washcloth would give me a reusable cloth to rinse/wash and reuse in cleaning up after over 50 dogs. Our front desk is always a mess. This sure would come in handy and help get my employees to stop using paper towels.
We have always used cloth napkins and towels. In fact, we used dishtowels as changing table covers when our child was in diapers and same child brings a cloth napkin to and from school each day for snack/lunch time.
Handknit dishcloths are really good for cleaning mirrors and windows - low streaking and linting. Also, they are GREAT for polishing shoes.
I love Method. I use some of their products and then the good ol' fashioned vinegar and such. I even use reusable rags and instead of fabric softener sheet, I use a washcloth soaked and dried with method fab softener. Works wonderfully.
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