25+ Creative Ways to Use Cloth Napkins That Don’t Require Any Cooking or Hosting

Cloth napkins are not just for looks or to wipe the mayonnaise off our faces. There are many uses for these eco-friendly alternatives to paper napkins and tissues! This list of ways to use cloth napkins will stir your imagination on how to be more sustainable in many areas of your life.

Reasons to Use Cloth Napkins

If you’re like me, you’re always keeping a lookout for more sustainable options you can put into the rotation of your daily routine. For instance, cloth napkins are a great eco swap. Now, that doesn’t mean you’re never allowed to use paper napkins again! This is about making small changes that lead to more environmentally-friendly routines, but always with imperfection. We’re humans!

And of all the humans eco-swapping out things, I’m probably one of the worst when it comes to grabbing for the paper products. We all forget and sometimes we have to use what’s convenient at the moment. You’re NOT a bad person if you do this!

But just thinking about cloth napkins as an alternative and even using them part of the time is much better than none of the time! Read on to find out why it’s important to swap in the cloth napkins WHEN YOU CAN.

This post is all about using cloth napkins as an eco swap!

Less Waste

When you get into the habit of using cloth napkins, you’ll have less of a need to stock up on the disposable paper types. You’re plopping less in the landfill, my friend, and that is a very good thing!

Reduce Carbon Footprint

By using more cloth napkins, you’re lessening the need for more paper napkin purchases, which just might lead to less production in the long run. This reduces your carbon footprint…and puts more money in your purse!

Reusable for Years

Cloth napkins last forever. Yes, they may fade and fray over time, but those multiple, repeated uses save thousands of paper towels from being tossed in the trash. I even wash my cloth napkins on hot and they are still going strong. (Note: Cold washes are always more eco-friendly, but sometimes you’ve got to sanitize!)

Craft Projects

You can create lots of fun items and gifts with cloth napkins! I’ve included a list at the end of this post!

Get Your Fancy On

Your table automatically looks more elegant and upscale with cloth napkins. It’s like a dinner party versus a picnic! (Though, you could use cloth napkins there, too!)

Ways to Use Old Cloth Napkins

Cold Pack for Headaches & Other Pains

I get lots of migraines. Migraines are really stupid! And I use cold packs to help soothe my head. Cloth napkins have the perfect thickness to wrap up the packs so that they don’t freeze your face off, but can also bring out that comforting chill!

Dust Cloths

Dust is persistent, as we all know. And those old cloth napkins are perfect for tabletop touch-ups and such!

Wipe the Kitchen Counters

This is pretty self-explanatory, but cloth napkins can help you avoid using paper towels, just like Swedish dishcloths do.

Dry Your China or Glassware

I use my cloth napkins as little drying mats for wine glasses and other delicate dishware.

Gift Wrap

Wrap smaller gifts, like jewelry, makeup, neckties, tiny toys, and treats…and tie with a ribbon or string. Instant reusable gift wrap!

Little Cloth Travel Bags

If you sew, you can create cute cloth storage bags with old cotton or linen napkins. Attach a button or snap closure and you’ve got a new bag for makeup brushes, tissues, or a mini first aid kit.

I’m so glad you’re here.
Here, on this page, motivated to make changes
that are better for the environment, animals,
and the ones you love.

Here, on this wildly marvelous earth, being you,
being someone who cares about things
that affect not just yourself,
but those you may never know.

Here. Right here. Right now.

Kat Stano

Placemats

Incorporate your cloth napkins into your table settings! Especially if you have kids, your old cotton napkins can help protect the table and double as bibs!

Handkerchiefs

Keep a cloth napkin in your purse or bag to dab your nose or wipe away tears.

Bread Bowl Liners or Covers

Cloth napkins keep that fresh loaf of bread for the table toasty and warm! They can also be great covers for plates or dishes at an outdoor gathering.

Toaster Cover

I’m a little paranoid about things falling through the cracks of the toaster or crumbs attracting unwanted critters. First of all, unplug toaster and then shake out all the crumbs you can. Cover the top of your toaster with a cloth napkin to deter pests or even dust!

Note: Always turn off your toaster, unplug it, and let it cool down before placing any cloth covers over the top. This will help prevent fires, which can get out of control fast. Stay extra safe, friends!

Alternative to Bubble Wrap

I like to wrap delicate or fragile Christmas decorations in old cloth napkins and tea towels. It could also work for packing dishes or other breakable items when moving or just putting away in storage.

Craft Projects

If you can sew or do other crafts, cloth napkins are great for making all kinds of things:

• Pocket squares for men’s jackets
• Jewelry pouches
• Doll clothes
• Small stuffed animals
• Dog toys
• Pieces for a patchwork quilt
• Christmas ornaments
• Headbands
• Tassel keychains
• Pet bowties or scarves
• Ribbons for gifts
• Cloth bookmarks
• DIY burp cloths
• Pretty wrap around the base of a wedding bouquet
• Passport cover or business card holder
• Throw pillow shams
• Pennant banner (You could cover cardboard pieces with fabric!)
• Face masks (Not hoping for another pandemic, but you get the idea!)

While I can’t sew a thing, I know some of you can, so go for it! There’s something really satisfying in creating a new item from materials you already have.

And this is really what this whole post is about: reusing, repurposing, reimagining, and rethinking some choices so that we can make more informed ones in the future.

Where to Buy the Best Cloth Napkins

I’ve seen cloth napkins everywhere, from thrift stores to online home shops.

You can also put out a request on The Buy Nothing Project in your neighborhood to see if anyone is giving away their cloth table napkins. This is a free way to procure some amazing finds!

Other ideas on where to find reusable napkins:

• Estate sales
• Antique shops
• Yard sales
• Christmas markets
• T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, or Target
• Your friends or family

How to Wash Cloth Napkins

If many mouths will be using these napkins, I’d machine wash in at least WARM, but maybe HOT, especially if someone has been sick with a cold or the flu.

Now, for more decorative purposes, washing on COLD is probably fine and will keep your cloth napkins lasting longer and more vibrant.

It also depends on the type of fabric. Cotton napkins are probably more durable than linen cloth napkins but, alas, I’m not a textiles expert!

I use laundry soap sheets for my detergent, which is super easy. It won’t take even a whole sheet to run a load of cloth napkins (unless you have, like, A LOT of cloth napkins!).

I usually just toss mine in the dryer but, depending on the fabric of your washable napkins, air drying might work and is more eco-friendly!

How to Make Healthy Choices for Your World and Healing Choices for the Planet

• Prep ahead of time: Usually we’re going for the convenient, but single-use item when there’s no other option immediately available. Examples of prepping in advance:
  • Bring your reusable drinking straw on road trips (I forget this one a lot, unfortunately🫣).
  • Have a packing list for a trip.
  • Save mini bottles that can be used for travel shampoo and body wash.
  • Stow a reusable food container in your bag to avoid Styrofoam containers for restaurant leftovers.
  • Organize your home so you know where your supplies are, so you’re not buying duplicates. (I know, I know, easier said than done!)
• Pause for a sec before buying an item you may not need: See if you have an equivalent or something repurpose-able at home first!
• Get curious about packaging: If you can buy a product in glass versus plastic, that’s even better! For example, I buy Oui* dairy-free yogurt in a glass container with a foil top…and have abandoned plastic yogurt containers for good!

*If you’ve read any of my other posts, you might’ve noticed I’m in love with Oui yogurt jars. And apparently everyone else is, too! You can even buy bamboo lids for them here.

Conclusion: Cloth Napkins

I’m so glad you’re here. Here, on this page, motivated to make changes that are better for the environment, animals, and the ones you love. Here, on this wildly marvelous earth, being you, being someone who cares about things that affect not just yourself, but those you may never know. Here. Right here. Right now.

Whatever eco swaps you do, whether it be cloth napkins, glass jars, or bamboo toothbrushes, it’s really about a mindset. And don’t forget: Nothing is perfect so you don’t have to be either! We’re all trying to do our best in a very busy and bureaucratic world.

Let me know in the comments anything in this post that renewed a spark in your heart! I’d love to hear from you!

My Favorite Eco Swaps

• Face cream in a gorgeous amber glass jar and aluminum lid: Tiny candles inside these repurposed jars make such a soothing, magical glow.
• Face moisturizer in a glass container (does have a plastic lid): This is such a quality brand. I love their eye cream, too!
• Swedish dish cloths: When you can skip the paper towel, these are great eco swaps!
• Oui yogurt! I get the dairy-free with coconut milk at my grocery store and no longer buy yogurt cased in plastic. You can also get bamboo lids when you’re ready to reuse them for storage!
• Stainless steel drinking straw: I kid you not, these feel better to drink out of than the regular, ol’ plastic ones.
• Bamboo toilet paper: This brand wraps their rolls in the prettiest papers, so they’re more sanitary AND look cute displayed! I have a teensy, tiny bathroom, so I have to store mine on the wall😁
• Gift tags: I just make mine out of greeting cards, wrapping paper, or stationery. If you have good penmanship, you could write a to/from right on the paper wrap!
• Stickers: You know those free address labels you get in the mail when you donate to a good cause? They usually have cute pictures on them! Cut out the image and use as a fun, little sticker on an envelope or in a scrapbook.

Candy Jar

1. Oui dairy-free yogurt jar
2. Bamboo lid
3. Baker’s twine
4. Little bell I repurposed from a wedding send-off wand
5. Stickers from address labels
6. Unreal chocolates: These are SO good! They use the colors from natural veggies to dye the candies. A healthier option!

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