Where to get washcloths?

[MaddieMay]

We want to make the big switch to using cloth instead of paper towels. We're doing a little bit now, but we definitely don't have enough. Where do you find semi-inexpensive, good quality washcloths? How many do you buy? I plan on doing one color for food stuff, another for cleaning. Any other tips?

Thanks!

[chel]

we just use the cheapest pack from Wal-Mart:
Really it's not that much abuse so look for cheap.
dd is 6 and we are still using her butt wipes for bath washclothes (they're white).
In the kitchen we use washclothes as napkins. I really like have a dark color so tough stains (tomato/cocoa) don't show.
For cleaning I will grab whatever wipe is handy as we dust with just a damp cloth and use vinegar for windows, dish soap for counters (we're a non-meat household).
I use brushes in the bathroom for the nasty chemicals.

[artemis33]

I've purchased inexpensive packages at Target and Fred Meyer. I agree it is worth having 2 distinct colors for kitchen vs. cleaning if you can. I know which ones are which, but my DH gets confused since ours are multicolored and I have sometimes seen him using a cloth I *knew* I had cleaned something nasty with in the kitchen!

Also consider that you could also use old cut up towels and t-shirts - especially for cleaning. I now use those for the worst of the worst jobs and sometimes just toss them afterwards (not for everyday cleaning, but if it is something that won't wash out well or is really gross).

For napkins, I have acquired many over the years at yard sales and thrift stores - plus a couple of nicer sets I reserve for when we have guests. Some of them are older and stained now, so we use those as our "everyday" ones.

[UlrikeDG]

I've seen them near the sponges at my local grocery store. I made some last year when I was learning to knit. They go fairly fast, and they're a good way to practice new techniques without being over whelmed by a large project. Worst case, you have an ugly rag, instead of a pretty one.

You could also check the sale table at the fabric store and make your own that way.

Growing up, my family always had a "rag bag" full of worn out t-shirts, etc, which could be cut up to use for rags whenever someone needed one. The t-shirt rags didn't even need to be hemmed.

[baileyandmikey]

target sells three to five in a pack for 1.38. really a great deal and they wash nicely.