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Please help me decide about cloth napkins  

Poll Results: Which napkins should I keep?

 
  • 75% (9)
    Green/Almost sage color-100% cotton-MIC-3$ for 4 napkins
  • 16% (2)
    Slightly bluer than the color above-87% Viscose/13% polyester-Made in India-3$ for 4 napkins
  • 0% (0)
    Brown-65% polyester/35% cotton-MIC-$2.50 for 4 napkins
  • 0% (0)
    Red-65% polyester/35% cotton-MIC 2.50 for 4 napkins
  • 8% (1)
    Other-please explain!
12 Total Votes  
post #1 of 6
3/2/08 at 9:23pm
Thread Starter 
I've decided to make the switch to cloth napkins. I know it would be best to find them at thrift stores or make my own, but I'm not quite there yet. I found some on clearance at Target, but I can't decide what to keep. Does it matter what they're made of (I won't be ironing them)? What's a good color (they're all solid)? How many would you recommend for a family of two? Here are my options.
post #2 of 6
3/2/08 at 9:32pm
If you want them to actually be absorbant, you need to go with natural fibers. Polyester is great for resisting stains- because it will keep the fiber from absorbing anything in the first place!

Rayon is a processed natural fiber, soft and silky on clothing but much more delicate than cotton- IMO not a good choice for every day/all purpose napkins. I think they'll stain more easily because you won't be able to wash them as vigorously.
post #3 of 6
3/2/08 at 10:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruthla View Post
If you want them to actually be absorbant, you need to go with natural fibers. Polyester is great for resisting stains- because it will keep the fiber from absorbing anything in the first place!
:

I would definitely do more cotton than poly if you do a blend, for absorption. We like our cotton, but we do have some staining. I don't really care when it's just us at home, but I wouldn't pull those out for company.

As for how many, that depends on whether you plan to use once and throw in the wash or reuse until "dirty." Also will depend on how often you do laundry and what you are willing to wash them with. I know that doesn't really answer you question, but should at least give you a few things to consider.
post #4 of 6
3/3/08 at 10:42am
Thread Starter 
So it sounds like cotton with absorb better, but will also stain and wrikle more. Is that right?
Thanks for the thoughts. Keep them coming!
post #5 of 6
3/3/08 at 11:11am
I personally do not make a distinction between MIC and MII, and I don't know what color your kitchen / living room / dining set is, so I didn't vote, but I second the wrinkliness and stainability of cotton. I have white cotton napkins and I am very sorry I bought them.

We are a family of three, including one baby, and we get by just fine with eight. I don't wash every day- I wash every other day- so we do need more than one per person.
post #6 of 6
3/3/08 at 7:49pm
I would go with the ones made in India.
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