This Mom's Paper Towel Hack For Dealing With Messy Kitchen Floors May Be What You Need

Have you ever noticed how much water your kitchen floor can actually collect over the course of a day? A few drops from washing hands, a drip that falls off a plate while loading the dishwasher, or a wet dog running through the kitchen from the backyard all add up. There's one surprisingly simple paper towel hack that makes cleaning the kitchen a breeze. You place a paper towel on the floor to catch moisture as soon as it appears. It is so brilliantly simple and effective — of course a mom thought of it!

It is actually very easy to miss the little water drips that hit the floor while cooking or washing up, but they're also the ones most likely to be left behind. Water can sit for hours in high-traffic areas, like around the sink and dishwasher, causing subtle but ongoing damage. A lot of kitchen floor materials don't handle moisture very well, especially laminate floors. Even small patches of water shouldn't be ignored. It can cause big problems like warping, swelling, or rotting, and repairing water damage is not a small or (often) affordable task. Once you put a paper towel on the floor, it can absorb water immediately the second it lands, keeping the floor dry at all times.

To try this hack, simply place one or two paper towels on the floor in areas where you notice water collecting. This is an especially great trick for people who properly hand wash dishes, which is when water tends to get splashed around the sink and onto the floor. When you see droplets, use your foot to move the paper towel over them and wipe them up. You can either fold the paper in half for extra absorption or leave it open to cover more floor. It all depends on your specific needs. Replace the paper towel regularly — damp paper doesn't do a good job of soaking up water. For best protection, pair it with daily kitchen floor cleaning with a flat-headed spray mop or steamer.

Of course, this isn't a perfect fix, and one that's more often recommended by homeowners than cleaning experts. It doesn't replace regular cleaning and drying or specialist techniques like professional waterproofing. It also isn't ideal in homes with pets or toddlers, where paper towels on the floor are just asking to be picked and played with, chewed, or slipped on. However, it does provide a simple way to protect vulnerable flooring from spills without having to expend much energy in the moment. What may sound strange or even lazy at first glance is really just a brilliant addition to your kitchen cleaning routine.