In some homes, the kitchen always looks ready for company, even on an ordinary day. Nina Derwin from The Kitchn grew up in a place like that, where her parents kept everything spotless and her mom seemed to have a clever cleaning hack for every situation. That’s why one small detail threw her off when she noticed it again and again. A single paper towel was always sitting on the kitchen floor near the sink and the dishwasher.
At first, she assumed it was trash that had fallen and she tossed it out. Then it reappeared in the exact same spot, like a tiny mystery that refused to go away. Eventually she asked her mother what was going on, expecting some simple explanation. What she got instead was a surprisingly practical routine that was protecting their kitchen floor.
The paper towel wasn’t there by accident, and it wasn’t being forgotten. Derwin’s mom treated it as a dedicated “floor paper towel” for quick cleanup when little drips of water end up on the ground. After washing hands, rinsing produce, or loading dishes, a few drops can land right where you step, and they often go unnoticed. Instead of grabbing a fresh towel or bending down every time, she keeps one ready and uses her foot to dab up the moisture in seconds.
It might sound odd until you consider the kind of flooring many kitchens have. Her mom explained that about a decade earlier, they renovated and installed laminate. Only later did she learn that laminate isn’t truly waterproof, and standing water can cause boards to swell, warp, or buckle over time. Once she realized moisture was the enemy, she started treating every stray drop like something worth dealing with immediately.
There’s another benefit that has nothing to do with flooring at all. Water on a smooth kitchen surface can be a slipping hazard, especially in the busy zone between the sink, dishwasher, and counter. A quick wipe reduces the chance of someone stepping on a damp spot and losing their footing. In that sense, the little towel acts like a quiet safety measure as much as a cleaning shortcut.
Of course, a paper towel on the floor comes with its own caution. If it slides around or blends into the floor, it could create a trip or slip risk, particularly for kids, older family members, or anyone rushing through the kitchen. If you want to try the idea, it helps to let everyone in the house know it’s there and to consider picking it up before bedtime or when the kitchen is empty for the night.
Have you ever spotted a “weird” household habit that turned out to be genius, or do you have a kitchen-saving trick of your own? Share your thoughts in the comments.
