How do you use a Dollar Tree paper towel holder?

Dollar Tree paper towel holders provide an inexpensive and convenient way to store and dispense paper towels in your home. While very simple in design, there are some useful tips to get the most out of these handy little organizers.

Types of Dollar Tree Paper Towel Holders

Dollar Tree carries a few different styles of paper towel holders:

  • Free Standing – These stand upright on a counter or tabletop. They typically have a weighted circular base and an upright pole with space for a paper towel roll.
  • Over the Door – Designed to hook over a door or cabinet door. Has space for one or two paper towel rolls.
  • Under Shelf – Made to mount underneath a shelf or cabinet with provided hardware. Holds one roll.
  • Wall Mounted – Installs directly onto a wall with provided hardware. Holds one roll.

Choosing a Location

Pick an ideal spot when deciding where to place your new Dollar Tree paper towel holder:

  • Kitchen – Mount near the stove, sink or prep areas where you use towels frequently for cleaning and drying hands.
  • Garage or Workshop – Place on a wall or shelf near your work station to conveniently wipe up messes.
  • Bathroom – Install near the sink to dry hands and wipe up splashes.
  • Laundry Room – Keep near the washing machine to clean up drips and spills.

Make sure your location allows easy access to the paper towels and avoids interfering with drawers or cabinets that need to open. Also check that wall mounted holders have studs or solid backing to securely attach to if not using provided adhesives.

Loading the Paper Towels

Dollar Tree paper towel holders are designed to fit standard size paper towel rolls up to 11″ high. Brands like Bounty, Brawny, Sparkle, and Dollar Tree’s Assured work perfectly.

Follow these simple steps to load a new paper towel roll:

  1. Open the dispenser by unhinging or sliding any locking mechanism.
  2. Remove the empty cardboard tube from the center.
  3. Insert a new paper towel roll over the pole or bar.
  4. Pull the first sheet over the edge or through the slit to start.
  5. Close the dispenser and lock it back into place if needed.

Arrange the roll so it unrolls from the bottom rather than the top to make dispensing easier. If your holder has space for two rolls, load one with the flap facing inwards and the other facing outwards to indicate which one to use next.

Troubleshooting Jamming

Paper towel rolls can sometimes catch inside the dispenser causing annoying jams. To troubleshoot a jam:

  1. Open the dispenser completely to expose the jammed area.
  2. Carefully tear off the stuck section of towel.
  3. Remove any torn pieces still caught in the dispenser.
  4. Make sure the next section of towel feeds cleanly through the slit before closing.

You can help prevent future jams by making sure not to overfill the dispenser which puts pressure on the roll. Also be careful not to tear off towels along the serrated edges.

Maintenance Tips

Dollar Tree paper towel holders are low maintenance, but follow these tips to keep them working and looking their best:

  • Wipe down the outside with a damp sponge or cloth to remove dust and splatters as needed.
  • Use a dry paper towel to soak up any moisture that collects inside.
  • Wash plastic and metal pieces with mild soap and water if very dirty.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals or scrubbing that can damage the finish.
  • Check adhesive mounts yearly and reapply if becoming loose.

Hanging Options for Over the Door Styles

Dollar Tree’s over the door paper towel holders come with either adhesive strips or over-the-door hooks to hang.

To use the provided adhesive:

  1. Clean the door surface thoroughly where you will place the holder.
  2. Let the area dry completely.
  3. Remove the adhesive backing and press the holder firmly onto the door for 30 seconds.

For over-the-door hooks:

  1. Place the holder right side up just below the top of the door.
  2. Mark where the hooks will go using a pencil.
  3. Use a drill to screw each hook into the door.
  4. Hang the holder from the secured hooks.

Position the holder close enough to the top of the door so it doesn’t bounce around but allows clearance to open properly. Make sure the door swings freely without catching.

Conclusion

Dollar Tree’s paper towel holders provide an inexpensive and straightforward solution for keeping towels organized and accessible. Follow these usage tips to maximize convenience, avoid jams, and keep your holder working optimally. With proper placement and care, a Dollar Tree paper towel holder can serve your household well for years.