Being eco-conscious is more than a state of mind—and a great place to start upgrading your home in terms of green living is in the kitchen. Beyond composting and preparing earth-friendly meals, using more environmentally sound décor, cookware, and cleaning supplies can help minimize waste and decrease a household’s carbon footprint.
Even the Environmental Protection Agency asserts that paper and cardboard waste, including paper towels, make up the largest percentage of waste materials in the United States. Restocking your cabinets with reusable paper towels will lighten landfill accumulation, help thwart deforestation, and save you money long-term. Plus, you won’t have to take out the garbage as often, and that’s a win in everyone’s book.
To help you find the best reusable paper towels for your kitchen, we tested them side by side and rated each on its material, absorbency, versatility, ease of cleaning, and overall value. We used them to pick up spills, wipe down glassware and dishware, clean mirrors and countertops, dry hands, and more.
Best Overall
Eparé Reusable Swedish Dishcloths
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- Super absorbant
- Unique prints
- Fully biodegradable and compostable
- Small
These Swedish dishcloths are made of 70 percent absorbent cellulose and 30 percent all-natural cotton that can soak up 20 times their weight in liquid. We tested them with all kinds of cleanup in the kitchen, but found them to work particularly well while doing dishes and wiping up spills thanks to the sponge-like texture. They dry out quickly for easy storage, so they’re even handy to keep on hand in case you run out of sponges and need a quick substitute. Perhaps best of all, they’re completely biodegradable, so you can just throw them in the compost bin once they’ve reached the end of their lives.
At 6.7 by 7.7 inches in size, they’re definitely on the smaller side, though they make up for it with several other features. Firstly, we love the different pattern choices available. They also come in packs of four or eight, so you can easily try them out or stock up on a larger quantity. Although they shrank a bit, they were easy to wash in the washing machine, but you shouldn’t put them in the dryer. As another perk, they didn’t hold on to any stains, even after using a few to wipe some spilled yellow curry off the counter.
What’s Included: (4) or (8) 7.7 x 6.7-inch Swedish dishcloths
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Best Design
Marley’s Monsters Rolled Unpaper Towels
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- Chic look
- Comes with a roll
- Easy to clean with other laundry
- Pricey
Handmade in Oregon, quality and care are funneled into every stack of Unpaper Towels this family-owned brand produces. Marley’s Monsters is a Bring Rethink sustainable business, meaning it’s certified as a true zero-waste company and committed to commercial composting, but the buzz about these cloths is bigger than their mega eco-friendly factor. The array of colors is a slam dunk in terms of elevating any kitchen’s decorative scheme. Also, be prepared for these to stay in good condition after repeated use thanks to the edges being trimmed and enclosed to prevent fraying. Better yet, the brand says absorbency increases after the first few washes. In addition, each one can be tossed into the washer and dryer. Then will come out looking nearly brand new.
Although they are a little pricier than others on this list, we found that they were worth the investment because of how stylish and easy to clean they are. We also appreciate how easily they can be stored in just about any area of the house—even stashed inside purses, lunchboxes, or computer bags. During testing, we wished that they were a little thicker with slightly better absorbency, but other than that, we wouldn’t change a thing.
What’s Included: (24) 12 x 10-inch cotton flannel towels
Best Value
Scotch-Brite Reusable Wipes
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- Sold as a multipack
- Absorbs well
- Machine washable
- Not compostable
If looking to test out a paper-product-free cleaning regimen before investing in high-end cloth replacements, these kitchen wipes are a budget-conscious alternative. Each wipe is easy to clean, either by hand or in the washing machine, and is odor-resistant from drying quickly.
We were particularly drawn to the lightweight design and how effective this product is at soaking up large spills in the refrigerator, bathroom, and crafting spaces. This makes it an ideal choice when looking for an easy-to-pack option that can be put in a suitcase, backpack, or glove compartment of a car. We were also pleasantly surprised with how well they cleaned up in the washer. Although they initially didn’t seem sturdy enough to survive a load in the dryer with other laundry, they came out just fine.
What’s Included: (60) 6.7 x 7-inch polyester wipes
Best Organic
Mioeco Reusable Cloth Paper Towels
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- Biodegradable
- Full paper towel size
- Dry quickly
- High quality cotton
- May shrink if put in dryer
If minimizing negative effects on the environment is the main goal behind replacing outdated cleaning methods, snag a bundle of these Global Organic Textile Standard-certified kitchen cloths. Produced with carbon-neutral manufacturing, the absorbent cotton is long-lasting, machine washable, and not dyed or bleached.
They are effective at removing tough stains and grease from appliances, and we found that they can also be used as napkins at mealtime since they’re super simple to sanitize. Plus, if the majority of your kitchen decor is neutral or earth tones, they look quite chic next to the sink and hanging on towel racks.
What’s Included: (10) 10 x 12-inch organic cotton towels
Best Swedish
Swedish Wholesale Swedish Dishcloths Pack
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- Dries quickly
- Money-back guarantee
- Compostable
- Not good for tough stains
These Swedish dishcloths will live up to the hype about incredibly fast dry time. Manufactured from cellulose and natural cotton, the individual absorbency per cloth is 20 times that of its original weight. Plus, each can hold up for more than 50 uses on dishes, glassware, tile, and countertops.
They’re biodegradable, sold in bulk packs, and come in a variety of colors. On average, one pack of 10 should last approximately one year, which is long enough to replace 150 regular paper towel rolls. You can also sleep easy knowing these won’t scratch pans, dishes, or countertops, no matter how much elbow grease you use. They do air dry quickly, and the absorbency is decent. We love that these are compostable, so you can feel good about where they go when they no longer serve you.
What’s Included: (10) 8 x 7-inch cellulose and cotton towels
Best Large
Lola Products Wowables Reusable and Biodegradable Paper Towels
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- Available in four colors
- Lasts two years
- Fast drying
- Does not stretch
Longevity is the “wow” factor of Wowables. The average life of each 30-count roll is reported to be at least two years. It also fits a standard paper towel holder, so storing is a breeze when swapping these for traditional paper towels. Not only did our tests confirm that these hold an incredible amount of moisture and rinse well between uses, but these durable cloths are also made out of unbleached, non-GMO cotton, allowing them to be put in the dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer. We also love that a single towel can do the job of cleaning up spills and drying dishes, and they dry quickly between uses.
Versatile in terms of use is another perk. Wowables are soft enough to use to dry off with post-shower at the gym. And because each color is dyed using natural ink, this product is equally well suited for cleaning indoor and outdoor spaces, flooring, and windows.
What’s Included: 1 roll of 30 wood pulp and unbleached, non-GMO cotton towels
Best Bamboo
Ecozoi Reusable Bamboo Paper Towels
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- Lint free
- Anti-microbial
- Durably long-lasting quality
- Takes a while to air dry
Help preserve the planet by using a product that is designed to fully replace the need to buy standard paper towels. Each roll of 20 is 100 percent comprised of organic bamboo fiber, resulting in individual sheets strong enough to mop floors, scrub pans, and polish glass fixtures.
The overall design earns an additional win for how simple these are to store, especially for anyone who already has a traditional paper towel holder or stand. And if cute motifs are your jam, the print on each roll is another big bonus. During testing, these shrunk a smidge when we put them in the dryer, but that’s definitely the better option after washing, as these do take a while to air dry.
What’s included: 4 rolls with 20 sheets each
Final Verdict
After testing, we found the Eparé Reusable Swedish Dishcloths and Marley’s Monsters Rolled Unpaper Towels to be wonderfully absorbent, attractive, and easy to clean. We also recommend the Scotch-Brite Reusable Wipes as our best value pick.
How We Tested
We sent all of the reusable paper towels on this roundup to our experienced product testers, who used them side-by-side to pick up spills, wipe down glassware and dishware, clean mirrors and countertops, and dry their hands. They were also washed by hand and/or by washing machine and air-dried and/or sent through the dryer. Each reusable paper towel was rated on material, absorbency, versatility, ease of cleaning, and overall value. Our testers then offered additional insights on each reusable paper towel’s strengths and weaknesses.
What to Look for in Reusable Paper Towels
Sustainability
Information to look out for on product packaging and manufacturer websites include: if the reusable paper towels are compostable, biodegradable, and nontoxic and whether they feature green product certification labels, like Green Seal, Rainforest Alliance Certified, and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). These certifications will let you know for sure that the product was made with Mother Earth in mind.
Absorbency
How absorbent a particular non-paper towel will be is mainly attributable to the materials it is made out of. Microfiber tends to soak up water better than cotton, and hemp usually retains moisture better than bamboo. It is also not uncommon for bamboo fibers to be used in combination with cotton in order to strike a balance between the strengths of both textiles.
FAQs
How do you clean reusable paper towels?
It is important to read the specified care instructions. At the very least, most reusable paper cloths can be rinsed by hand using water and a mild dish detergent before squeezing out excess water. Then allow to dry flat either on a dish rack or sink edge.
To further disinfect between washes, check the original packaging to see if the type you own can be microwaved for a minute. And if the towels are flagged as dishwasher safe (which most are), it’s best to place them in the machine’s top rack to avoid oversaturation. Machine washable towels reportedly do best in cold or warm rinse cycles with gentle laundry soap, although some can be bleached. Most users also seem to have a strong preference for air drying rather than placing them in a standard dryer, as this may cause shrinkage over time. As previously mentioned, it’s best to check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidance.
How do you store reusable paper towels?
Several types (like Marley’s Monsters Unpaper Towels) come with their own rolls they are designed to cling to. Reusable paper towel holders can also be purchased separately, such as these cloth hand towel dispensers, which can be conveniently refilled again and again. A low-cost way to keep them easily within arm’s reach is by repurposing an empty tissue box as a holder.
How long do reusable paper towels last?
Longevity varies by brand. On average, with proper care, the minimum time frame clocks in around two months, with more durable designs touted as functional for a year or longer.
Can’t you just compost regular paper towels?
You can compost regular paper towels as long as they haven’t been contaminated by pet waste, anything greasy, or chemical-based cleaning products. If they’re relatively unsoiled and have only been used to clean dirt, water, or plant-based foods, they should break down with no problem. For the best results, rip them into small pieces before you add them to your compost pile.
Just like paper, common reusable non-paper towel materials, such as bamboo and cotton, are also extracted from the environment. On the contrary, fewer raw materials typically go into these products, and since you don’t have to throw them away after each use, it alleviates the burden we place on trees and, for those who don’t compost, nixes added waste in landfills.
Aren’t reusable paper towels inconvenient?
It certainly takes time adjusting to something you’re not accustomed to, but it will become easier with time—and Mother Nature will thank you. To make the transition as seamless as possible, get in the habit of washing and drying your towel in the sink or dishwasher shortly after you use it, so you don’t need to go reaching into the hamper for a dirty one. Having multiple non-paper towels on hand at all times will guarantee you aren’t left without when there’s a mess to clean.
