Fun fact: I haven’t bought paper towels in years! And I’m better for it: It saves you so much money. With the price of food being what it is, that’s a blessing! While paper towels can technically be composted, they are single-use and do use up a lot of resources. According to the Sierra Club, we cut down up to 110,000,000 trees per year for various goods, including paper towels. One simple way we can cut down on waste is simply switching to reusable paper towels we can toss in the wash instead of the trash!
FYI, this is a guest post written by Sydney Montagna, a zero waste advocate and aspiring writer. Intro was written by Ariana Storniolo. This post contains affiliate links. This means if you choose to purchase one of these items I will make a very small commission at no extra charge to you. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
10 Reusable Paper towels For a Paper-Free Kitchen
Are reusable paper towels worth it?
While looking into reusable paper towels, you may be wondering if they’re even worth it when there’s so much convenience in conventional paper towels. But there’s several reasons why making the switch to reusable paper towels is worth it. There’s a few factors to consider:
- Affordability– One roll of reusable toilet paper can last you months or years, making it more cost effective in the long run. The majority of US households go through an average of 6 paper towel rolls a month, causing you to purchase packs rather frequently. Which ends up costing you more and wastes plastic.
- Effectiveness– Most reusable paper towels/cloths are strong enough to hold several times their weight; absorbent enough to clean up messes with a single cloth, rather than multiple paper ones. They’re also made with durable materials that can withstand any surface
- Sustainability– Switching to reusable paper towels will reduce paper and water waste, deforestation, and emissions. The impact on wildlife habitats and ecosystems considerably reduced, as well. Since most reusable paper towels can be used for years, you’d be saving so much more money in the long run. Reducing the amount of single-use waste is one of the most important things you can do for the environment.
How do I wash reusable paper towels?
The proper way to wash reusable paper towels is all dependent on the fabrics used:
- Cotton– Anything made with 100% cotton can be machine or hand washed. Cotton can also be placed in the dryer (tumble dry low) or air dried to best maintain its original shape.
- Bamboo- Bamboo fibers can be gently washed in the washing machine with warm water, and then left out to air dry afterwards. However, handwashing your bamboo towels will help them last longer.
- Cellulose- There are three efficient ways to clean a cloth made with cellulose. You can toss them in the wash on a gentle cycle and let it air dry, wash with soap and water and hang to dry, or you can place it on the top rack of your dishwasher. It’s very easy to wash and dry cellulose fabrics, so it’s best to wash them only when necessary.
It’s important to note that it’s always a good idea to rinse off your reusable paper towels before throwing them in the wash or thoroughly hand washing them. Some become more absorbent after washing.
Also, avoid fabric softeners as they can decrease absorbency.
Can you put reusable paper towels in the dryer?
Yes, some reusable paper towels can be placed in the dryer. If your “paper” towel is made from only cotton or certain bamboo material, you can machine wash it and place it in the dryer (tumble dry low), or it can air dry.
However, if it’s made with another material aside from just cotton- such as cotton and cellulose- it can only be air dried.
What is the best material for reusable paper towels?
Cotton seems to be the best and most popular material for reusable paper towels. It’s durable, absorbent, and can be easily washed and reused over and over again. Bamboo is a close second, with its natural antibacterial properties. Both materials can be used for extended periods of time and they’re easy to clean. Also, they’re likely the fabrics that feel the closest to disposable paper towels.
Products made from cellulose, like Swedish dishcloths, feel less like disposable paper towels and more like a very durable, absorbent kitchen sponge.
Reusable paper towel DIY
If you’re interested in crafting your own reusable paper towels at home, here is an excellent article showing you how to do so step by step!
1. JuniperseedMerc
- Made from unbleached organic cotton
- Absorbent + durable
- 1-ply
- Small family business
- Handmade
Image credit: JuniperseedMerc
2. Zero Waste Store
- Made from 100% organic cotton
- Absorbent + 1-ply
- Carbon Neutral
- Plastic-free
- Certified GOTS + Oeko-Tex
- 1% for the Planet
Image credit: Zero Waste Store
3. Marley’s Monsters- UNpaper Towels
- Made from 100% cotton
- Plastic-free packaging
- Absorbent + durable
- Certified BRING
- 1-ply
- Fabric not-prewashed
Image credit: Marley’s Monsters
4. Me Mother Earth- Unpaper Towels
- Made from 100% cotton
- 2-ply
- Surged edges for durability
- Donates to non-profits
- Handmade in Canada
Image credit: Me Mother Earth
5. Full Circle Home- Reusable Plant Towel
- Made with 100% rayon from bamboo
- Absorbs 7 times its weight
- Quick-drying + odor-free
- One roll replaces up to 30 traditional rolls
- Free from chlorine, toxins + plastic
- B-corp
Image credit: Full Circle Home
6. Grove Co
- Made from 100% bamboo
- Recyclable + compostable packaging
- Plastic-free
- No added dyes, inks or scents
- Certified FSC, B-Corp + cruelty-free
- Absorbent + durable
Image credit: Grove Co.
7. EcoRoots- Swedish Dishcloth
- Made from biodegradable cellulose + cotton
- Can absorb 20x its weight
- Durability of up to 15 traditional rolls
- Quick-drying + odor-free
- 100% compostable
- Printed with water-based inks
Image credit: Ecoroots
Ariana’s input: I’m a HUGE Ecoroots lover and have tried their Swedish Dish Cloths as well. They have such pretty patterns and do a really great job cleaning up messes. I used mine for months before it was ready to be composted!
8. Papaya Reusables
- Made from cellulose + cotton
- One sheet replaces 17 rolls
- Naturally antibacterial
- 100% compostable
- Quick-drying
Image credit: Papaya Reusables
9. Eco Hippie Co – Swedish Dishcloth
- *Ariana’s favorite*
- Made from plant cellulose + cotton
- One cloth replaces 17 rolls
- Compostable + Biodegradable
- Plastic-free
- Vegan + cruelty-free
Ariana’s input: I absolutely LOVE the girly/70s colors and patterns of these cute Swedish Dish cloths. They are also super efficient at wiping up muck and grease! Just wet them and use them like you would a paper towel. Give them a rinse and hang them to dry!
10. ZWS- Swedish Dishcloth
- Made from cellulose + cotton
- Absorbs 20x its weight
- Replaces up to 17 rolls
- Compostable + plastic-free
- Naturally anti-bacterial
- 1% for the Planet
So what do you think of these sustainable reusable paper towels? Let me know in the comments below!
For more tips, check out how to have a paperless kitchen!
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Guest post: Sydney Montagna is an advocate for animals and plastic-free living. She is studying English and is an aspiring writer. In her spare time, you can find her watching classic TV shows and researching all things Michael Jackson related.
