We Tested the Best Reusable Paper Towels for a Sustainable Kitchen (2024)

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. 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. Keep in mind that only certain designs come with a loop to hang on a hook, which would come in handy when it comes to drying. They were easy to wash in the washing machine, though they did shrink a bit, but shouldn't be put 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

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

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: (5) 10 x 19.8-inch polyester wipes

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

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

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 aresoft 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

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

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