The Best Reusable Paper Towels, Tested & Reviewed (2024)

As environmental concerns increase, more people are looking for sustainable alternatives to everyday products. One of the easiest switches to make is an everyday household item we all use in our kitchens: paper towels.

This post will give you a look into the many advantages of using alternative options instead of paper towels. We’ll also detail our rigorous testing process and introduce some of the best reusable paper towel products we’ve found for 2024.

Preview for our BEST pick:

MAISONOVO REUSABLE PAPER TOWELS are made from high-quality cellulose and recycled cotton from Germany, which passes our absorbency test for soaking up large amounts of liquids quickly. They also:

• Dries 5 times faster than traditional paper towels.

• Absorbs 15 times its weight in liquids.

• Made of 100% compostable, plant-based materials.

Why Use Paper Towel Alternatives?

Types of Paper Towel Alternatives

When it comes to paper towel alternatives, there are many choices out there. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional paper towels, consider these options:

• Kitchen towels

• Dishcloths

• Cloth napkins

• Loofahs

There are plenty of products made from natural materials, like cotton or bamboo, that are good for the earth and add a nice touch to any space. There are also paper towels made from recycled paper, which help the environment and still serve the same purpose. The best materials for reusable paper towels include:

• Cotton

• Cellulose

• Recycled paper

• Natural materials (bamboo, sugarcane, etc.)

On top of selecting environmentally friendly materials for your paper towel alternatives, you can also look for products that are recyclable or compostable when you’re done using them.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Reusable Paper Towels

Material

Selecting the right material is very important for making sure your reusable paper towels work well and last long. Materials like cotton and cellulose are excellent for cleaning up spills and messes in the kitchen, and last much longer than paper products.

Pattern

The functionality of paper towel alternatives is important, but looks are also a factor. Depending on the aesthetic of your kitchen, you can choose patterns and colors that blend into your space and fit your style.

Care and Cleaning

When choosing reusable paper towels, think about how easy they are to maintain. You should pick towels that you can wash in a machine and that maintain their quality and absorbency even after many washes.

Absorbency

The absorbency of reusable paper towels determines how well they soak up liquids. You should look at how fast the towel can pick up spills and dry things out to know if it will be useful for different kitchen jobs like cleaning surfaces or drying dishes.

Price

It’s essential to find the right mix of cost and good quality when you choose reusable paper towels for your kitchen. Keep in mind that, while they cost more than single-use paper products up front, you will be able to save money over time by reusing them.

Our Picks For Best Reusable Paper Towels (2024)

Best Overall: MAISONOVO REUSABLE PAPER TOWELS

Improve your time in the kitchen with MAISONOVO Reusable Paper Towels that perform better than single-use paper products without harming the environment. They are made from high-quality cellulose and recycled cotton from Germany, which passes our absorbency test for soaking up large amounts of liquids quickly.

They also dry much quicker than regular paper towels. Aside from their practical everyday uses in the kitchen, MAISONOVO Reusable Paper towels come in many stylish designs and different sizes, ensuring you can find the best fit for your space.

When purchasing, you can choose from the following design options:

• Abiquiu

• Abstract

• Kyoto

• Modern

• Crayon

These patterns are available in sets of 2, 4, and 6 cloths.

Here are some additional highlights of this product that make it the best reusable paper towel of 2024:

• Dries 5 times faster than traditional paper towels.

• Absorbs 15 times its weight in liquids.

• Made of 100% compostable, plant-based materials.

How to Use:

To get the best use out of MAISONOVO Reusable Paper Towels, you just need to wet the towel with flowing water until it’s soft. After that, you can use it for any purpose around the kitchen, from wiping spills to drying dishes.

The product also comes with wall hooks for air drying. You can use the included adhesive to stick it onto your wall or another kitchen surface. When you’re done using the towel, simply hang it up to dry.

Care instructions:

To clean your MAISONOVO Reusable Paper Towels, you can put them into the dishwasher or washing machine. For the best results and to maintain absorbency, it’s recommended to let the towels air dry on the included wall hooks.

Finding the Best Reusable Paper Towels: Our Criteria and Testing Process

After testing a list of popular products, we carefully choose the best reusable paper towels for 2024. Here’s a look at our process:

Fake Spill Test

We put every towel through strict tests that include fake spill situations, from small drips to huge spills, to measure how much water the towel can soak up in the kitchen.

Oil Swipe

Oily leftovers in the kitchen are tough to clean. The right paper towel alternative should be able to take away the oil marks well without leaving any ugly streaks.

Washability Test

Reusable paper towels last long because they can be washed many times without getting damaged. We carefully check how well each towel can be cleaned in the washing machine to measure the quality after several uses.

Durability Test (Wet and Dry)

A strong and tough towel is very necessary in the kitchen because it has to endure a lot of use and often comes into contact with water. We check how solid the towels are by testing them when they are wet and dry, seeing if their build stays good over time without getting worn out.

Runner-Up: Sweetgum Reusable Paper TowelsDishcloths

You can feel the high level of quality and sustainability when you use Sweetgum Reusable Paper Towelshcloths, which puts them at a close second. Made from natural materials, they also absorb liquids very well and dry quickly. Additionally, their small dimensions and stylish aesthetic bring a sense of sophistication to any kitchen area.

How to use:

To use Sweetgum Reusable Paper Towels, just wet them in the sink, squeeze out the extra water, and use them to clean surfaces and spills.

Care instructions:

To maintain the Sweetgum Reusable Paper Towels in perfect condition, just put them into the washing machine with similar colors using a soft cycle. Do not use bleach or fabric enhancers because these can reduce how well the towels soak up liquid. After washing, let the towels air dry or use a tumble dryer at low heat to keep their shape and quality for many uses.

Best Bamboo Paper Towel Alternative: Kitchen + Home Bamboo Towels

If you want to switch from regular paper towels to an option that’s better for the environment without disrupting your daily routine, consider Kitchen + Home Bamboo Towels. They come with sheets you can tear off easily and are made from bamboo fibers that don’t harm the environment, so you can be confident they’ll work just like normal paper towels but without damaging the earth.

How to use:

To use Kitchen + Home Bamboo Towels, just rip a sheet along the dotted line and use it for cleaning messes or absorbing liquids. Because they are made to be durable, these towels do not rip or fall apart when cleaning up difficult spills, offering a sustainable and multipurpose substitute for disposable paper towels.

Care instructions:

To make Kitchen + Home Bamboo Towels last longer, it is recommended to wash them by hand using warm water and a gentle soap. They can also be washed in a washing machine on a soft setting with other items of similar color. When you finish washing, hang the towels to dry in the air or use a dryer on a low heat setting to avoid damage.

Most Similar to Real Paper Towels: Grove Co Tree-Free Paper Towels

You can adopt sustainable practices while still enjoying high-quality performance by using Grove Co Tree-Free Paper Towels. These towels are made entirely from bamboo fibers and provide excellent strength and absorption.

How to use:

To use Grove Co Tree-Free Paper Towels, pull apart a sheet where it is pre-cut and then use that piece for cleaning different areas or absorbing liquids. Due to the durable and soaking quality of these towels, they are capable of dealing with very difficult spills without breaking or leaving any remains.

Since Grove Co Tree-Free Paper Towels are paper products, you can throw them in the trash bin when you’re finished. However, you won’t have to worry about them ending up in landfills since they’re made of sustainable materials.

Best Compostable Option: Papaya Reusable Paper Towels

Papaya Reusable Paper Towels are crafted from completely natural and 100% compostable substances, providing you with a cleaning solution that is effective yet does not leave you feeling guilty. Their website offers an easy subscription service, making it simple for those who care about the environment to reduce trash and support sustainability.

How to use:

Take a sheet of Papaya Reusable Paper Towels and soak it with water, then use it for wiping surfaces or absorbing spilled liquids. After you finish using them, you can put the towels in your compost container. They are made to break down naturally, which helps lessen trash and is better for the environment.

Care instructions:

To make sure the Papaya Reusable Paper Towels last a long time before you compost them, wash them by hand using warm water and soft soap. You can also put them in the washing machine in a low-intensity setting with other items that are similar colors. Do not use bleach or fabric conditioners because they can interfere with the towels’ ability to break down naturally.

Best For Minimalists: Geometry Not Paper Towels

Geometry Not Paper Towels provide a simple and modern option for those concerned about paper products ending up in landfills. They come with a tidy rectangular holder that allows for convenient stacking by the kitchen sink or in other specific places, making these towels useful while also contributing to the decor of your kitchen. There are multiple designs available in six-packs that allow you to personalize the style of your kitchen and decrease waste.

How to use:

To use Geometry Not Paper Towels, take a cloth from the pile, wet it under flowing water to start its soaking ability, and then wipe different areas or clear liquid messes with it.

Care instructions:

To keep Geometry Not Paper Towels in good condition, it is advised that you wash them with cold water and a gentle cleaning soap using a washing machine. After you wash the towels, let them dry in the air or use a dryer on a low heat setting.

Best Value: Aidea Reusable Cleaning Cloths

Aidea Reusable Cleaning Cloths are made from polyester and viscose mix, which makes them plentiful in quantity and very absorbent, suitable for many cleaning jobs around the house. Their large size and reasonable price make them a great mix of bargain and value.

How to use:

To use Aidea Reusable Cleaning Cloths for cleaning up messes, wet them under running tap water before you start wiping. They can also be used to dry your hands after doing dishes.

Care instructions:

To extend the lifespan of your Aidea Reusable Cleaning Cloths, it is recommended to wash them in a washing machine using cold water together with similar colors. Though they are not as biodegradable as certain cotton varieties, these towels can undergo numerous washes before their end of life.

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Why Use Alternatives Over Regular Paper Towels?

There are several valid reasons for switching to reusable paper towels. Here’s an overview:

Sustainability

Millions of trees are cut down every year to keep up with constant demand, which is the most pressing reason for using paper towel alternatives. If you switch to using paper towels that can be used again rather than throwing them out after each use, you help lower this demand and decrease carbon emissions.

Waste Reduction

Landfills are a huge problem in the world, and disposable paper towels contribute to it. Paper towel alternatives made out of fabric or similar materials can be washed and reused instead of being thrown out after one use.

Long-Term Affordability

Not only can you help the environment with paper towel alternatives, but reusable options will also allow you to save money over time. Instead of refilling disposable paper towels at the grocery store several times a month, you can switch to a product you can wash with your clothes or dishes and lasts for hundreds of uses before you have to replace it.

Q & A

Are there Alternatives to Disposable Paper Towels?

Reusable paper towels serve as an important sustainable alternative to disposable paper towels. Instead of having to dump your paper towels after each use, reusable paper towels allow you to use a paper towel for several months before needing to change it.

Are Reusable Paper Towels Worth It? Are They Really Eco-Friendly?

Absolutely! Here's why reusable paper towels are the smart choice.

Environmentally Friendly: Landfills are messy. It certainly hurts to know that my waste contributes to that. Reusables help me reduce the amount of waste I produce, reducing my environmental footprint. I also rest easier knowing no trees are getting chopped down to make my towels.

Saves Money: Reusables give you more value for less money. Of course you need to spend money to purchase them, but after that, you can save the cost of repeated paper towel purchases. The result? More money in your pocket!

Effective Cleaning: Reusables are just as absorbent and effective as disposable paper towels for everyday cleaning tasks.

Do Reusable Paper Towels Last?

Depending on the stuff my towels are made of and how well I care for them, they can last for a year or several months at least. Want your towels to last longer? Do these.

Washing: Be sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions for washing temperature and frequency.

Usage: Using them for heavy-duty cleaning tasks can shorten their lifespan. You may want to minimize that.

How Do You Determine the Best Reusable Paper Towel?

Here are some factors to look out for when choosing a reusable paper towel brand for your kitchen.

Absorbency: I always go for towels that absorb moisture fast and dry up quickly after each wash.

Material Quality: The best towels are those made from superior quality materials.

Eco Friendliness: I prefer materials that are environment-friendly.

Essential Tips to Clean Your Reusable Paper Towels

What makes reusable paper towels so cool is that they can be washed and reused again and again. With regular and effective washing, you can maintain the hygiene of your paper towels. But how do you go about this?

Rince After Each Use: Rinse them with hot water to remove any food particles or residue they may retain. You can also use a mild dish soap if needed.

Wash Regularly: Wash your reusable paper towels with your regular laundry load. Aim for hot water washes (check the care label) to kill bacteria.

Dry Properly: Let them air dry completely or tumble dry on low heat. But you may want to avoid fabric softeners as they can reduce absorbency.

The Final Verdict

Within the world of washable and reusable paper towels, MAISONOVO Reusable Paper Towels are recognized as the ultimate best choice for 2024. They have outstanding soaking power, dry fast, and incorporate designs that add a touch of personality to any space.

As a small business in Brooklyn run by women, MAISONOVO focuses on making designs that are modern, simple, and useful. They show the importance of thoughtful buying and living with responsibility. So why choose something you throw away in the garbage when you can make your kitchen happier with unique Reusable Paper Towelsdish Dishcloths? Start using reusable paper towels now and begin a path to a cleaner, more eco-friendly, and more sustainable world.

Disclaimer: The above is a contributor post, the views expressed are those of the contributor and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.