I never thought twice about my paper towel habit—until I did the math. Between wiping kitchen counters, cleaning spills, and drying my hands, I was going through roll after roll every month. The waste was ridiculous.
Not just for my wallet, but for the planet too.
That’s when I discovered Reusable Paper Towels—a game-changer for reducing kitchen waste. Unlike traditional paper towels that end up in the trash after a single use, these eco-friendly alternatives are washable, durable, and just as convenient.
But with so many options out there—bamboo, cloth, cellulose—choosing the right one can be tricky.
In this guide, I’ll break down what reusable paper towels are, the different types available, and whether they’re truly worth the switch. Plus, I’ll share how to wash them properly and what to look for when buying.
If you’re ready to cut down on waste without sacrificing convenience, keep reading—I’ve even rounded up the best brands that are great for both your home and the environment.
What Are Reusable Paper Towels?
Reusable paper towels are washable, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional disposable paper towels. They are made from sustainable materials like bamboo, cotton, or cellulose, allowing them to be used multiple times before disposal. Unlike single-use paper towels that contribute to waste, reusable options can be washed and reused, reducing environmental impact.
Most reusable kitchen towels are highly absorbent, durable, and plastic-free, making them a more sustainable choice. Some can even be composted at the end of their lifespan, further minimizing waste.
Key Features of Reusable Paper Towels
- Highly Absorbent & Durable: Unlike flimsy paper towels that tear easily, reusable ones are designed to soak up more liquid and handle tougher messes without breaking apart. Some can hold several times their weight in water, making them ideal for wiping spills, cleaning countertops, and even drying dishes.
- Washable & Long-Lasting: One of the biggest advantages is that they can be washed and reused dozens—if not hundreds—of times. Depending on the material, they can be machine-washed or hand-washed, making them easy to maintain.
- Plastic-Free & Sustainable: Most reusable paper towels are made from natural, biodegradable materials like bamboo, cotton, or cellulose. Unlike regular paper towels, which often contain synthetic fibers or chemical treatments, these eco-friendly options minimize pollution and landfill waste.
- Multi-Purpose Cleaning Tool: Reusable paper towels aren't just for wiping spills—they can replace napkins, dishcloths, and even sponges. Some are soft enough to use as reusable baby wipes, while others are tough enough for scrubbing greasy kitchen surfaces.
- Compostable & Zero Waste: Once they reach the end of their lifespan, many reusable paper towels can be composted instead of thrown away, returning nutrients to the soil rather than contributing to landfill waste.
Three Types of Reusable Paper Towels
Having tried out many different reusable paper towels, these are the ones that I find work the best and have the most benefit on the environment.
From the raw material perspective, we can divide the reusable paper towels into 3 categories:
Bamboo & Cotton
The main reason I like bamboo paper towels is that bamboo is an incredibly sustainable and fast-growing plant. With the right harvesting techniques, it can take as little as 3 to 4 months for the plant to grow back.
And the fibers from bamboo plants are much tougher than regular paper, making them an ideal option for reusable paper towels.
I simply use each one for about a week to 10 days while just rinsing it out with dish soap.
Another option is a sustainable cotton paper towel which I have found also goes into the washing machine. This helps to remove grease stains, allowing you to use the paper towel for a lot longer.
Cellulose Sponges
These typically combine plant cellulose and cotton, and I have found that these reusable paper towels work best for any liquid spills. For some reason, they just seem to be incredibly absorbent, almost like placing a bath towel on the spill.
What’s great is that most of them are also dishwasher safe, so you can simply place it on the dish rack, and it’ll come out perfectly clean.
Microfiber Towels
I always have a few microfiber reusable paper towels for general cleaning purposes. Because they tend to lift dirt, grease, and grimy stuff from all types of surfaces, they generally help with all cleanup efforts.
Now, you do have to take a careful look that they only contain eco-friendly materials, as some of the ones I have found also contain plastic. I also don’t think they are generally dishwasher safe, but they will come out of a washing machine just fine.
Benefits of Reusable Paper Towels: Are They Worth It?
There are four main reasons why you should consider switching to reusable paper towels.
1. Significant Cost Savings
Here’s a simple experiment you should do. Keep track of how many rolls of regular paper towels you would use in a month. Then multiply that by the average cost of them to see how much you spend every month. Then multiply that by 12 for your annual costs.
Firstly, you’ll probably be quite surprised how much those numbers add up. Secondly, that first-year budget will buy you plenty of reusable paper towels that will last for a lot longer than a year.
2. Eco-Friendly
The type of reusable paper towels that I listed above all require fewer raw materials when you work out their eco-impact over a year. And when you choose them wisely for the ideal material like bamboo, then the overall impact on the environment is even smaller again.
Just be careful to always lookout for a Green Seal or Mother Nature approval label. Some of the products I looked at contained a lot of plastic which then makes them more difficult to dispose of because they would be classed as mixed materials and also not suitable for composting.
3. More Absorbent
For me personally, this one is the major added bonus over traditional paper towels. I’ll get to my recommended products shortly, but what you will find is that a reusable paper towel will absorb a lot more liquid.
It’s almost like they are a sponge, and it just means that spills in living and dining areas are so much easier to deal with.
4. Ideal For All Cleaning Jobs
Most people will usually grab kitchen towels to deal with liquid spills around the kitchen and dining room. You probably won’t use them for other cleaning jobs around the house, though.
That’s because they tend to tear and cause more mess than you’d expect.
With the reusable paper towels that I’ve tried out, you can use them for all kinds of cleaning jobs. Whether that’s bathrooms, floors, or even a leather sofa, there’s just a better range of things that you can use them for.
Things to Consider While Buying
Here are four things you need to keep in mind when making a decision on the paper towels you want to buy.
How Sustainable Are They?
For me, this should be the most important question to look into. A sustainable alternative should be plastic-free, and the raw materials should be some form of sustainably grown plant. You’d be surprised how many materials that leaves open.
One way to check this is to look at the packaging information to see if the paper towels were made using the Global Organic Textile Standard. This is an internationally accepted standard that is a good indicator.
Some great materials to look for are bamboo, hemp, and sustainable cotton.
How Absorbent Are They?
My experience with tree-free paper towels has been that the vast majority of them will absorb a lot more liquid than your standard paper towels. I found this was particularly the case with cellulose paper towels and sponges.
They just seem to soak up any kind of liquid with ease, and it doesn’t seem to drip out much either.
How Durable Are They?
Unfortunately, there are plenty of reusable paper towels out there that won’t last for more than a couple of uses. It’s still better than the standard paper ones, but you don’t get to maximize the eco-benefits.
One thing I have noticed is that those paper towels that say they are machine washable tend to be the most durable, and you can often get dozens of uses out of them.
How Expensive Are They?
Yes, reusable paper towels will cost quite a bit more than regular ones. But once you see how long they can last, you’ll quickly see that it actually pays you to switch to them.
But it’s still a good idea to make a comparison on a per paper towel cost basis so that you get a better idea of value for money with these products.
How to Wash Reusable Paper Towels
The first thing I would say is that you should always check the instructions on the packaging. Some of them you can put in the dishwasher, others in the washing machine. And then there are some that will just disintegrate if you don’t wash them by hand.
Dishwasher
My experience has been that a reusable paper towel that I can place in the dishwasher is often the most durable. Because of the heat generated in a dishwasher, they also tend to be the cleanest when they come out again.
What I have learned the hard way is that you need to carefully place it in the upper rack. On the bottom one, the water pressure can push it up, and it might get tangled up in the rotating nozzles.
Washing Machine
Most sustainable alternatives will also be fine to put in the washing machine. I usually do this with bamboo ones that I throw in with other towels.
Because I tend to wash on a cooler cycle, I sometimes soak the paper towels with a bit of disinfectant first, just to avoid any buildup of bacteria.
Handwash
This isn’t the most eco-friendly way, as you could end up using quite a bit of unnecessary hot water. What you can do, though, is wash the reusable paper towels in hot water you’re filling to clean your pots and dishes.
They are generally not that dirty, and it’s a good way to avoid using up more hot water than you need to. It’s also a good idea to spray them with a bit of citric acid to kill off any germs.
Air Drying
And finally, I wouldn’t put them in the dryer, as they can start to fall apart. I usually air dry my ones by simply laying them flat on the kitchen counter.
Alternatively, you could hang dry them with your washing for maximum eco-friendly benefits.
5 Top Reusable Paper Towel Brands in The Market
The shift toward sustainable living isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity.
More brands are stepping up to offer eco-friendly alternatives that don’t just reduce waste but also challenge the way we think about daily essentials.
Whether it’s ditching single-use paper towels or choosing ethically made home goods, these brands are redefining sustainability with thoughtful materials, responsible manufacturing, and a commitment to the planet.
1. Earthly Co.
Earthly Co. emphasizes reducing waste through their reusable paper towels, known as notpaper™ towels.
These towels are crafted from 100% cotton flannel, a natural fiber celebrated for its strength and softness. Each 10-pack replaces over 80 rolls of disposable paper towels, napkins, and tissues, underscoring their commitment to sustainability.
The products are machine washable, enduring 50+ washes, and are fully compostable at the end of their lifecycle.
This approach not only minimizes landfill waste but also promotes a zero-waste lifestyle.
2. Marley's Monsters
Marley’s Monsters offers a diverse range of eco-friendly, reusable home goods, including their signature UNpaper® Towels.
These towels are designed to replace disposable paper towels, promoting a sustainable alternative for everyday cleaning tasks. The brand’s product line extends to various reusable items, all aimed at reducing single-use waste and encouraging sustainable living practices.
3. Ecozoi
Ecozoi is a women-owned, eco-conscious brand dedicated to providing plastic-free, chemical-free cookware.
Their product range includes reusable bamboo kitchen towels and plant-based cleaning brushes, designed to reduce waste and promote a healthier lifestyle.
Ecozoi’s products are carefully designed in Austin, Texas, packaged sustainably, and shipped carbon-neutrally across the United States, reflecting their commitment to environmental responsibility.
4. ZeroWastely
ZeroWastely aims to facilitate eco-conscious living by offering products like reusable paper towels, biodegradable dish soap, and plant-based sponges.
Their reusable paper towels are durable, absorbent, and serve as a sustainable alternative to traditional kitchen towels.
The brand emphasizes plastic-free packaging, aligning with their mission to reduce excessive waste and make sustainable living accessible.
5. For Earth by Us (FEBU)
FEBU focuses on providing eco-friendly, non-toxic, and effective products for home and personal use.
Their reusable paper towels are all-natural and designed to replace up to 17 rolls of traditional paper towels, offering a cost-effective and sustainable solution.
FEBU’s product line reflects their dedication to reducing single-use waste and promoting environmentally friendly practices.
Each of these brands goes beyond just selling products—they’re building a movement. From plastic-free packaging to compostable materials, their innovations make sustainable choices easier for everyday consumers.
By supporting companies that prioritize ethical production and environmental responsibility, you’re not just cutting waste—you’re actively shaping a greener future, one small swap at a time.
Read More:
Why You’ll Never Go Back to Regular Paper Towels
Switching to reusable paper towels has been one of the easiest yet most impactful changes in my home. Before, I didn’t think twice about how many paper towel rolls I went through in a week—until I realized just how much waste (and money) I was throwing away.
What’s even better?
Reusable towels don’t just replace paper towels—they outperform them. They’re more absorbent, more durable, and way more cost-effective in the long run. I keep both cellulose and cotton options in my kitchen—one for soaking up big spills, the other for everyday cleaning.
You’d be shocked at how much liquid cellulose towels can hold!
If you’re ready to cut waste, save money, and clean smarter, this is your sign to make the switch. Try reusable paper towels—you won’t just reduce waste, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
