EARTHLY CO. NOTPAPEr TOWELS
Soft, full-size cotton flannel towels available in solid colors and prints.
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Best Reusable Paper Towels: What to Look For
Compare the best reusable paper towels by material, size, care, and everyday use to find the option that fits naturally into your cleaning routine.
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Reusable Paper Towels Are Not All the Same
Reusable paper towels sound like a simple swap until you start looking at the different options. Some are soft cotton squares that you toss in the laundry. Others are made from cellulose, feel stiff when dry, soften when wet, and can be rinsed right at the sink. Some even come on a roll, so using them doesn’t feel all that different from reaching for a regular paper towel.
The best choice really depends on what you use paper towels for and how much upkeep you’re comfortable with. Something that works well for drying your hands might not be what you want for a sticky counter, a big spill, or the little messes that come up throughout the day.
What This Article Covers
- The main reusable paper towel materials
- How cotton towels compare with Swedish dishcloths
- Four options suited to different cleaning habits
- The care, storage, and tradeoffs to consider before buying
The Wrong Towel Can Make the Swap Feel Like More Work
Reusable paper towels are only useful if they’re convenient enough to become part of your routine. A thicker cotton set might work well if you already wash kitchen linens regularly. If you’d rather rinse something at the sink and leave it to dry, a small Swedish dishcloth may be a better fit.
Labels like “eco-friendly” or “zero waste” don’t tell you much about what a towel is actually like to use. How it fits into your home and cleaning habits matters more.
The Quick Verdict
Four options for four different cleaning routines.
Best Overall
Earthly Co. notpaper Towels
Soft, full-size cotton flannel towels that work for spills, counters, hands, and casual napkins.
Best Organic Cotton
Marley’s Monsters Organic UNpaper Towels
Organic cotton flannel with sewn edges and a familiar roll-style setup.
BEST FOR QUICK CLEANUPS
Papaya Reusable Paper Towels
Compact cellulose-and-cotton cloths that rinse easily and dry quickly on a hook.
MOST LIKE DISPOSABLES
Ecozoi Reusable Kitchen Paper Towels
Large tear-off sheets on a roll for households that want the easiest transition.
IN THIS ARTICLE
What To Look For
Reusable paper towels work best when you choose them around your real cleaning habits instead of the most impressive product claim.
MATERIAL CHANGES THE EXPERIENCE
Cotton flannel feels soft and familiar, which makes it a good choice for drying hands, wiping up spills, cleaning counters, or using in place of paper napkins. It can become more absorbent after a few washes, but the trade-off is more laundry and a longer drying time.
Cellulose-and-cotton cloths, often called Swedish dishcloths, are quite different. They’re thin and stiff when dry but soften once you get them wet. They’re easy to rinse out at the sink and usually dry faster than thicker cotton towels, though their smaller size can make them less practical for bigger messes.
You’ll also come across reusable towels labeled as bamboo. Take a closer look at the fiber content. Some are actually made from rayon or viscose derived from bamboo, which is a processed fiber rather than raw bamboo fabric. That doesn’t necessarily make them a bad choice, but I wouldn’t buy a towel based on the word “bamboo” alone.
SIZE, CARE & STORAGE MATTER JUST AS MUCH
A larger towel gives you more surface area for drying hands, wiping dishes, or tackling bigger spills. A small Swedish dishcloth is easier to wring out and hang to dry, but it can feel a little limiting when you have a larger mess to clean up.
Care matters just as much. Some reusable towels can go straight into the washer and dryer with your regular kitchen laundry. Others are meant to be rinsed at the sink, washed on the top rack of the dishwasher, or machine-washed and left to air-dry. Before buying, think about which routine you’ll actually stick with.
Storage is worth considering too. Cotton flannel squares can be rolled back onto a standard paper towel holder, though that does mean an extra step after laundry. Swedish dishcloths can simply hang from a hook and take up very little space. And with cotton towels, you’ll need somewhere breathable to keep the used ones until laundry day.
Best Overall
Why It Stands Out
Earthly Co. notpaper Towels are a versatile choice if you want something that feels more like a soft household towel than a sponge. They’re made from double-brushed 100% cotton flannel and measure 13 by 10.5 inches before the slight shrinkage that can happen in the wash.
The larger size makes them handy for more than small spills. You can use them as hand towels, casual cloth napkins, or everyday cleaning cloths too. The flannel also naturally clings to the other towels when rolled onto a standard paper towel holder, so there’s no need for snaps and they’re still easy to grab in the kitchen.
Who It's Best For
This set makes the most sense for someone who wants one soft, full-size towel to handle several everyday jobs and does not mind adding the used towels to regular laundry.
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Key Specifications
- 100% cotton flannel
- 13 × 10.5 inches before washing
- Available in 10- and 24-packs
- Machine wash cold or warm
- Tumble dry
- Designed to become more absorbent after washing
Pros & Cons
- PRO: Large, soft, multipurpose, and available in prints or solid colors.
- CON: Creates more laundry than a rinse-and-hang Swedish dishcloth, and the clean towels need to be stacked or rerolled.
More Options Worth Considering
The Best Material Depends On The Job
01 / BEST ORGANIC COTTON
Marley’s Monsters Organic UNpaper Towels
Marley’s Monsters offers a roll-style option made from single-ply 100% organic cotton flannel. Each towel measures about 12 by 10 inches, with sewn edges that help prevent fraying. They come rolled on a reusable kraft tube that fits most standard paper towel holders, and the flannel naturally clings together without snaps.
The fabric isn’t prewashed, so expect some shrinkage. The brand recommends washing the towels before using them, as they become more absorbent after the first few washes. They can be machine-washed with like colors and tumble-dried on low. Skip the fabric softener, since it can make the towels less absorbent.
Best For: Someone who wants organic cotton, neutral colors, and sturdy sewn edges.
Main tradeoff: They’re a more expensive option, and you’ll still need to wash and reroll them between uses.
- Natural Fiber Construction: UNpaper Towels are crafted from 100% premium cotton flannel, a natural fiber without micropl...
- Stop Wasting Money on Disposables: Say goodbye to constantly restocking disposable paper towels and embrace the convenie...
- Embrace Sustainability without Compromising on Quality: Join the countless families who have made the switch to UNpaper ...
$45.99
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02 / BEST FOR QUICK EVERYDAY CLEANUP
Papaya Reusable Paper Towels
Papaya towels are more like Swedish dishcloths than traditional fabric towels. They’re made from 70% cellulose and 30% cotton and measure 6.6 by 7.8 inches. They feel stiff when dry but soften once you run them under water.
For everyday cleaning, you can rinse the towel with soap and water, wring it out, and hang it to dry. Papaya also says the towels can go on the top rack of the dishwasher or in the washing machine when they need a deeper clean. They should be air-dried, since putting them in the dryer may cause shrinkage.
Best For: Wiping countertops, appliances, vanities, and small spills throughout the day.
Main Tradeoff: The smaller size is easy to rinse and wring out, but it may feel limiting for drying dishes or tackling a bigger spill.
- 70% Cellulose, 30% Cotton
- PREMIUM SWEDISH DISHCLOTH FOR YOUR KITCHEN: Papaya’s 70% cellulose and 30% cotton reusable cloths are engineered thicker...
- PATENTED PAPAYA HOOK: Unlike microfiber rags or standard dishcloths, Papaya’s super quick-drying material never drips an...
$17.99
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03 / MOST LIKE A DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWEL
Ecozoi Reusable Kitchen Paper Towels
Ecozoi towels come in 20-sheet rolls, with each sheet measuring about 11 by 11 inches. The familiar size and tear-off format can make the switch feel less drastic, especially in a household where everyone is used to reaching for the paper towel holder.
They’re often marketed as bamboo towels, though a more precise description is rayon or viscose derived from bamboo blended with cotton. Independent testing has found the sheets absorbent and durable. Unlike some reusable towel sets, though, they aren’t meant to stay together as a roll. Once you’ve separated and washed them, you’ll need to store the clean sheets in a stack.
Best For: Someone who wants to cut back on disposable paper towels without completely changing the habit of reaching for a roll.
Main Tradeoff: The fiber is more processed than the “bamboo” label might suggest, and you’ll need somewhere to store the individual sheets after washing.
- Reusable, Washable, & Tree Free: These paper towels are made from 70% Rayon from Bamboo, and 30% cotton. Unlike tree pap...
- Strong, Durable, & Super Absorbent: Our super absorbent 2 ply sheets are strong and durable. Each sheet lasts up to 50 u...
- Kid & Pet Friendly: These rolls are kid and pet friendly. The pack contains 4 rolls, with each roll having 20 sheets, wi...
$32.95
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Reusable Paper Towel Comparison
A side-by-side look at the four options, based on the details that matter most in an everyday kitchen.
Earthly Co. Not Paper Towels
100% cotton flannel; approx. 13 × 10.5 in.; 10 or 24 towels
Soft, full-size everyday use
Machine wash; Tumble dry
Marley's Monsters Organic Unpaper Towels
100% organic cotton flannel; approx. 12 × 10 in.; 12 or 24 towels
Organic cotton and roll-style storage
Machine wash; Tumble dry low
Papaya Reusable Paper Towels
70% cellulose, 30% cotton; 6.6 x 7.8 in.
Quick counter cleanup and fast drying
Rinse, dishwasher, or machine wash; air-dry
Ecozoi Reusable Kitchen Paper Towels
Rayon/viscose derviced from bamboo with cotton; approx. 11 x 11 in.; 20 sheets per roll
Familiar tear-off format
Hand or machine wash
A MORE PRACTICAL WAY TO CHOOSE
Look Past The "Eco-Friendly" Label
The Biggest Mistake
Choosing By The Biggest Claim
Words like “sustainable,” “natural,” “zero waste,” and “bamboo” can sound impressive, but they don’t tell you much about what the towel is actually like to use. How does it feel? How do you wash it? Where does it go when it’s dirty? Those details matter a lot more when you’re deciding whether it will work in your kitchen.
A few common mistakes to avoid:
- Buying a large set before you know whether you like the material
- Assuming every towel labeled “bamboo” is made from unprocessed bamboo fiber
- Overlooking washing, drying, and storage instructions
- Expecting one type of reusable towel to handle every job you currently use paper towels for
A Better Approach
CHOOSE AROUND YOUR ROUTINE
Start with the messes you clean most often, then choose a material and care routine that won’t feel like extra work.
- Cotton flannel if you want something soft and large enough for bigger messes
- Cellulose blends if you prefer a towel you can quickly rinse, wring out, and leave to dry
- A roll format if you want the switch from disposable paper towels to feel more familiar
- A smaller starter set if you’re trying a new material and aren’t ready to commit to a full stack
Small Details Make The Biggest Difference
Material, size, care, and storage determine whether reusable paper towels become a natural part of your kitchen or another product that sits unused.
2 MAIN TYPES
Soft cotton towels and quick-drying cellulose-blend cloths create very different routines.
12–24 COTTON TOWELS
A practical range for households that want enough clean towels between laundry days.
4–6 SPONGE CLOTHS
Often enough for a starter rotation because each cloth can be rinsed and reused between deeper washes.
1 BACKUP ROLL
Useful for raw meat juices, heavy grease, paint, pet accidents, broken glass, and other messes you would rather discard.
An Honest Assessment
Reusable towels can cut down on everyday paper towel use, but they aren’t completely effortless. You’ll still need to wash, dry, and store them, so it helps to know what you’re signing up for before making the switch.
The Pros
- Handy for water spills, wiping counters and tables, dusting, and drying hands
- Available in different materials, sizes, and storage styles
- Can reduce how often you need to buy disposable paper towels
- Cotton towels can also work as cloth napkins or small hand towels
- Swedish dishcloths are compact and easy to rinse between uses
The Cons
- Dirty towels need somewhere to go until wash day
- Cotton sets mean extra laundry and may need to be rerolled after washing
- Cellulose cloths tend to be smaller and usually need to be dampened before use
- Stains and everyday wear are pretty much inevitable
- They won’t be the most practical option for every especially dirty or high-contamination mess
Is This Switch For You?
BEST SUITED FOR
Reusable paper towels make the most sense if you reach for paper towels mainly for everyday kitchen cleanup. They’re particularly easy to work into your routine if you already use and wash kitchen towels.
- You regularly wipe up water, crumbs, counters, tables, or appliances
- You already wash kitchen towels or don’t mind rinsing out a cloth
- You have an easy place to keep both clean and used towels
- You’re fine keeping disposable paper towels around for certain messes
WHO SHOULD SKIP IT
A big set of reusable towels probably isn’t worth it if taking care of them will annoy you more than using them will help.
- Most of your paper towel use involves grease, raw meat, pet accidents, or other messes you’d rather throw away
- You don’t have a practical spot for damp or dirty towels
- You strongly dislike extra laundry or rinsing cloths by hand
- You’re expecting one reusable product to replace every paper towel from day one
Where To Buy
These four options cover different materials and routines. Choose the one that best matches how you actually clean rather than buying the largest set first.
Affiliate Links. Pricing and availability may change.
SHOP EARTHLY CO.
PAPAYA REUSABLE PAPER TOWELS
Compact cellulose-and-cotton cloths with a rinse-and-hang routine.
- 70% Cellulose, 30% Cotton
- PREMIUM SWEDISH DISHCLOTH FOR YOUR KITCHEN: Papaya’s 70% cellulose and 30% cotton reusable cloths are engineered thicker...
- PATENTED PAPAYA HOOK: Unlike microfiber rags or standard dishcloths, Papaya’s super quick-drying material never drips an...
$17.99
ECOZOI REUSABLE KITCHEN PAPER TOWELS
Large tear-off sheets for a transition that feels closer to a standard roll.
- Reusable, Washable, & Tree Free: These paper towels are made from 70% Rayon from Bamboo, and 30% cotton. Unlike tree pap...
- Strong, Durable, & Super Absorbent: Our super absorbent 2 ply sheets are strong and durable. Each sheet lasts up to 50 u...
- Kid & Pet Friendly: These rolls are kid and pet friendly. The pack contains 4 rolls, with each roll having 20 sheets, wi...
$32.95
MARLEY’S MONSTERS UNPAPER TOWELS
Organic cotton flannel with sewn edges and a reusable kraft tube.
- Natural Fiber Construction: UNpaper Towels are crafted from 100% premium cotton flannel, a natural fiber without micropl...
- Stop Wasting Money on Disposables: Say goodbye to constantly restocking disposable paper towels and embrace the convenie...
- Embrace Sustainability without Compromising on Quality: Join the countless families who have made the switch to UNpaper ...
$45.99
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about reusable paper towel materials, washing, and everyday use.
Cotton flannel is a good choice if you want a soft, full-size towel that can go in with your regular laundry. A cellulose-and-cotton blend works better if you prefer a compact cloth that you can rinse at the sink and leave to dry. The better material really comes down to how you plan to use it and how much upkeep you want.
They can be used hygienically as long as they’re washed regularly and allowed to dry properly between uses. Use a clean towel when wiping food-contact surfaces and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. For raw meat juices, heavy grease, pet accidents, or other messes you’d rather not wash out of a cloth, a disposable towel may be the more practical choice.
For cotton flannel, 12 towels may be plenty for a smaller household that does laundry often, while 24 gives you more breathing room between wash days. Swedish dishcloths work a little differently. Since you can rinse and reuse them between deeper washes, a set of four to six may be enough for many households.
It depends on the product. Earthly Co. and Marley’s Monsters allow tumble drying according to their care instructions, while Papaya recommends air-drying its cellulose-and-cotton cloths because machine drying may cause shrinkage. Check the care instructions for the specific towels you buy rather than assuming they can all be washed and dried the same way.
They don’t have to. Reusable towels can handle plenty of everyday jobs while a regular roll stays under the sink for raw meat, heavy oil, paint, broken glass, or anything else you’d rather clean up and throw away. Even replacing some of your usual paper towel use can mean buying disposable rolls less often.
How often reusable paper towels need to be washed depends on the material and what you use them for. Cotton towels can go in with your used kitchen linens after use, while cellulose-and-cotton cloths can often be rinsed, wrung out, and left to dry between deeper washes. Follow the care instructions for your specific towels, and grab a fresh one after especially dirty jobs or when cleaning food-contact surfaces.
A Smaller Switch That Can Actually Stick
The best reusable paper towel is the one that fits naturally into the way you already clean. Of the options in this guide, Earthly Co. notpaper Towels are my top overall pick. They’re soft, generously sized, machine washable, and useful for more than wiping up the occasional counter spill.
That doesn’t mean cotton is the right choice for everyone. If you’d rather rinse one cloth at the sink than collect a basket of kitchen laundry, Papaya may be a better fit. If organic cotton is your priority, Marley’s Monsters stands out. And if your household is used to grabbing a sheet straight from a roll, Ecozoi makes the transition feel a little more familiar.
You don’t have to give up disposable paper towels completely, either. Using reusable towels for everyday messes while keeping a regular roll around for the jobs you’d rather clean up and throw away is a perfectly practical middle ground.