Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman's Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
If you're striving to reduce waste while maintaining a clean home this Earth Day and beyond, these favorite reusable paper towels and paper towel alternatives might be a good addition to your shopping list — if, of course, they’re not already a trusted staple in your cleaning arsenal.
Let’s be honest. Who hasn’t fallen into the habit of grabbing a paper towel to soak up a quick spill, pick up a mess, or wipe down a streaky mirror? Disposable paper towels are a mainstay in many households across the country due to their convenience and ease. While they’re undeniably handy, they’re not the most sustainable option for the environment. That’s why reusable paper or paperless towels are an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice. In fact, a recent study found that switching from paper to cloth towels can reduce household waste by up to 30%, and save households up to $100 a year. That can really add up!
What’s more, they get the job done. Reusable paper towels are just as functional as their one-use counterparts. They can handle hefty messes and bounce back to tackle more clean-ups. Typically made from recycled materials, they tend to last much longer than traditional disposable options. They’re also much less likely to contain harmful pollutants and other chemicals.
Best Reusable Paper Towels of 2024
If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint and keep more cash in your pocket, now’s the time to explore reusable paper towels. We’ve rounded up top-recommended reusable paper towels that reviewers swear by. We took into consideration things like the number of sheets, various price points, cute styles, and overall effectiveness to ensure you get the best of the best.
Pros
Each towel can be washed up to 50 times- Kid and pet-friendly
Cons
- Hard to reshape after use
Made from a blend of rayon, bamboo, and cotton, these reusable towels are perfect for cleaning the kitchen, bathroom, and more. They're super absorbent and the decorative design adds a bright spot to your cleaning up messes.
"So far I’ve used them to hand-wash dishes, mop up liquid on the countertop, and as a napkin," writes one reviewer. "I just run them under water to rinse them out after use, then squeeze the water out. They dry very quickly. "
Size: 7.75" x 7.75 "x 11.75" inches | Number of Sheets Per Roll: 20 | Care Instructions: Should be washed under cold tap water or in a washer with cold water, Air dry
Pros
- Soft to the touch when wet
- Vibrant and colorful
- Durable
- Machine washable
Cons
- Prone to shrinkage
Practical and bright, these reusable cloths are safe for use on wood, marble, tile, glass, and stainless steel. Their versatility make them ideal for just about any cleaning job. The best part? They're incredibly durable.
As one reviewer notes: "They are well textured on both sides, which is nice. They're extremely durable and long lasting as well."
Size: 8" x 7" inches | Number of Sheets Per Roll: 10 | Care Instructions: Machine washable
Pros
- Easy to wash and re-roll
- Cling together well
- Machine washable
Cons
- Pricey
- Prone to stains
- Not as absorbent
At first you may experience sticker shock, but you'll quickly find out these reusable towels are worth the splurge. What would typically take multiple traditional, disposable paper towels can be done with one of these options.
"These are definitely more functional than 'rags', and they’ve not only replaced paper towels for me in my daily life around the house, but also tissues and sometimes dish towels," writes one reviewer. "These are the perfect amount absorbent, I can use one for a task that would normally require 3-5 paper towels, they’re soft and I can fit them into crevices to clean."
Size: 12" x 10" x 0.04" inches | Number of Sheets Per Roll: 24 | Care Instructions: Machine washable
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Comes with its own roll for storage
- Fits on most paper towel holders
- Absorbency increases with each wash
Cons
- Towels may clump together in the wash
Want a roll of paperless paper towels that still feels like, well, a roll? Chloven paperless towels come with a durable cardboard center piece that helps users re-roll them after they've been cleaned.
Each set comes with 25, 2-ply opens made from super absorbent 100% flannel cotton. You'll get to choose between several different patterns, each with a cute design that is sure to brighten up your space while keeping your carbon footprint in check.
One positive review reads: "These are great! They are much larger than some of the other brands. They are soft and absorbent. Love getting away from paper towels."
Size: 10" x 10" inches | Number of Sheets Per Roll: 25 | Care Instructions: Handwashed or machine-washed
Pros
- Bright and cheery pattern
- Made from durable cotton
- Re-rollable
- Machine washable
Cons
- Light color may show stains easily
Looking for a paperless towel that can do some seriously heavy lifting? Look no further than these 100% cotton options from Earthly Co. Each roll purchased contains 10 packs and can replace more than 80 rolls of disposable paper towels.
Not only does that keep more waste out of landfills but it keeps more money in your pocket. At just $1.60 per sheet, these towels are both a bargain and a must-have.
"The quality is excellent. It has nice, sturdy fabric but soft and absorbent, and the edges are bound so they don't fray in the washing machine," writes one reviewer. "I leave one folded in quarters on my countertop for those little spills and they look nice, not like a forgotten dirty rag."
Size: 13"L x 11"W | Number of Sheets Per Roll: 10 | Care Instructions: Machine washable
Pros
- Machine washable
- Won't shrink in the wash
- Made from quick drying microfiber
Cons
- They will stick to other fabrics in the drier
These "tear away" paperless paper towels from Poyday will be your go-to paperless towels thanks to their large size. Each towel is 12 inches by 12 inches. The absorbent materials (these are made with microfiber) can be used for everything from cleaning up spills to drying dishes. The design can be rerolled after being run through the washer and dryer, making them easy to store and reach for again and again.
As one reviewer notes: "These towels are lightweight, but durable. Meaning, you can get in the nook and crannies of a mess. Additionally, they are properly absorbent and do not 'spread' the cleaner around. They are comfortable in the hand to use."
Size: 12"x 12" inches | Number of Sheets Per Roll: 50 | Care Instructions: Machine washable
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Very absorbent
- Machine washable
- Great for cleaning up water-based liquids
Cons
- Attract lint when washed and dried
- Need to find a place to store once off the roll
These versatile bamboo towels have over 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. They come perforated like a traditional paper towel roll, but once you've ripped one off, you can use it again and again. Users rave about the effectiveness in the kitchen, bathroom, living room, and more, noting that they are "super absorbent."
One positive review reads: "Durability is great and when they get stinky I wash them in the dishwasher and I get more time out of them! Environmentally friendly is a huge plus and I will be saving a lot of money too!"
Size: 11.18" x 3.43" x 3.23" inches | Number of Sheets Per Roll: 20 | Care Instructions: Machine washable
Pros
- Machine washable
- Absorbency improves with every use and wash
- 100% Global Organic Textile Standard certified
Cons
- Some reviewers note these shrink when washed
This MioEco washable and reusable paper towel alternative is made with organic cotton. With over 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, the company claims that one reusable cotton towel is equal to 130 traditional paper towel rolls. Because they are bleach- and dye-free, some reviewers favor using these to dry fruit before eating, or as napkins during meals. Others say they appreciate the waffled texture which allows for easy scrubbing and clean-up.
As one five-star review notes: "They are a nice size that is in between a larger towel and the smaller 'shop rag' size. They are sturdy, soft, neutral in color, and absorb well."
Size: 9.9"L x 11.9"W | Number of Sheets Per Roll: 10 | Care Instructions: Machine washable
Pros
- One roll replaces up to 30 traditional paper towel rolls
- Quick drying
- Work well with cleaning sprays
Cons
- Hand wash
- They don't feel like traditional paper towels
These bamboo towels are easy on the eyes with a pretty tree bud print. According to the company, each sheet can absorb seven times its weight and is equal to one traditional paper towel roll. (So, one roll = 30 rolls of traditional paper towels) Reviewers note that they are super fast-drying, stand up after washing, and are durable enough for deep cleaning.
"I got a roll recently and I LOVE IT. I've used them to help me deep clean, and they always rinse out clean! These things can take a beating, trust me. If you're on the fence, don't be! They're amazing!" reads one five-star review.
Size: 10.63" x 2.56" x 2.56" inches| Number of Sheets Per Roll: 30 | Care Instructions: Hand wash, hang dry
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Towels get softer and more absorbent with every wash
- Can hang, roll, or fold
- Fun patterns and colors
Cons
- Not as absorbent as traditional paper towels
- Some reviewers note difficulties keeping on the roll
- Expensive (though they are handmade)
For anyone who wants to ditch paper towels but can't seem to let go of the idea of the "roll," these 100% cotton flannel "UNpaper" towels are for you. Handmade in Oregon, the reusable towels cling to each other, making them easier to roll up and store on a traditional paper towel holder. The edges are serged for durability and to prevent fraying. It's also important to note that absorbency increases after the first few washes. Some reviewers mention that you shouldn't use fabric softener when washing.
One reviewer writes: "This is a GREAT product! I love the fact that I am not constantly throwing away paper towels after a wipe here or there. They wash up really well, and dry well, lay them flat and bam! All done and feel better."
Size: 12"x10" inches | Number of Sheets Per Roll: 24 | Care Instructions: Wash warm with like colors, Tumble dry
Terri Huggins Hart
Terri Huggins Hart is an award-winning journalist, lifestyle writer, parenting writer, and race and culture writer who is convinced she's figured out the trick to living life with no regrets: do what you love, give love, lead with love. She's also the writer of an active monthly newsletter sharing tips for motivation and emotional well-being. When not writing, she can be found working out via Zumba or pole dancing, reciting her favorite affirmations and covering her adorable kids in kisses. You can learn more about Terri on her website, TerrificWords.com, or following her on social media @terrificwords.
Lauren Wellbank
Contributing Writer
Lauren Wellbank is a freelance writer based in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, Martha Stewart Living, and more. She has three small children, a husband, and an over eager dog at home. When she's not writing she likes to work in her garden with her family.
Karla Pope
Karla Pope is a longtime writer, editor and blogger with nearly two decades of editorial experience. She’s written for a variety of outlets including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, People, Parade, BET.com. WebMD and more. Her coverage includes entertainment, beauty, lifestyle, parenting and fashion content. If she's not exploring New York City with her two young children, you can find her curled up on the couch watching a documentary and eating gummy bears.
