9 Paper Towel Alternatives To Ditch The Flimsy & Embrace The Eco-Friendly

Why Learn How To Go Paper Towel Free?

Do paper towel replacements really make an impact?

Absolutely!

In 2017, the United States spent over $5.7 billion on single-use disposable paper towels alone (almost half of the global $12 billion in paper towel spending)

And while you can (usually) compost paper towels, many people don’t and you can’t recycle paper towels, which means most of them end up in the landfill.

The EPA states the combined total for all tissue waste in America amounted to over 7.4 billion pounds. 

Not only does this contribute to deforestation and related biodiversity loss, but manufacturing practices use loads of water, chemicals, and plastic. 

How Do I Stop Using Paper Towels?

Look, we won’t deny the convenience of paper towels and how hard it can be to break the paper towel habit—but single-use towels are unsustainable and contribute to the degradation of the environment. 

So, how do you make the swap to no paper towels?

1. Assess your current paper towel usage.

First, make a note of how often and in what situations you reach for a paper towel. Maybe you use them when you’re eating dinner or cleaning up quick spills. 

Either way, this will help you identify the areas where you can improve and need an alternative solution.

For example, if you mostly use them for wiping grease from your cast iron pan, you can then ask, “How do you absorb grease without a paper towel?”

The answer, by the way, is cloth. Swedish dishcloths don’t quite cut it for this use, but a simple cotton cloth (ideally a couple dedicated exclusively to grease use) works best to absorb grease. 

If you find your regular natural laundry detergent isn’t quite getting all the grease out

2. Invest in reusable alternatives.

After you assess your paper towel usage, it’s time to invest in sustainable options. There are countless options listed above that you can purchase or make yourself. 

Selecting a brand or product with a subscription-based model can help ensure you don’t have to grab traditional towels when you run out. You can also set monthly reminders on your phone or calendar to purchase new sets. 

And remember, the paper towel alternative is one you already own, like a washcloth or rag. 

3. Organize your new alternatives.

It’s important to create easy access to your new sustainable habit. 

Keep the paper towel substitutes visible and in a convenient location, so you continuously reach for them instead of paper products. 

Swedish dishcloths often hang on a little hook by the sink while the best Unpaper towels can fit on a traditional paper towel holder,

4. Establish a system

You’ll need a system to ensure your new habit sticks.

The system may include subscription services or creating a designated area for dirty towels, like a laundry basket or reusable bag.

Establishing a washing routine will ensure you’re not caught in between a spill and a damp place. This may look like selecting a designated laundry day and making notes on your calendar. 

5. Educate household members

If you live with others, make sure everyone in your household is aware of the switch to reusable alternatives. Encourage their participation and explain the environmental benefits.

6. Be prepared for different situations.

Anticipate scenarios where you might reach for a paper towel out of habit. Prepare alternatives in advance, such as keeping a small cloth towel in your bag or car for unexpected spills.

Remember, transitioning away from paper towels may take some time and adjustment. Be patient with yourself and celebrate every effort you make toward a more sustainable lifestyle.

How We Chose The Best Paper Towel Alternatives

The best paper towel alternatives are the ones you already own, like old clothes, towels, and scrap materials. 

If you’re looking to purchase new disposable towels, here are the criteria we used to select these options.

Materials:

If you’re making the swap to green living, you may not be aware of all the paper towel substitutes you can choose from. So, what are the alternatives to paper towels?

• Cloth “unpaper” towels: Absorbent, reusable cloths, like organic cotton and bamboo fabric are ideal for looking for a good alternative for paper towels for food and grease. They also have more delicate zero waste cleaning applications, like wiping mirrors. Alternatively, microfiber paper towel replacements are highly effective at trapping dirt and can be used dry or slightly dampened with water.
• Sponge cloths: Sponge or Swedish dishcloths are made from natural materials like cellulose and cotton, and they can absorb liquids and clean surfaces effectively. They are durable and can be washed in the dishwasher or washing machine.
• Old T-shirts or towels: Instead of throwing away old T-shirts or towels, repurpose them as cleaning rags. Cut them into smaller pieces and use them for cleaning, dusting, or other household tasks.

We always look for reusable towels that can be washed and reused, reducing waste and the need for single-use paper napkins and towels.

No matter which you choose, the materials need to come from sustainably managed sources, which is why it’s best to go tree-free to prevent deforestation. 

Those made from post-consumer recycled paper can be an excellent disposable option, but look for sustainable forestry certifications to avoid greenwashing (though these certifications aren’t infallible).

Supply chain, carbon commitments, & green practices:

We also made sure the brands on our list use ethical manufacturing practices, aim to reduce their emissions through carbon offset programs, and use compostable or recycled packaging when applicable.