How to Give Up Paper Towels (or Just Use a Lot Fewer)
Paper towels disappear fast in a family kitchen. Spilled milk, sticky hands, the dog’s water bowl, that mystery puddle by the fridge. Rolls go out the door almost as fast as they come in.
Switching to reusable cloths can save money and a lot of trash, but only if the system is easy enough to keep up with. Here’s how to set one up, and the few times paper towels are still the better choice.
The quick answer
Swap paper towels for a stack of reusable cloths (microfiber, cotton “unpaper” towels, flour sack towels, Swedish dishcloths or old T-shirt rags), keep clean ones within reach, give dirty ones a bin, and wash them on the hot cycle. Keep a small roll of paper towels for raw meat juices and other really messy jobs.
The best reusable paper towel alternatives
| Option | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Microfiber cloths | Wiping counters, spills, glass, dusting | Wash without fabric softener so they keep their grab |
| Cotton “unpaper” towels (some snap onto a roll) | The closest feel to paper towels | You’ll want a good stack of them |
| Flour sack towels | Drying hands and dishes, covering bowls | Thin, so they dry fast |
| Swedish dishcloths (cellulose and cotton) | Wiping counters and tables | Soak up a lot; can go in the washer |
| Old T-shirt or towel rags | The really dirty jobs | Free, and you won’t mind ruining them |
| Cloth napkins | Mealtimes | Darker colors hide stains |
How to set up a system that sticks
1. Have enough cloths. For a family, plan on a few days’ worth so you’re not waiting on laundry. Start with a couple of dozen and adjust.
2. Keep clean cloths where the paper towels used to be. A basket or drawer right by the sink. If they’re harder to grab than a paper towel, nobody will use them.
3. Give dirty cloths a home. A small bin or a wet bag under the sink or in the laundry room. Wet cloths should dry out before they go in the bin, so they don’t get musty.
4. Color-code if it helps. One color for kitchen counters, another for bathrooms, another for floors and the really gross jobs.
5. Wash them often, on hot. USDA food-safety guidance says to wash dishcloths often in the hot cycle of your washing machine. (USDA)
6. Teach the kids. Show them where the clean cloths live and where the dirty ones go. Kids are great at grabbing a cloth for their own spills once they know where it is.
Kelleigh’s Quick Tip: Don’t go cold turkey. Move the paper towel roll into a cupboard and put a basket of cloths where it used to be. You’ll still have paper towels for emergencies, but you’ll reach for a cloth first.
When paper towels still make sense
Going reusable doesn’t have to mean never using paper towels again:
- Raw meat, poultry and egg juices. USDA food-safety guidance suggests considering paper towels for cleaning kitchen surfaces, and a disposable towel that goes straight in the trash is a simple choice here. (USDA) If you use a cloth, put it straight in the wash.
- Pet accidents and anything with vomit.
- Greasy pans you want to wipe before washing.
- Draining fried food.
Is it worth it?
The upside: less trash, fewer rolls to buy and store, and cloths that often clean better than paper.
The trade-off: a bit more laundry. If you already run a load of towels every few days, the cloths go right in with them.
You don’t have to go all in. Cutting your paper towel use in half is still a win.
FAQs
What can I use instead of paper towels?
Microfiber cloths, cotton “unpaper” towels, flour sack towels, Swedish dishcloths, cloth napkins and old T-shirt rags all work. Keep them within easy reach, and give the dirty ones a bin.
Are reusable paper towels sanitary?
Yes, if you wash them often. USDA food-safety guidance says to wash dishcloths often on the hot cycle. Use a fresh cloth often, and use paper towels or a cloth that goes straight into the wash for raw meat juices.
How many reusable paper towels do I need?
Enough for a few days between washes. For a family, start with a couple of dozen and add more if you run out.
Do unpaper towels really work?
For everyday spills, hands and counters, yes. Most families find they still want a roll of paper towels for raw meat and the messiest jobs.
My take
You don’t need a perfect zero-waste kitchen. Put a basket of cloths where you’ll actually reach for them, give the dirty ones a bin, wash them on hot, and keep a roll of paper towels for the gross stuff.
Questions? Email me at kelleigh@imperfecthomemaking.com.
Happy cleaning!
