Unpaper towels: how to choose reusable cloth towels for the kitchen

What you are actually buying

Most sets are cut squares of cotton, flannel, terry or a cotton blend, sold in a pack. Some come with snaps so they fasten into a roll on a holder, and others are simply a stack in a drawer or basket. The roll format is the closest to how paper towels feel, while a stack is simpler and usually cheaper.

• Cotton flannel: soft and light, dries quickly, good for wiping hands and counters.
• Terry or waffle weave: thicker and more absorbent, but slower to dry.
• Cotton and polyester blends: often described as quick drying. Read the fiber content on the listing so you know what you are getting.
• Printed or dyed fabric: check whether the maker names a dye or fabric standard, and look up the certifier's site if one is shown.

Reading the eco wording

Words like green, planet friendly or zero waste are not defined terms. Under the FTC Green Guides, an environmental claim should be specific and not overstate the benefit. A reusable towel does cut down on single-use paper, but the listing should say what it is made of and how to care for it. Organic cotton claims should name the certifier so you can check the certifier's own site.

Day-to-day routine

Stained towels are normal with use. If a towel is too worn to wipe with, many people move it to the rag bag.

1. Keep a small bin or wet bag near the sink for used towels.
2. Use separate towels for raw meat spills if you want, and mark them with a different color.
3. Wash with your usual laundry, following the care label. Many makers say to avoid fabric softener because it can reduce absorbency.
4. Dry fully before folding so the stack does not smell damp.

Our angle: cost per use and the number you need

Work out how many paper rolls you use in a month, then compare the price of a set with that. Divide the set price by the number of times you expect to use each towel, which is the cost per use. A towel used a few times a week for a long stretch can come out low, but only if you actually reach for it. We do not state how long any towel lasts, so use the maker's care guidance and the return policy as a guide.

• Count how many wipes you do per day, and buy enough for about two days so laundry is not daily.
• Compare price per towel, not price per pack.
• Add the cost of extra laundry only if you would run an extra load because of them.

Gift angle

A set of printed unpaper towels with a holder is a modest gift. See our Christmas gift ideas by budget, and our guides to eco-friendly paper towels and Swedish dishcloths for related options.