There's a good chance you've reached for a paper towel today without giving it much thought. Maybe you wiped up a splash of coffee, cleaned a few crumbs off the counter, or dealt with a little spill while making lunch. It's one of those everyday habits that becomes so automatic we hardly notice how often we're doing it.
Then, somewhere along the way, the roll runs out and we are grabbing for the next roll.
Paper towels are convenient, and there's a reason they've become a staple in so many homes. They're right there when you need them, they absorb messes quickly, and once you're finished, you can toss them away and move on with your day. The trouble is that all those little uses add up, leaving us buying more disposable products to handle jobs we could often manage with something reusable.
The good news? You don't need to completely change the way you run your kitchen to use fewer paper towels. You might already have a few alternatives sitting in your cupboards, and there are reusable options designed specifically to make the switch easy.
At Earth Warrior, we love finding ways to make everyday living a little more sustainable without making it complicated. That's one of the reasons we created our Re:Towels: reusable paper towel replacements made for the spills, splashes, and little messes that happen in everyday life.
Whether you're ready to invest in a set of reusable cloths or want to start by using what you already own, here are six alternatives worth considering.
1. Reusable Paper Towels: An Easy Swap for Everyday Messes
If you're looking for something that does the same job as a paper towel, reusable paper towels are a natural place to start.
The idea is simple. Instead of reaching for a disposable sheet, you grab a reusable cloth, wipe up the mess, and put it aside for washing when it needs cleaning. Once it's been washed and dried, it's ready to use again.
They work particularly well for the little jobs that happen throughout the day: wiping kitchen counters, cleaning up water around the sink, dealing with spills, and tidying up after meals. Having a small collection means you can keep clean cloths ready to use while others are in the laundry.
This is exactly why we created Earth Warrior's re:Towels.
We wanted to offer an alternative to disposable paper towels that people could easily work into their existing routines. You shouldn't have to completely rethink your kitchen to make a more sustainable choice. Sometimes, all it takes is putting something reusable in the same place where you normally keep your paper towels.
Our Re:Towels are made using bamboo terry and upcycled cotton. The outter layer is upcycled cotton because it gives existing textiles another purpose.
Textile waste is a big part of what we work to address at Earth Warrior. We believe that fabric can still have value long after its original purpose has ended, and creating useful everyday products is one way to keep that value in circulation.
We sell them in a 5 pack because having several cloths in rotation makes it easier to keep a clean one nearby, even when others need washing.
And here's the lovely thing about making this particular swap: you don't have to wait until your paper towels run out to start. You can put your reusable cloths beside the sink today and begin reaching for them whenever they make sense.
You can keep a few paper towels around for the occasional job where a disposable product is useful, too. The goal is to reduce unnecessary waste in a way that works for your household, not to make everyday life more complicated.
Ready to make the switch? Explore our Earth Warrior's re:Towels and find a reusable option for your everyday kitchen routine.
2. Old Cotton T-Shirts and Worn-Out Textiles
Before you buy anything new, have a look at what you already own.
That old cotton T-shirt you've been meaning to retire, the towel that's seen better days, or the cotton flannel pyjama bottoms that are too worn to wear might still have plenty of life left in the fabric.
Suitable cotton textiles can be cut into cleaning rags and used for a variety of household jobs. They're handy for wiping dusty shelves, cleaning up spills, polishing certain surfaces, and tackling messes that don't need your nicer kitchen cloths.
It's a simple way to extend the life of fabric that might otherwise be discarded.
If you're turning old clothing into cleaning cloths, start by checking the material. Soft, absorbent cotton is generally a good choice for everyday wiping. Stretchy fabrics and synthetic blends can behave differently, so it's worth testing a small piece before cutting up an entire garment.
Cut the fabric into manageable squares, keeping in mind where you'll use them. Smaller pieces work well for quick jobs, while larger pieces are handy for bigger spills. You don't need perfect edges or fancy sewing skills. These cloths are meant to be useful.
I particularly like this option because it encourages us to look at our belongings a little differently. When something can no longer serve its original purpose, that doesn't automatically mean it has nothing left to offer.
At Earth Warrior, that's a principle we bring into the products we make, too. We look for ways to turn them into something useful again. It's a practical way to rethink waste and make better use of the resources already around us.
Of course, homemade cleaning rags aren't necessarily the best option for every task. Some fabrics absorb better than others, and you'll want to keep cloths used for dirtier jobs separate from those you use in the kitchen.
Still, if you have suitable fabric at home, you can get started without spending a cent.
3. Kitchen Tea Towels
Tea towels are one of those things most of us already have, tucked into a drawer or hanging beside the sink.
They're traditionally used for drying dishes and hands, although they're useful for much more than that. A clean tea towel can soak up a larger spill, wipe down a table, or help dry freshly washed produce.
Because they're larger than most reusable cleaning cloths, they're particularly handy when you need more surface area to absorb liquid. They can also help you reduce disposable paper use beyond the little spills that happen around the kitchen.
The main thing to consider is how you use them.
A tea towel used to dry clean dishes should stay separate from one that's been used to wipe up food spills or clean a dirty surface. Change them regularly, avoid leaving damp towels bunched up, and wash them appropriately.
You don't necessarily need to buy more tea towels, either. Start with the ones you have and see whether using them more often helps you reach for paper towels less frequently.
If you find yourself using a large tea towel for every tiny spill, a smaller reusable cloth might be more convenient. That's where having a combination of options can make everyday cleaning easier.
There's no single perfect replacement for paper towels. The best approach is often to have a few reusable textiles that suit different jobs.
4. Cellulose Sponge Cloths
If you want something a little different from a traditional cotton cloth, cellulose sponge cloths are another option to explore.
These thin cloths are designed to absorb liquid and soften when wet. They're often used for wiping kitchen counters, cleaning around the sink, and soaking up spills. Depending on the product, they can absorb quite a bit of water while remaining compact and easy to store.
They can be particularly useful if you prefer having a cloth dedicated to wiping down wet surfaces. After use, you can clean and dry it according to the manufacturer's instructions and reuse it.
It's worth checking what a sponge cloth is made from before purchasing one. Some contain cellulose, while others combine different materials. Compostability also varies, so don't assume that every product labelled eco-friendly belongs in the compost bin.
Cellulose sponge cloths can be a useful addition to your kitchen, although they don't have to replace every other cleaning textile you own.
You might find that a sponge cloth works well around the sink while cotton cloths handle everyday spills and tea towels take care of drying dishes.
The point is to choose materials that work for your household and use them for as long as they're suitable.
5. Cloth Napkins Instead of Disposable Paper Napkins
While we're rethinking paper towels, it's worth looking at another disposable product we often use without thinking: paper napkins.
Think about how often paper napkins appear at breakfast, lunch, dinner, or when you're packing a quick snack. They're convenient, although cloth napkins can do the same job and be washed and reused.
Keep a small stack where you eat, and they're easy to grab for everyday meals. You can also tuck one into a lunch bag or bring a few along for a picnic.
Cloth napkins are particularly useful for families who regularly use disposable napkins at the table. Once you have a collection, you can simply add them to your regular laundry as needed.
They aren't designed to replace paper towels for every cleaning task, of course. You probably wouldn't want to use your favourite cloth napkin to wipe up a greasy stovetop. Their value is in replacing disposable products where a reusable alternative makes sense.
If you enjoy sewing, suitable fabric scraps can also be turned into simple napkins. Otherwise, you may already have some tucked away in a cupboard.
It's another reminder that small changes can extend beyond a single product. Once you start noticing the disposable items you reach for automatically, you may find other places where reusable alternatives fit naturally into your day.
6. Create a Basket of Cleaning Rags for Messier Jobs
One of the easiest ways to make reusable cleaning cloths work is to give them a home.
A small basket of cleaning rags can make a big difference. Keep it in a utility cupboard, laundry room, or another convenient spot, and fill it with suitable old towels(cut them up to the size you want), cotton clothing, or other reusable textiles.
These cloths can be reserved for the jobs you'd rather keep separate from your everyday kitchen laundry. Think muddy paw prints by the door, dusty outdoor furniture, dirty marks on the floor, or other messes that need a dedicated cleaning cloth.
Having a separate collection means you don't have to worry about using your good tea towels for every job, and it makes it easier to sort laundry appropriately.
When a cloth has been used, put it in a designated laundry basket rather than returning it to the clean pile. Avoid leaving damp cloths sitting in a closed container for long periods, and wash heavily soiled items separately when appropriate.
This approach is especially useful if you have a household that goes through a lot of cleaning cloths. You can turn suitable textiles that have reached the end of their original purpose into something practical, without needing to buy a dedicated product for every type of mess.
And if you already have a drawer full of old towels and clothing, you might have everything you need to get started.
How Do You Choose the Right Alternative to Paper Towels?
With several options available, you might be wondering which one makes the most sense for your home.
The answer depends on what you're cleaning, what you already own, and how you prefer to manage laundry.
For everyday spills and wiping counters, reusable cloths are a practical starting point. Tea towels are useful for drying dishes and handling larger spills, while old cotton clothing can become cleaning rags for less delicate jobs. Cellulose sponge cloths offer another option for wiping wet surfaces, and cloth napkins can replace disposable napkins at mealtimes.
You don't have to choose just one.
In fact, having a small collection of reusable textiles for different purposes often makes the transition easier. You can keep your everyday cloths close to the sink, your tea towels in their usual drawer, and your messier cleaning rags somewhere separate.
If you want to start without spending money, use what you already have. Try keeping a few suitable cloths beside your paper towels and reaching for them first when you clean up a spill.
If you'd prefer a dedicated option that's ready to become part of your routine, Earth Warrior's re:Towels are designed for that purpose.
The best alternative is one you'll actually use. There's little benefit in buying something reusable if it sits untouched in a cupboard. Choose an option that suits your daily habits, make it easy to reach, and give yourself time to adjust.
How to Switch to Reusable Paper Towels Without Creating More Work
One concern people sometimes have about reusable cloths is the laundry. Will replacing paper towels mean another chore to manage?
It doesn't have to.
A little planning can make reusable cloths easy to work into your existing routine.
Keep clean cloths where you need them. If you normally store paper towels beside the sink, put your reusable cloths in the same place. You want them to be just as convenient to grab.
Have enough cloths in rotation. Keep a small supply of clean cloths available so you aren't left without one while others are being washed. The number you'll need depends on your household and how frequently you do laundry.
Separate clean and used cloths. A dedicated basket or laundry container makes it easier to keep used cloths away from clean ones. Hang damp cloths to dry before placing them in a hamper, and avoid leaving them in a damp pile.
Wash cloths according to their use. A cloth used for a little water spill may not need the same treatment as one used to clean up food residue. Follow the care instructions for the material, and use appropriate laundering and sanitizing practices for food-related messes.
Keep different jobs separate. It's helpful to have a clear distinction between cloths used for food preparation, general kitchen cleaning, and dirtier household tasks. This makes your system more hygienic and helps your cloths last longer.
Once you establish a routine, using reusable cloths can become just as automatic as reaching for a paper towel.
And you don't have to stop using paper towels altogether. There may be situations where a disposable option is useful. The goal is to find opportunities to use fewer of them, not to make everyday cleaning unnecessarily difficult.
Are Reusable Paper Towels Better for the Environment?
My answer is yes! I believe reusable paper towels are a better choice for the environment, especially when they're made from durable materials that can be washed and used again and again.
Think about how many paper towels we go through in a year. We use them to wipe up spills, clean kitchen counters, dry our hands and tackle everyday messes. Each sheet gets used once before heading into the garbage, and then we reach for another. Multiply that by millions of households doing the same thing every day, and that's a lot of disposable paper being produced, used and thrown away.
Paper towels are made primarily from wood pulp, which means trees are part of the supply chain. Forests are essential to healthy ecosystems. They provide habitat for wildlife, store carbon, support biodiversity and help protect the watersheds we depend on. Although paper products can come from responsibly managed forests and recycled materials, the ongoing demand for wood fibre still makes resource use an important consideration.
When we choose a reusable cloth instead of reaching for disposable paper towels, we can reduce how much single-use paper we need. One cloth can replace many sheets over its lifetime, helping reduce demand for disposable products and the resources required to keep making them. Reusable cloths won't eliminate deforestation on their own, but reducing unnecessary consumption is one way we can help ease pressure on natural resources.
There's also the question of what happens after we throw paper towels away. Most used paper towels aren't suitable for recycling because they're contaminated with food, grease or cleaning products. When they end up in landfills, their organic material can break down and generate methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. The amount produced varies depending on landfill conditions and how the waste is managed, though it's another reason to think about what we're throwing away every day.
Reusable paper towels offer a different approach. Instead of using a product once and disposing of it, we keep a useful piece of fabric in circulation. Of course, reusable cloths need to be washed, and their environmental benefits depend on the materials they're made from, how long they last and how we care for them. Choosing durable cloths, washing full loads when practical and using them for as long as possible can help make that switch worthwhile.
A Little Change in the Kitchen Can Go a Long Way
It's easy to overlook the everyday things we use around the house. Paper towels are convenient, and reaching for them can become so automatic that we hardly notice how often we're buying them or how quickly we go through a roll.
Changing that habit doesn't have to mean buying an entirely new collection of sustainable products.
You could start by cutting up an old cotton T-shirt, using your tea towels more often, or setting aside a basket of cleaning rags. If you'd like a dedicated reusable paper towel replacement, our Earth Warrior Re:Towels are another way to make the change.
For us, creating a world without waste starts with seeing value in the things we use every day. It's about making useful products, keeping textiles in circulation, and finding practical ways to make sustainable choices part of everyday life.
You don't have to change everything at once. Start with one small swap, see what works for you, and build from there. And the next time you reach for a paper towel, you might find that a reusable cloth is already right there waiting for you.
Ready to replace disposable paper towels with something reusable? Explore Earth Warrior's re:Towels and find a practical alternative for your everyday kitchen routine.