If you’ve recently made the switch to reusable paper towels, you’re truly an Earth Hero! These eco-friendly alternatives are more than just a sustainable swap, they’re a long-term investment in your home, your wallet, and the planet.
Whether you’re wiping down countertops, drying dishes, or cleaning up spills, your reusable towels work hard for you. So let’s make sure you know exactly how to care for them. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to wash reusable paper towels and why making this change matters more than you might think.
Why Choose Reusable Paper Towels
Every year, Americans use more than 13 billion pounds of paper towels – that’s about 40 pounds per person! Much of this waste ends up in landfills, creating a massive environmental burden.
In fact, if every family in the U.S. used just one less roll of paper towels each year, it could save 544,000 trees and millions of dollars in landfill costs.
Switching to reusable napkins and paper towels will not only reduce your household waste but also lessen the demand for virgin tree pulp, water, and energy used in traditional paper towel production. That’s a win-win for your home and the Earth.
The Best Reusable Paper Towels
We’ve tried and tested a lot of options, and one of our favorite has to be these Reusable Paper Towels from ZeroWasteStore.
These towels are:
- Made from GOTS-certified organic cotton flannel
- Perfect for cleaning messes, drying hands, or wiping surfaces
- The cotton fabric naturally clings together, making a reusable paper towel roll
Easy to roll onto a standard paper towel holder
When you buy a reusable paper towel roll like this one, you’re supporting circular, ethical production and reducing your everyday waste.
How To Wash Reusable Paper Towels
Treat your reusable paper towels with a little TLC, and they’ll reward you with long-lasting performance and fewer wasteful trips to the trash can. Here's how to keep them fresh, clean, and ready for any mess:
1. Give Them a Quick Rinse First (Optional)
If your towel has soaked up spills, crumbs, or sauces, it can be helpful to give it a quick rinse under cold water before tossing it in the wash. This helps lift stains early and gives your washing machine a lighter load to handle.
2. Be Gentle with Your Detergent
Strong detergents may seem effective, but they can wear down the fibers over time. Instead, opt for a mild, eco-conscious laundry detergent, like this one from Meliora (bonus points if it’s free from bleach, dyes, or synthetic fragrances).
Need help choosing a detergent that aligns with your values? Check out our laundry guide here!
3. Wash with Care
Reusable towels love the gentle cycle. Use cold to warm water (not hot!) to help them maintain their size, shape, and softness. If you’re dealing with a particularly dirty bunch, feel free to run an extra rinse to get them squeaky clean.
4. Air Dry or Tumble on Low
Once washed, your towels are ready to dry. Hanging them up is the most fabric-friendly option, but a low-heat dryer cycle works well too if you’re in a hurry. Steer clear of high heat, which can cause shrinking or weaken the material over time.
5. Skip the Softeners
While it may be tempting to toss in a dryer sheet or liquid softener, these products leave behind residue that can block absorbency. For best results, wash your reusable towels with similar fabrics (like cottons or other flannels) and let them do their thing naturally.
How Long Do Reusable Paper Towels Last?
Unlike single-use rolls that vanish in a week, reusable paper towels can last for years, depending on how often you use and wash them.
With proper care, high-quality reusable towels can handle hundreds of wash cycles. That means major savings over time and less waste with every spill you clean. Keep a small stash in rotation, wash regularly, and store them in a dry place between uses to get the most mileage.
Over time, you may notice your towels becoming softer and more absorbent. That’s a sign of well-loved and well-used towels, not wear and tear!
Extra Tips For Using Reusable Paper Towels
Designate towel types
Use specific ones for cleaning, drying hands, napkins, or wiping surfaces to reduce cross-contamination.
Create a reusable towel system
Keep a small basket under the sink for dirty towels and another for clean ones.
Try folding or rolling
Mimic that “pull-from-the-roll” feeling by stacking or rolling your towels onto a wooden holder or basket - this will make switching habits second nature!
Still Exploring Reusable Swaps?
Check out our full guide to reusable paper towel alternatives to discover more ways to green your kitchen routine. From dish cloths and paper towels to compostable sponges, we’ve got you covered.
Switching to reusable paper towels is one of the simplest ways to reduce waste in your home. With the right care, these sustainable swaps will serve you for years, saving trees, water, and money in the process.
Now that you know how to clean reusable paper towels, you’re equipped to make this habit stick.
