How to Switch from Paper Towels to Unpaper Towels
By Peace With The Wild | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: How-to Guides
A practical step-by-step guide to replacing disposable paper towels with reusable unpaper towels for a zero waste kitchen. Learn how to choose, use, and care for cloth towels.
Quick answer
Switching to unpaper towels is simple: start by buying a set of reusable cloth towels, keep them accessible in your kitchen, and use them for most daily cleaning tasks instead of paper towels.
Why unpaper towels work better than you think
Unpaper towels are made from absorbent cotton that can handle spills, wiping counters, and drying hands just as well as disposable paper towels. The key difference is they can be washed and reused hundreds of times, which cuts down on kitchen waste and saves money over time.
Common concerns and how to handle them
Some people worry that cloth towels will feel gross after wiping up food messes. The trick is to rinse them immediately after use and toss them in a designated laundry bag or bin. For greasy stains, pre-treat with a dab of dish soap before washing. You'll quickly find that a quick rinse and weekly wash keeps them fresh.
Steps to make the switch
- 1. Start with a small set of unpaper towels: Buy a pack of 3 unpaper towels like the Marley’s Monsters all-purpose ones. Keep them in a clean basket or drawer near your kitchen sink or counter. Checkpoint: Having them visible and within arm's reach makes it easier to grab them instead of reaching for paper towels.
- 2. Use unpaper towels for most daily tasks: Reach for an unpaper towel to wipe spills, dry hands, clean counters, or wrap snacks. Reserve paper towels only for truly messy tasks like cleaning up raw meat juices or painting. Checkpoint: If you find yourself still using paper towels for routine jobs, move the unpaper towels to a more convenient spot.
- 3. Rinse and store used towels properly: After each use, rinse the towel under hot water and wring it out. Hang it to dry or toss it in a dedicated laundry bag or bin. Do not leave wet towels crumpled in a pile—they can get musty. Checkpoint: A quick rinse prevents stains and odors from setting in. If you forget, just add a splash of vinegar to the wash.
- 4. Wash and dry them weekly: Collect used unpaper towels and wash them with your regular laundry on a warm cycle. Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softener, which can reduce absorbency. Dry on low heat or line dry. Checkpoint: Washing every 5–7 days keeps them fresh. If you have a heavy-use week, wash mid-week too.
Product facts
- 3 All-Purpose Unpaper Towels – Mixed: Marley’s Monsters cotton all-purpose unpaper towels come in a pack of 3, made from 100% cotton, plastic free, and super soft. This means you get a versatile set that's gentle on surfaces yet absorbent, perfect for everyday cleaning, picnics, or on-the-go use.
3 All-Purpose Unpaper Towels – Mixed
