Paper towels are convenient… until you realize how fast you burn through them. A solid set of reusable kitchen towels can handle most daily messes—spills, counters, dishes—while staying absorbent, not funky-smelling, and easy to wash.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links.
What Actually Makes a Reusable Towel “Good”
- Absorbency: How fast it soaks up water (not just how thick it feels).
- Odor control: Some fabrics trap smells if they stay damp too long.
- Dry speed: Faster drying = less mildew smell over time.
- Washability: Holds shape and softness after repeated washes.
- Surface safety: Non-scratch matters for nonstick pans, glass, and stainless sinks.
1) Homaxy 12-Pack Kitchen Dish Cloths (Microfiber, Quick-Drying)
What it’s like in real use
Microfiber dish cloths like these are great for daily wipe-downs—counters, stove tops, sink edges—because they grab water and crumbs quickly.
Pros
- Very absorbent for the size
- Fast drying compared to thicker cotton towels
- Great for quick kitchen resets (wipe + rinse + hang)
Cons
- Can hold odors if left damp in a pile
- Microfiber can sometimes “grab” on rough hands or snag on sharp edges
Best for: Everyday countertop wiping and quick mess cleanup.
2) kimteny 12-Pack Dishcloth Towels (Microfiber, Absorbent, Fast-Drying)
What it’s like in real use
Similar daily-use microfiber cloths, typically built to be soft, absorbent, and easy to rinse out. These are the kind of towels you keep in rotation and don’t overthink.
Pros
- Strong absorbency for routine kitchen use
- Good quantity for a real rotation (you’ll always have clean ones)
- Easy to rinse and wring out
Cons
- Like most microfiber, odor control depends on drying habits
- Not everyone loves microfiber for drying glassware (can vary by weave)
Best for: People who want a big, reliable set for daily wiping and dish duty.
3) Severn Odor-Resistant Dish Cloths (Microfiber + Non-Scratch Scrubber Side)
What it’s like in real use
This is the “two-in-one” style: soft cloth side plus a scrub side that’s meant to clean stuck-on grime without scratching. It’s useful when you want one towel to handle both wiping and light scrubbing.
Pros
- Scrubber side helps tackle stuck-on food without reaching for a separate sponge
- Designed with odor resistance in mind (helpful for damp kitchen environments)
- Good for dishes, sink cleaning, and stovetop wipe-downs
Cons
- Scrub side can wear faster if you use it aggressively on rough surfaces
- Still needs proper drying to truly avoid smell buildup
Best for: People who want wiping + scrubbing in one cloth.
4) Reusable “unPaper Towels” 10-Pack (Cotton, Paper-Towel Alternative)
What it’s like in real use
These are more like a “paper towel replacement” than a dish rag—great for napkins, quick spills, and daily kitchen tasks where you’d normally grab a sheet of paper towel.
Pros
- Feels more like fabric (many people prefer cotton touch)
- Great for reducing paper towel use
- Works well for everyday wiping, napkins, and quick spills
Cons
- Cotton can dry slower than microfiber (more chance of mildew smell if left damp)
- For greasy messes, you may need hot water and a stronger wash cycle
Best for: Anyone trying to go low-waste and replace paper towels.
Quick Comparison (So You Buy the Right Type)
- Most absorbent + fastest drying: #1 or #2 (microfiber sets)
- Best for odor control + scrubbing: #3
- Best paper towel replacement feel: #4 (cotton unPaper towels)
My Honest “Optimal Pick”
✅ Best Overall for Most Kitchens: #2 kimteny 12-Pack Dishcloth Towels
In real life, the best towel is the one you always have clean. A 12-pack rotation + good absorbency + easy wash makes this the most practical everyday choice.
✅ Best If You Hate Smelly Towels: #3 Severn Odor-Resistant Dish Cloths
If your kitchen runs humid or you’ve dealt with that “damp rag smell,” odor-resistant + scrub side is a smart upgrade.
✅ Best If You Want to Replace Paper Towels: #4 Reusable unPaper Towels
These are the most natural switch for people used to grabbing paper towels for everything.
Real-World Tips (To Stop Towels from Smelling)
- Hang to dry fully after every use (don’t leave wadded up in the sink).
- Wash towels hot when possible and don’t overload the machine.
- Skip fabric softener—it can reduce absorbency over time.
- If odors build up: soak in warm water + baking soda, then wash normally.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using one towel all day without rinsing (odor builds fast)
- Leaving damp cloths in a closed cabinet
- Mixing microfiber and lint-heavy laundry (microfiber can trap lint)
