12 Colorful Reusable Paper Towels and Dishcloths that Are Pretty and Planet-Friendly

Bamboo is a great alternative to paper products due to its reusable nature. These bamboo reusable paper towels from Amazon are a great option. They are super absorbent and have a similar texture to paper towels (but way more durable). There’s no shrinking or tearing as well.

The vibrant assortment of Swedish sponge cloths available at Ecologie is such a delight. The company prides itself on its “joyful, color-forward prints” that are reusable, compostable, and not to mention beautiful. The Flowers of the Month design features fabulous eco-friendly flowers. What’s more, these cloths are quick-drying and claim to be odor-free. After nine months or whenever it’s completely used up, you can just toss it in your compost bin.

These plant-based reusable dishcloths from Full Circle Home are so good that we couldn’t stop gushing about them. It’s completely biodegradable, yet extremely absorbent (up to 20 times its weight!). When you’re done cleaning up spills, you can put them in the dishwasher (or microwave) to disinfect. It’s available in a pack of three with each having a unique design.

Papaya Reusables’ full collection of reusable paper towels is simply stylish. From food-themed designs to cutesy colorful ones, you can have a lot of fun selecting the right style for your space. The “Pretty in Sink'' selection comes with four sheets and two hanging hooks. One sheet replaces 17 rolls of paper towels and is made of 70 percent cellulose and 30 percent cotton, making it 100 percent compostable.

These best-selling Swedish dishcloths from Amazon are an AT favorite and for good reason. Reusable, dishwasher-safe, colorful, affordable — what’s not to love? The Swedish dishcloths come in a pack of 10 with an array of colors, which allows you to designate certain colors for different tasks or areas, such as one for the kitchen counters, bathroom vanity, or individual sinks.

These are “not paper towels.” Earthly Co.’s Reusable Paper Towels, which are available on Amazon, are a great replacement for your ordinary ones. They are multi-purposeful and great for everyday use. It arrives in a recyclable box, making it a zero-waste product. It makes for a great gift too.

Another great Amazon find, these ZeroWastely Reusable Paper Towels come in a value pack of 24. The 100 percent cotton flannel material makes it soft, durable, and highly absorbent. It’s machine washable and easy to roll back together. There’s a spectrum of colors too — eight total! — letting you divide the towels to use for many different purposes.

Replace your single-use paper towel with these European dishcloths from Grove Co. Its cheery designs — lemon-themed and a blue arc patterned one — will get you excited to clean up your messes. It measures 6 ¾ by 8 inches and is dishwasher and microwave safe. To use, simply wet the cloth and start clearing things up. Then to clean it, rinse first and pop it in the microwave for a quick minute to disinfect. For a deeper clean, throw it on the top rack of the dishwasher and run a cycle as normal.

Marley’s Monsters is nothing to be afraid of. At the heart of the company is a mission to provide “sustainable solutions for every area of your life and home.” Its rolled unpaper towels — made of single-ply 100 percent cotton flannel — come in a pack of 12 or 24 that are easy to wash, roll, and reuse. The playful patterns are a major perk too.

For more of a sustainable impact, consider using less. The Useless Brand’s reusable paper towels can help you in this venture. Twelve absorbent cotton flannel are rolled up on a cardboard paper roll that can easily fit any regular paper towel holder. For added flair, you can select one of five designs: wave, lemons, polka dot, zig-zag, or unbleached white. After cleanups, you can machine wash and dry it (caution: there may be a little shrinkage).

These sponge cloths are what Ten and Co., an eco-conscious home brand based in Canada, is known for. The cloths are designed in Canada, made in Sweden, and feature water-based dyes. They can replace up to 40-plus rolls and soak up 15 times their weight. Quick-drying and naturally antibacterial, these sponge cloths can last you six to 12 months, depending on how much you use them.

The Zero Waste Store is home to many sustainable brands and even carries its own collection of products under the ZWS Essentials label that’ll help you reduce your impact on the environment. The ZWS Essentials Reusable Paper Towels are available in a 24-pack of pre-rolled one-ply certified organic cotton towels in earth tones, grays, lemon, and all white. Swapping to these towels will help you save trees, water, and money.