There are two strong opinions:
Paper kitchen towels are better than microfiber ones because microfiber is made of plastic, causes emissions during production, is neither compostable nor biodegradable, and generates waste, including microplastics.
Microfiber cloth is better than kitchen paper towels because paper towels are single-use items, and their production requires cutting trees, which harms ecosystems. Used paper towels end up in landfills, decompose, and produce methane—a potent greenhouse gas.
So, who is right? And which is better: paper towels or microfiber cloth?
I need to confess—I use both paper kitchen towels and microfiber cloth. Neither of them is perfect though; both have pros and cons. However, if used consciously and responsibly, their combination can become a decent solution for a sustainable household.
Let’s look in detail at both options.
Paper Kitchen Towels
What are the main concerns about kitchen towels?
Producing paper kitchen towels causes deforestation.
Plastic packaging contributes to waste.
It's a single-use product that contributes to landfill and causes methane emissions.
Deforestation is a huge concern because the pressure on land is enormous and continues to grow worldwide. Even though paper products are usually claimed to be produced sustainably, if there's a way to return the land to its natural state or grow food, it should take priority over producing single-use paper.
The single-use plastic packaging of paper towels, which is unlikely to be recycled, is a significant way to pollute the planet. The good thing is that it’s easy to avoid.
What Are the Best Kitchen Paper Towels?
A great alternative to traditional paper kitchen towels is bamboo towels in sustainable packaging. Bamboo grows much faster than trees, thus creating less pressure on land. Additionally, it has great absorption properties, durability, and is naturally antibacterial and antifungal.
Here are a few options (my favorite is Cheeky Panda. I also use the toilet paper and face tissues of this brand and have been very happy with them for a long time).
Regarding landfill methane emissions—yes, paper towels, when thrown into the landfill, rot and emit methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. So don’t throw them into the landfill :) It’s just this easy. In most cases, used paper towels can be thrown into the organic garbage bin to be composted. They are a great source of carbon for the soil. So please, dispose of used paper properly.
How to Further Reduce the Environmental Footprint of Paper Towels?
A very simple way to reduce the environmental footprint of paper towels is to use fewer of them :) Just take one instead of two and clean as much as possible with it. If one pays attention to the amount of paper used, it can make a big difference.
Don’t use paper towels to clean, for instance, large amounts of spilt water. It would require a dozen towels to absorb it. It makes much more sense to use a cloth for this purpose.
Microfiber Cloths
The main concerns about microfiber cloths are:
Microfiber is made of plastic, causing environmental pollution, including microplastics.
Microfiber towels are not hygienic; they create a conducive environment for bacteria.
It’s annoying to manage a wet, dirty cloth as you can neither throw it away nor put it in the laundry bucket.
These are all very valid points. Let’s go through them one by one.
Is Microfiber an Eco-Friendly Material?
No, it’s not eco-friendly. It is made from two types of plastic: polyester and polyamide. It's neither recyclable nor biodegradable. However, if you commit to reusing microfiber cloths for years and wash them with eco-friendly laundry detergent [link], you will make a positive impact on the environment.
Does Microfiber Contribute to Microplastic Pollution?
Yes, it does. And this problem is bigger than we are comfortable admitting. A great animated movie (2:47 minutes) explains how microplastic pollution is created and why it’s bad for the environment and humans.
A way to decrease the damage is to machine-wash cloths less frequently and use gentle cycles.
Is Microfiber Cloth Always the Right Choice?
Of course not. When you clean your dog’s vomit or traces of rotten tomato from your fridge, you don’t want them stuck to your towel and lying around until your next laundry. Paper towels are irreplaceable for these cases. Clean, throw away, and forget.
What Are the Best Microfiber Cloths?
Here are a few options for your household, selected for the decent price-quality ratio and sustainable packaging:
Are Microfiber Towels Hygienic? Do they Create an Environment for Bacteria?
Bacteria love wet and dirty cloth, especially with traces of food on it. Letting the cloth lie around and rot is not a good idea. Throwing a wet, dirty cloth into the laundry bag is also undesirable. So, the best way to deal with it is either to avoid using the cloth for something bacteria likes or to clean it immediately after use. In any case, hang the cloth in a well-ventilated space to keep it dry between uses.
How Long Do Microfiber Towels Last?
If kept clean and dry between uses and machine-washed gently without bleach or fabric softener, they can last for years. I personally have a couple of cloths that are more than 6 years old and still have a nice texture and bright colors.
Are there Other Alternatives?
Consider a cleaning sponge that can do the job really well in many cases. They are good for the kitchen, bathroom, garden, etc. One can clean the main dirt with a sponge and then do a final touch with a cloth.
There is a vast variety of plant-based compostable cleaning sponges that are good for the environment and clean well. Don’t forget to compost them when their time comes, rather than throwing them into the landfill.
How to Combine All These Options to Minimize Negative Effects?
Summing up, I feel the best approach is a hybrid one:
Use bamboo paper towels in sustainable packaging and use them sparingly.
Throw used towels in the organic trash container when possible (non-toxic waste).
Clean relatively clean liquids and surfaces with a microfiber cloth and try to avoid frequent machine washes.
Have a place to dry cloths between uses or machine washes.
Consider eco-friendly sponges as an alternative.
#️⃣ Tags: Bamboo products, Green cleaning