Have you been hanging onto your old, fraying, fading dish towels for a while now? Maybe you’ve always opted for paper towels over dish towels.
Well, we think it’s time for an upgrade. With our 10 best dish towel recommendations, you’ll find something that can dry your dishes quickly, effectively and gently.
Plus, dish towels can do more than just dry dishes. They’re definitely a kitchen must-have.
Looking for cotton, bamboo, microfiber, or something to match your kitchen decor? Either way, you’ve come to the right place.
- Durable & high quality
- Soft & absorbent
- Generously sized
- Absorbent material
- Quick-drying
- Soft & gentle
- Super-absorbent
- High quality
- Lint-free material
- 100% cotton
- Thick & durable
- Easy to clean
- 4x as absorbent as cotton
- Absorbent & fast-drying
- Multifunctional
- Versatile & multi-purpose
- Eco friendly
- Quick-drying
- Antibacterial
- Durable and machine-washable cloth
- Bleach-safe
- Stylish & cute design
- Hanging loop for air drying
- Doesn't produce bad odors
- Sustainable & eco-friendly
- Ultra-soft and absorbent
- Quick-drying
- Beautiful shades
- Lint-free
- Environment-friendly material
Product Reviews
We’ve spent hours researching expert advice, material types and dish towels to find the best on the market. After looking at customer reviews, as well as applying our own insight, here’s our breakdown of the top 10.
1. Fecido Classic Kitchen Dish Towels
Best Large Dish Towel
If you need extra large dish towels, here’s a brilliant choice. These measure at 19 by 27 inches, so they’re one of our bigger choices. However, it’s not too big that it feels difficult to use or gets in the way.
It’s the perfect size for everyday use, but it’s also ideal for work situations. Whether you work in a cafe or a restaurant, or want to encourage people to use reusable towels in the office, this works!
These towels are actually commercial-grade quality. They’re super dense, soft and heavy-duty. They only get softer with each wash, too.
These towels come in a wide variety of colors so you can choose the best ones for your kitchen decor. Don’t worry about leaving bright-colored lint behind, even with one of the bolder shades. These lovely towels won’t leave behind lint or streaks.
Pros
- Durable and high quality.
- Soft.
- Absorbent.
- Generously sized.
Cons
- Some customers said the stitching became undone.
- Pricey.
Product Specs
Material | 100% cotton |
Size | 19 x 27 inches |
Quick Drying | Somewhat |
Number of Towels | Two |
Color Options | 12 |
2. Urban Villa Kitchen Towels
Best Cotton Dish Towel
The Urban Villa towels are an amazing option, especially if you’re looking for cotton towels. Made from 100% cotton, and available in 11 different colors, this pack of six towels can handle your dish drying needs.
These towels are strong and durable. Yet, they’re soft enough to use on delicate items like china, pots, pans and cutlery. They’re also quite absorbent, so your dishes will be bone dry before you store them. Plus, the towels dry quickly so you can avoid bacteria buildup in the meantime.
Just keep in mind that they’re quite thin, so they do get damp fast. You might go through a couple to get all the dishes dry.
Available in a 20 by 30-inch size, these are the perfect size for a variety of uses. When you need to wash them, machine and tumble dry according to the care label. You’ll be super wowed by the fact these don’t fade or bleed in the wash either.
Pros
- Perfect size.
- Absorbent.
- Quick-drying.
- Soft and gentle.
Cons
- May shrink in the wash.
- Quite thin so don’t hold a lot of water.
Product Specs
Material | 100% cotton |
Size | 20 x 30 inches |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Number of Towels | Six |
Color Options | 11 |
3. Microfiber Kitchen Towels
Best Microfiber Dish Towel
Notice the difference with these microfiber towels. These are super absorbent, even more effective than cotton towels, and will dry much faster. These towels are at least 350gsm, so they’re nice and thick.
They’re a bit larger than normal kitchen towels, measuring 26 by 18 inches, but that just means you get more use out of each one before washing. They’re ideal for drying dishes, cleaning up messes, cleaning your cars, dusting and other household chores.
They’re made super quality microfiber. They don’t color bleed or shed lint, so you can enjoy streak and lint-free dishes.
Lastly, they’re very gentle. So if you’re using them to dry your hands, even folks with sensitive skin will enjoy them. Plus, they won’t scratch up your kitchen appliances or dishes.
Pros
- Super-absorbent.
- High quality.
- Ten color options.
- Lint-free.
Cons
- Quite staticky, so other items cling to them.
- Size makes them difficult to store.
Product Specs
Material | Microfiber |
Size | 26 x 18 inches |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Number of Towels | Eight |
Color Options | Ten |
4. Cotton Craft Waffle Weave Towels
Best Terry Cloth Dish Towel
If you’re used to, and happen to love, the texture of bath towels — you can get these Cotton Craft Towels. They’re terry cloth waffle weave towels, so you can trust they’ll be super absorbent and easy to clean.
In fact, you can use these for a variety of uses around the home. Whether that’s as a hand towel, cleaning up spills, or drying dishes, these have many uses. Made from 100% pure two-ply ringspun cotton, with a 400gsm thickness, these are durable and high-quality towels.
Available in six color options, the waffle-weave design of each one limits the lint and helps with absorbency. They soak up water instantly without leaving too much lint behind.
Keep In Mind
Pros
- 100% cotton.
- Terry cloth waffle texture for high absorbency.
- Thick and durable.
- Easy to clean.
Cons
- Not as soft as other towels.
- Not quick drying.
Product Specs
Material | 100% cotton |
Size | 16 x 28 inches |
Quick Drying | No |
Number of Towels | 12 |
Color Options | Six |
5. Ecotiva Bamboo Kitchen Towels
Best Bamboo Dish Towel
These bamboo towels claim to be antibacterial and antimicrobial. They’re made with a super-absorbent material. In fact, they can beat that horrible experience of just pushing water around rather than actually absorbing it. They claim to be four times as absorbent as cotton.
They’re a bit on the smaller side, being 13 by 13 inches, but they’re easy to use. They can easily fit into nooks and crannies to dry every inch of your dishes. You’ll have no trouble cleaning inside glasses, all-round pots and pans, and long handles.
Normally, a small size would be irritating as you’d have to switch up your towel often. But because these towels are absorbent and so quick drying — it’s no problem. Just hang them on their little hook, and allow them to dry.
Pros
- Antibacterial and antimicrobial.
- Absorbent.
- Fast-drying.
- Multifunctional.
Cons
- A bit small for some tasks.
- May shrink when washed. Follow instructions well to avoid this.
Product Specs
Material | 100% bamboo |
Size | 13 x 13 inches |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Number of Towels | Eight |
Color Options | One |
6. Utopia Kitchen Flour Sack Dish Towels
Best Flour Sack Dish Towel
Choosing flour sacks means a good dish towel, but they’re super effective at other household tasks. You can use them for cleaning windows and dusting, as a cheese strainer, removing stains, cloth diapers and more. Experiment and find out how far your flour sack can go!
This 12 pack of flour sacks provide you 28 by 28-inch towels, making them the perfect size for a variety of tasks. They’re made with 100% pure ring spun cotton, and knitted diagonally, so they absorb well but dry quickly.
They’re very lightweight, which makes them good for storing and transporting, but it does mean they get damp quite quickly. To dry a load of dishes, you might need to use a couple. But we think the high quality, lint-free finish and versatility makes up for that.
Pros
- Versatile and multi-purpose.
- Large size.
- Eco friendly.
- Quick-drying.
Cons
- Thin towels.
- The weave isn’t tight enough.
Product Specs
Material | 100% pure ring-spun cotton |
Size | 28 x 28 inches |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Number of Towels | 12 |
Color Options | One |
7. Clorox Antimicrobial Kitchen Towel Set
Best Antibacterial Dish Towel
Go the extra mile and aim for ultimate hygiene with the Clorox antimicrobial kitchen towel set. Kitchen towels can get pretty unsanitary, but these antimicrobial dish towels are one to consider.
Keep your kitchen extra clean with these. No breeding bacteria, no foul smells, no contaminating surfaces where you prepare food. These towels are made to ensure that bacteria doesn’t stick around.
How does this work? These towels are dipped in an antimicrobial finishing solution that prevents bacteria growth for up to several washes. Since you probably use these towels for a multitude of purposes, this is an ensured way to keep germs away for a while.
Besides being antibacterial, these towels are soft, absorbent, low lint, have hanging loops and come in a range of design options.
Pros
- Antibacterial.
- Bleach-safe.
- Many color options.
- Durable and machine-washable cloth.
Cons
- Only antimicrobial for several washes.
- May shrink and pill after being washed.
Product Specs
Material | Not specified |
Size | 12 x 12 inches |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Number of Towels | 3 |
Color Options | White |
8. KAF H Lemons All Over Dish Towel
Best Stylish Dish Towel
Treat yourself to dish towels that look good, feel good and function well, too. This set of four dish towels is the perfect bundle to brighten your kitchen. The yellow design suits most kitchen decor and gives your home a bit of a cottage chic vibe. If you don’t like the lemons, you can opt for the watermelon bundle.
Made from 100% cotton, these are more like tea towels, but can still be used for drying dishes. They are thinner than some of our other suggestions, and not as absorbent. Still, in addition to some microfiber cloths, you can’t go wrong. Especially if you’re just looking for something stylish.
These are ideal for small drying jobs and will air dry quickly. Hang them up on the loop to fully air dry between uses, so that the towel doesn’t breed bacteria or produce bad odors.
Cold Wash
Pros
- Stylish and cute.
- Hanging loop for air drying.
- Great gift.
- Large size.
Cons
- Not super absorbent.
- Fabric is quite rough.
Product Specs
Material | 100% cotton |
Size | 18 x 28 inches |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Number of Towels | Four |
Color Options | Two |
9. Cuisinart Bamboo Kitchen Towels
Best Soft Dish Towel
For ultimate softness, the Cuisinart Bamboo Kitchen Towels are definitely to be considered. Made with ultra-soft and absorbent bamboo and cotton, these antimicrobial and lush towels are perfect for spills, messes and drying dishes.
The blend of cotton and bamboo makes them both smooth and cushiony, but also durable and long-lasting. You can wash these time and time again, and they will withstand being reused.
Cuisinart claims that the bamboo fibers are naturally antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal without the addition of any other chemicals. Overall, these sustainable and eco-friendly towels are the perfect addition to your household chores.
These towels are available in three different colors so you can find your favourite. They’re very lightweight and dry quickly so you can avoid bad smells in the meantime.
Pros
- Antimicrobial and antibacterial.
- Sustainable and eco-friendly.
- Ultra-soft and absorbent.
- Quick-drying.
Cons
- They are quite thin.
- Snag easily.
Product Specs
Material | Bamboo cotton blend |
Size | 16 x 26 inches |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Number of Towels | Two |
Color Options | Three |
10. Dialekt Kitchen Dish Towels
Best Budget Dish Towel
Unlike some of our other recommendations, these towels are made from a more unique material: coral velvet. Coral velvet fiber is made from pure polyester materials. It may not be as absorbent as cotton but they are effective at drying dishes, too.
These cloths are softer than your average dish towel, making them great for use on delicate and glass items. They won’t leave behind lint, either.
After you’ve washed and dried your dishes, simply run these under warm water and air dry. This cleans the cloths and ensures there isn’t a bad odor.
Lastly, these are budget-friendly. For a small price, you get a pack of eight colorful towels.
Pros
- Beautiful shades.
- Very soft.
- Lint-free.
- Environment-friendly material.
Cons
- Quite thin, so won’t be as absorbent.
- Size runs small.
Product Specs
Material | Coral velvet |
Size | 10.62 x 6.30 inches |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Number of Towels | Eight |
Color Options | Three, but includes four colors |
Product | Best | Material | Size | Quick Drying | Color Options |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fecido Classic Kitchen Dish Towels | Large Towel | 100% cotton | 19 x 27″ | Yes | 12 |
Urban Villa Kitchen Towels | Cotton Towel | 100% cotton | 20 x 30″ | Yes | 11 |
Microfiber Kitchen Towels | Microfiber | Microfiber | 26 x 18″ | Yes | 10 |
Cotton Craft Waffle Weave Towels | Terry Cloth | 100% cotton | 16 x 28″ | No | 6 |
Ecotiva Bamboo Kitchen Towels | Bamboo Towel | 100% bamboo | 13 x 13″ | Yes | 1 |
Utopia Kitchen Flour Sack Towels | Flour Sack | 100% pure ring spun cotton | 28 x 28″ | Yes | 1 |
Clorox Dish Cloths | Antibacterial | N/A | 12 x 12″ | Yes | 1 |
KAF H Lemons All Over Dish Towel | Stylish | 100% cotton | 18 x 28″ | Yes | 2 |
Cuisinart Bamboo Kitchen Towels | Soft Towel | Bamboo cotton blend | 16 x 26″ | Yes | 3 |
Dialekt Dish Towels | Budget Pick | Coral velvet | 10.62 x 6.30″ | Yes | 8 |
What Are Dish Towels For?
Dish towels are primarily for drying your dishes. While air drying is preferred by many, sometimes you need to towel dry the dishes. For example, knives, pots and pans should be dried with a towel rather than air dried to prevent rusting and warping. Also, you may need to hand dry some dishes to make space on your drying rack.
However, dish towels can be used for other purposes. You can use them to dry your hands, wipe hands after dealing with wet ingredients, and for cleaning up kitchen spills.
Are Dish Towels Sanitary?
Dish towels can be a breeding ground for bacteria (1). This is most common with towels used for multiple purposes, such as cleaning dishes, spills, wiping hands and if you have kids, perhaps they’ve used the dish towel for their runny nose.
The best way to keep your dish towels sanitary is to avoid cross-contamination. Have three available at all times: one for dishes, one for hands and one for spills.
You should also switch out your dish towels often, ideally, every day. Especially if you use the dish towels to wipe your hands after handling meat.
Air drying is the most sanitary option for dishes, but sometimes, dish towels are necessary.
What Is the Difference Between a Tea Towel and a Kitchen Towel?
Kitchen towels are used for multiple purposes in the kitchen. This includes drying dishes, handling hot plates, cleaning up spills and crumbs, and wiping your hands. They are a bit sturdier and more durable — they’re a great kitchen staple.
Tea towels, on the other hand, are traditionally more of a decorative item. They may be handmade, embroidered or more stylish. They’re usually made from linen or soft cotton, rather than a more durable material like microfiber cloths or thicker cotton.
Tea towels can be used for cleaning more delicate items like china, jewelry or cutlery, as well as glass trays or even drying vegetables. They can even be used as a napkin.
However, the terms kitchen towel, dish towel and tea towels are often used interchangeably now. But by definition, they are different.
How to Choose (Buying Guide)
When shopping for your dish towel, here are the top factors you should consider.
Dish Towel FAQs
Time to Choose
Now that you’ve seen the list of the best dish towels on the market, it’s time to choose your favorite. Are you going to go for a bamboo one, that’s eco-friendly, antibacterial and super soft?
Maybe you’re in the market for something stylish, that can add coziness to your kitchen. Perhaps you want something that’s easy to wash and dry, like a terry cloth towel.
Whatever you choose, be sure to use it properly, wash it often and don’t cross contaminate.