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10 Best Dish Towels of 2024

Updated
10 dish towels that will make a massive difference to your cleaning routine.

Have you been hanging onto your old, fraying, fading dish towels for a while? Maybe you’ve always opted for paper towels over dish towels.

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 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. We spent hours researching dozens of products and genuine customer reviews to create this comprehensive buying guide and list of 10 amazing options.

Let’s get into it.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Fecido Classic Kitchen Dish Towels
Best Large Dish Towel
Fecido Classic Kitchen Dish Towels
  • Durable & high quality
  • Gets softer with each wash
  • Generously sized at 19 x 27 inches
Product Image of the Urban Villa Kitchen Towels
Best Cotton Dish Towel
Urban Villa Kitchen Towels
  • Absorbent material
  • Quick-drying
  • Soft & gentle to prevent scratches
Product Image of the Microfiber Kitchen Towels
Best Microfiber Dish Towel
Microfiber Kitchen Towels
  • Super-absorbent up to 6x own weight
  • High quality material won't shed
  • 11 color options
Product Image of the Cotton Craft Waffle Weave Towels
Best Terry Cloth
Cotton Craft Waffle Weave Towels
  • 100 percent natural cotton
  • Thick & durable
  • Easy to clean in the washing machine
Product Image of the Ecotiva Bamboo Kitchen Towels
Best Bamboo Dish Towel
Ecotiva Bamboo Kitchen Towels
  • No lint or dust residue left behind
  • Easy to store due to smaller size
  • Multifunctional around the house
Product Image of the Utopia Kitchen Flour Sack Towels
Best Flour Sack Dish Towel
Utopia Kitchen Flour Sack Towels
  • Versatile & multi-purpose
  • Budget-friendly
  • Quick-drying and absorbent
Product Image of the Town & Country Clorox Antimicrobial Towel
Best Antibacterial Dish Towel
Town & Country Clorox Antimicrobial Towel
  • Antimicrobial protection
  • Durable and machine-washable cloth
  • Great for various uses around the home
Product Image of the KAF H Lemons All Over Dish Towel
Most Stylish
KAF H Lemons All Over Dish Towel
  • Stylish & cute lemon design
  • Hanging loop for air drying
  • Great gift idea
Product Image of the Cuisinart Bamboo Kitchen Towels
Softest Dish Towel
Cuisinart Bamboo Kitchen Towels
  • Easy to clean and dry
  • Ultra-soft and absorbent
  • Quick-drying to prevent odors
Product Image of the Dialekt Dish Towels
Best Budget Option
Dialekt Dish Towels
  • Beautiful shades aross four colors
  • Lint-free material
  • Very soft to be gentle on dishes

Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, we understand the importance of reliable and trustworthy content when it comes to finding the best dish towels. Our team of professionals conducts thorough research, hands-on testing, and data analysis to evaluate each product from a user’s perspective. We compare the performance, design choices, and key decision-making factors such as absorbency, durability, and material, to help you choose the perfect dish towel. Our experience and expertise allow us to identify what sets a product apart from its competitors, ranking the top options based on our strict criteria and assessment results. Trust us to provide you with a comprehensive review and first-hand evidence, ensuring that your dish towel selection meets the highest standards.



The Best Dish Towels of 2024

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 and product reviews.

Check out the best dish towels available!

Fecido Classic Kitchen Dish Towels

Best Large Dish Towel

If you need extra large dish towels, here’s a brilliant choice. These measure 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 a nice size for everyday use, but it’s also great 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 is a fantastic option!

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 various 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 material.
  • They get softer with each wash.
  • Super absorbent, making them great for drying dishes.
  • Generously sized at 19 x 27 inches.

Cons

  • Some customers said the stitching became undone.
  • Highest priced option that we found.

Product Specs

Material 100% cotton
Size 19 x 27 inches
Quick Drying Somewhat
Number of Towels Two
Color Options 12

Our Ratings

Absorbency
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Lint-free
5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

User Experience

I recently purchased these dish towels and I've been impressed with their quality. They are thick, soft, and absorbent, making them perfect for drying dishes and cleaning up spills. The added hanging loop is a clever touch and their patterns and colors caught my eye. It's nice to find a high-quality product like this, reminiscent of the ones my grandmother used to have.

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 percent cotton and available in 15 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 pretty thin, so they do get damp fast. You might go through a couple to dry a load of dishes.

Available in a 20 by 30-inch size, these are suitable for various 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

  • Generous size (20 x 30 inches).
  • Absorbent and quick-drying.
  • Soft and gentle to prevent scratches.
  • 15 color options.
  • High-quality 100 percent cotton.
  • Machine-washable and tumble-dryer safe.

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 15

Our Ratings

Absorbency
4 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Lint-free
4.5 / 5
Design
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Personal Perspective

I've been on the hunt for the perfect dish towel, and these products have finally met my expectations. Not only are they highly absorbent and able to dry dishes quickly, but they also maintain their color and softness after multiple washes. Although I would have preferred a slightly larger size and varied color options, I am overall satisfied with these dish towels and plan to purchase more in the future.

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 standard kitchen towels, measuring 26 by 18 inches, but that just means you get more use out of each one before washing. They’re practical for drying dishes, cleaning messes, cleaning your cars, dusting, and other household chores.

Made of 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: they can hold 6x their own weight.
  • High-quality microfiber that won’t bleed or shed.
  • 11 color options.
  • Generously sized at 26 x 18 inches.
  • Versatile uses, including cleaning spills and drying hands.
  • Quick-drying material is more hygienic.

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 11

Our Ratings

Absorbency
5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Lint-free
5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Community Feedback

After trying out these microfiber dish towels, I've been nothing but impressed with their performance. They are incredibly soft, highly absorbent, and dry quickly, making them perfect for drying dishes and cleaning up spills. I also appreciate the variety of colors they come in, allowing me to switch them out for different seasons or holidays. While I do wish they were a bit thicker and had more color options like red and navy blue, these towels have quickly become my go-to for all my kitchen cleaning needs.

Cotton Craft Waffle Weave Towels

Best Terry Cloth

If you’re used to, and happen to love, the texture of bath towels — you’ll like the 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. These have many uses, whether as a hand towel, cleaning up spills, or drying dishes. These are durable and high-quality towels made from 100 percent pure two-ply ringspun cotton with a 420gsm thickness.

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

They’re not as quick-drying as other towels. Plus, there’s no guarantee they’re entirely lint-free.

Pros

  • 100 percent natural cotton.
  • Terry cloth waffle texture for high absorbency.
  • Thick (420gsm) and durable.
  • Easy to clean in the washing machine.
  • Available in six colors.
  • Budget-friendly price per towel.

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

Our Ratings

Absorbency
4.5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Lint-free
3.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

I recently purchased these high-quality kitchen towels and have been extremely happy with their performance. The absorbency is impressive, thanks to the waffle design, and they maintain their shape and color even after multiple washes. I've found them to be perfect for various tasks, including drying dishes and embroidery projects. They're larger than my previous towels, providing excellent coverage for any job.

Ecotiva Bamboo Kitchen Towels

Best Bamboo Dish Towel

These bamboo towels are 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 more absorbent than cotton and terry dish towels.

They’re a bit smaller, 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 around 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.

We love that they are reusable and easy to wash in the machine. Being quite affordable already makes them even more valuable in the long run.

Pros

  • No lint or dust residue left behind.
  • Useful in multiple areas of the home.
  • Easy to store due to smaller size.
  • Waffle weave pattern adds to absorbency.
  • Hanging hook lets them dry out effectively.
  • Zero plastic packaging.

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

Our Ratings

Absorbency
5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Lint-free
5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

User Experience

My initial excitement for these towels was due to their large size and convenient hanging loop. After washing and drying them, I noticed they shrank quite a bit, but they still work amazingly well for absorbing water and tackling various messes. The softness and durability make them a versatile addition to my kitchen and bathroom, and I love that they're eco-friendly.

Utopia Kitchen Flour Sack Dish Towels

Best Flour Sack Dish Towel

Flour sacks are great dish towels, but they’re also 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 provides 28 by 28-inch towels, making them a suitable size for various tasks. They’re made with 100 percent pure ring spun cotton, and knitted diagonally, so they absorb well but dry quickly. We also love how affordable they are when you look at the price per towel.

They’re very lightweight, making them good for storing and transporting, but they get damp quite quickly. You might need to use a couple to dry a load of dishes. But we think the high quality, lint-free finish, and versatility make up for that.

Pros

  • Versatile and multi-purpose.
  • Large size (28 x 28 inches).
  • Quick-drying and absorbent.
  • Six color options.
  • Budget-friendly.
  • Super durable 100 percent pure ring spun cotton.

Cons

  • Thin towels and get damp quickly.
  • 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 Six

Our Ratings

Absorbency
4 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Lint-free
5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

I'm thrilled with these high-quality flour sack towels that have exceeded my expectations in both durability and versatility. They effortlessly tackle various kitchen tasks, from covering dough to drying dishes, and even serve as excellent dinner napkins. Not only do they hold up well after multiple washes, but they're also lightweight and reminiscent of the ones my mom and grandmother used. These absorbent towels have become an indispensable addition to my kitchen, making cleaning and food prep a breeze.

Town & Country Clorox Antimicrobial Towels

Best Antibacterial Dish Towel

Go the extra mile and aim for ultimate hygiene with the Town & Country 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, and 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 made with antimicrobial protection to prevent odor-causing bacterial growth. This protection lasts for up to 50 washes.

Besides being antibacterial, these towels are safe to bleach, very durable, super absorbent, and great for various uses around the home.

Pros

  • Antimicrobial protection added.
  • You can bleach them clean in the wash.
  • Durable and machine-washable cloth.
  • Made with absorbent polyester and cotton.
  • Great for various uses around the home, including cleaning spills and drying dishes.

Cons

  • The antimicrobial finish lasts 50 washes.
  • Quite pricey per towel.

Product Specs

Material Cotton and polyester
Size 16 x 28 inches
Quick Drying Yes
Number of Towels Two
Color Options Two

Our Ratings

Absorbency
4.5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Lint-free
4 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

In my quest for a cleaner kitchen, I recently tried out this antimicrobial kitchen towel set from Town & Country Clorox. I can confidently say that these towels live up to their promise of keeping things extra clean and odor-free. What sets them apart is their antimicrobial protection, which prevents bacterial growth and lasts for up to 50 washes. Not only are they safe to bleach, but they also boast of durability, absorbency, and versatility in various household tasks. However, be prepared to pay a bit more for these towels compared to standard ones, but in my opinion, the hygiene benefits are well worth the investment.

KAF H Lemons All Over Dish Towel

Most Stylish

Treat yourself to dish towels that look good, feel good, and function well. This set of four dish towels is a lovely bundle to brighten your kitchen. The yellow design suits most kitchen decor and gives your home a bit of a cottage chic vibe.

Made from 100 percent 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 suited 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 foul odors.

Cold Wash

Always wash these towels in cold water, so the colors don’t bleed or fade.

Pros

  • Stylish and cute yellow and lemon design.
  • Hanging loop for air drying.
  • Great gift idea.
  • Large size at 18 x 28 inches.
  • Machine-washable and safe for tumble-drier.

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 One

Our Ratings

Absorbency
3 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Lint-free
4.5 / 5
Design
5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

First-Hand Impression

As a user of these napkins, I found them to be of excellent quality and extremely durable. The bright, vibrant colors and assorted lemon designs added a lovely touch to my kitchen, especially with its yellow theme. These towels are not only visually appealing but also highly absorbent and soft to the touch. After washing, they become even softer and retain their shape without any twisted or frayed seams.

Cuisinart Bamboo Kitchen Towels

Softest 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 lush towels are incredible for spills, messes, and drying dishes.

The cotton and bamboo blend 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.

This is a fantastic option if you want to make a green swap in your kitchen. You can reuse them many times, and they can completely replace the need for paper kitchen towels.

These towels are available in two colors: navy aura and pastel turquoise. They’re very lightweight and dry quickly, so you can avoid bad smells in the meantime.

Pros

  • Ultra-soft and absorbent.
  • Quick-drying to prevent bad odors.
  • Replace the need for kitchen towels.
  • Super soft, making them safe for delicate items, like glassware.
  • Aesthetic option.
  • Easy to clean and dry.

Cons

  • They are quite thin.
  • Snag easily.
  • Expensive option.

Product Specs

Material Bamboo cotton blend
Size 16 x 26 inches
Quick Drying Yes
Number of Towels Two
Color Options Two

Our Ratings

Absorbency
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Lint-free
4 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

These towels are exactly what I was looking for in terms of color and style, with the solid navy perfectly complementing my patterned towel collection. Upon arrival, I noticed that they were thick and absorbent, and they held up well after being washed and dried. However, I couldn't help but compare them to an older version I had purchased a few years ago, which felt more plush and of higher quality. My husband also agreed that the older towel seemed superior in texture. While the color and durability of these towels are great, I do wish the quality was more consistent with previous purchases.

Dialekt Kitchen Dish Towels

Best Budget Option

Unlike our other recommendations, these towels are made from a unique material: coral velvet. Coral velvet fiber is made from pure polyester materials. It may not be as absorbent as cotton, but it is still great for drying dishes.

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. For a deeper clean, you can pop them in the washing machine.

Lastly, these are budget-friendly. For a small price, you get a pack of eight colorful towels.

Pros

  • Beautiful shades across four colors.
  • Very soft: kind on your hands and dishes.
  • Lint-free and won’t leave behind residue.
  • Great for absorbing liquids and oils.
  • They work as a pot holder.
  • Machine or hand-washable.

Cons

  • Quite thin, so they dampen quickly.
  • Size runs small.

Product Specs

Material Coral velvet
Size 10.62 x 6.30 inches
Quick Drying Yes
Number of Towels Eight
Color Options One, but includes four colors

Our Ratings

Absorbency
3.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Lint-free
5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

My experience with these dishwashing cloths has been nothing short of fantastic. I came across them through a social media recommendation and they have quickly become a staple in my kitchen. These cloths are the perfect size, striking a balance between dish towels and sponges, and they don't develop any unpleasant odors. Their versatility extends beyond dishwashing, as they work great for dusting and even cleaning tough oven stains. Although they may be smaller and thinner than some might expect, their absorbency and durability make up for it.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Material Size Quick Drying Color Options
Fecido Classic Kitchen Dish Towels Large Dish Towel 100% cotton 19 x 27″ Yes 12
Urban Villa Kitchen Towels Cotton Dish Towel 100% cotton 20 x 30″ Yes 15
Microfiber Kitchen Towels Microfiber Dish Towel Microfiber 26 x 18″ Yes 11
Cotton Craft Waffle Weave Towels Terry Cloth 100% cotton 16 x 28″ No 6
Ecotiva Bamboo Kitchen Towels Bamboo Dish Towel 100% bamboo 13 x 13″ Yes 1
Utopia Kitchen Flour Sack Towels Flour Sack Dish Towel 100% pure ring spun cotton 28 x 28″ Yes 6
Town & Country Clorox Dish Towels Antibacterial Dish Towel Cotton and polyester 16 x 28″ Yes 2
KAF H Lemons All Over Dish Towel Stylish 100% cotton 18 x 28″ Yes 1
Cuisinart Bamboo Kitchen Towels Softest Dish Towel Bamboo cotton blend 16 x 26″ Yes 2
Dialekt Dish Towels Budget Option Coral velvet 10.62 x 6.30″ Yes 1

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 noses.

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 clean more delicate items like china, jewelry, cutlery, glass trays, or even drying vegetables. They can even be used as a napkin.

However, the terms kitchen towel, dish towel, and tea towel are often used interchangeably now. But by definition, they are different.

How To Choose the Best Dish Towels

Here are the top factors you should consider when shopping for your dish towel.

Material

There are five main material types to choose from.

Terry Cloth

Terry cloth is what most bath towels are made from, but dish towels are often made with this material too.

Pros

  • Thick material.
  • Very absorbent.
  • Available in different colors and designs.
  • Easily washable and can be tumble dried, too.

Cons

  • Can fray quite easily.
  • Takes longer to dry, harboring bacteria and odors more easily.

Cotton

Cotton is another popular material for dish towels.

Pros

  • Super soft.
  • Minimize smudging and watermarks.
  • Absorbent for spills and drying dishes.
  • Durable material.
  • Lint-free to avoid further messes and streaks.

Cons

  • May shrink in hot washes.
  • Get wet very quickly, so they need to be changed often.

Bamboo

Bamboo dish towels are a great, eco-friendly option. A big selling point for bamboo is that it’s antimicrobial and antibacterial, but scientific evidence on that is still a bit murky (2).

Pros

  • Possibly antimicrobial and antibacterial.
  • Soft material to prevent scratches.
  • Quick-drying, so they are more hygienic.
  • Absorbent: great for spills.

Cons

  • More costly.
  • Low-budget options aren’t as high quality.

Flour Sack

Flour sack towels are made from finely woven 100 percent cotton. They’re great multi-purpose towels to have in the home.

Pros

  • Soft, to prevent scratches.
  • Absorbent.
  • Undyed, so they can help to remove stains.
  • Lint-free to prevent streaks.
  • Aesthetic option to suit many decor styles.

Cons

  • They need to be washed a few times before becoming super absorbent.
  • Wrinkle easily.

Microfiber

Lastly, consider microfiber when shopping for a dish towel.

Pros

  • Very soft and won’t scratch.
  • Absorbent: great for spills.
  • Lots of different size and thickness options.
  • Multipurpose — use in all areas of the home.
  • Can be reused hundreds of times.

Cons

  • Low-quality cloths may leave lint behind.
  • Color may run in the washing cycle.

Budget

Consider your budget when shopping. Dish towels aren’t super expensive, but you can save money by buying in bulk.

Generally, dish towels cost between $1 and $12 per item. The average cost is about $2.50.

Size

Dish cloths come in a huge range of sizes. We recommend a bigger size if you’re drying lots of dishes, so you can use it for longer before it becomes too damp. However, smaller sizes may be easier to use.

Hygiene

For ultimate hygiene, choose a quick-drying cloth. Terry cloths take the longest to dry, while bamboo is one of the quicker options.

Plus, bamboo can be naturally antibacterial. We also recommend buying a pack of towels to avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen.

We’ll let you know whether each towel is quick-drying.

Aesthetics

A beautiful dish towel can spruce up your kitchen, and many of our options are aesthetically pleasing. However, it’s not necessary to choose style over function.


Dish Towel FAQs

Is It Bad to Wash Kitchen Towels with Bath Towels?

Both bath towels and kitchen towels can host a lot of bad germs. If you can wash both towels at a hot temperature, it’s fine to wash them together, as this can kill germs. However, always check the care label first to make sure that your dish towels can handle high temperatures.

Please Note

If you have microfiber towels, they should be washed separately from regular cotton towels. Otherwise, they’ll grab onto lint and other residue, which can lessen their effectiveness.

How Long Do Dish Towels Last?

It definitely depends on the brand, material, and quality. For example, the Town & Country towels only last 50 washes before they lose their antibacterial qualities. Of course, you can use them as regular towels after that.

In general, though, dish towels should last a good few years. To prolong their life, use and wash them properly.

It’s time to replace them when:

  • They aren’t absorbent anymore.
  • They’re frayed or have holes in them.
  • They start to smell quite quickly after being used.

Why Do Dish Towels Smell?

We ask a lot of our dish towels. From wiping our hands, drying dishes, cleaning up messes, and absorbing spills, dish towels can smell pretty terrible. This is a mix of different food, drink, grease, grime, and bacteria.

Also — if your dish towel remains wet for a long time, it stays damp and can start to smell really bad.

How Often Should You Wash Dish Towels?

We recommend washing your dish towels at the end of each day, especially the ones you use for drying and wiping your hands. If you have just touched raw food, such as meat and eggs, and wipe the juices onto a dish towel, this becomes a host for bad bacteria, which can spread to other people in the home.

How Do You Kill Bacteria on Towels?

Hot water, vinegar, and detergent.

Toss the towels into the washing machine and use the hottest water possible. Add a cup of vinegar to the machine and begin the cycle. Do another wash with regular laundry detergent to give the towels a good clean. Tumble dry if possible.

Top Tip

Always check the care label on the towel to ensure it can handle these settings. Modify if necessary.

Why Are My Dish Towels Not Absorbent?

Your dish towels are not absorbent because they are loaded with fabric softener or washing detergent. It affects the way that water adheres to the fabric, reducing absorbency.

How Many Dish Towels Should You Have?

Owning two dozen dish towels is handy, so you never run out. Remember, you’ll typically have three on the go at once: one for drying dishes, one for drying hands, and one for cleaning spills.


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About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!