A beginner-friendly guide (no pressure, promise)
If you’re thinking about switching to reusable paper towels but feel stuck on how many you actually need, you’re not alone. This is hands down one of the most common questions I get and honestly, the answer is way less overwhelming than you might think.
The short version? You don’t have to go all in on day one. Let’s break it down.
Start where you are
If you’re brand new to reusable paper towels, I always recommend starting small and realistic. You don’t need to replace every single paper towel in your house overnight to make a difference.
For most households, 12 reusable paper towels is a great starting point. It gives you enough to use throughout the day while still being easy to keep up with washing and drying. Think spills, wiping counters, drying hands, all the everyday stuff.
If you already know you go through paper towels like water (looking at you, parents and messy cooks 😉), then 24 reusable paper towels tends to feel like the sweet spot. It gives you a little buffer so you’re not doing laundry constantly!
What does “enough” actually mean?
Here’s a good way to think about it:
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6 towels – Great for small spaces, travel, or testing the waters
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12 towels – Perfect beginner set for most households
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24 towels – Ideal for families, frequent cooks, or anyone ready to ditch disposables almost completely
There’s no wrong answer, the “right” amount is whatever fits your routine!!
How to set them up so they actually get used
Reusable paper towels work best when they’re easy to grab. If they’re tucked away in a drawer, they’re probably not replacing anything.
Some popular setups:
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Rolled onto a paper towel holder (my personal fav!)
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Folded in a basket on the counter
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Stored under the sink for cleaning tasks
The goal is simple: make the reusable option the most convenient one.
Washing isn’t as scary as it sounds
This part trips people up, but it’s honestly easy. Toss your used towels in with your regular laundry (or a small load of towels), wash, dry, repeat. No special treatment required.
A lot of folks find that once they have 12–24 towels, laundry naturally fits into their normal rhythm without extra effort.
You can always add more later
This is important: switching to reusables doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Many customers start with a smaller set and add more once they figure out what works for their household.
There’s no prize for doing it “perfectly.” Progress is progress.
If you’re on the fence, start with 12 reusable paper towels and see how it feels. You might be surprised how quickly they become second nature and how little you miss the disposable kind.
💖 Porsha