5 Best Paper Towels for Cleaning Up Messes

Updated 13 Jul 2022

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We compare the most popular brands and models, and we boil them down to the top five to give you the most in-depth and dependable buying recommendation - so you can make the best buying decision possible.

BEST OF THE BEST

How We Tested

These products are recommended based on a thorough research process that aims to cut through the clutter and uncover the best products in this category. We spend hours looking into the elements that matter with the assistance of experts to provide you with these options.

Models Considered

180

Consumers Consulted

Hours Researched

Updated 13 Jul 2022

Written by

Revuu Buddy

Bounty Quick-Size Paper Towels, 12 Family Rolls

BOTTOMLINE
Trusted Brand
Tearing off smaller sheets that are strong and absorbent is a popular feature among consumers.

PROS
It's convenient and environmentally friendly to have the option of removing a smaller piece of paper towel with these rolls, making it a perfect fit. They are made of a material that is both thick and durable. There are 12 in each pack.

CONS
Some purchasers are dissatisfied with the new quick-size function.

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Brawny Tear-A-Square Paper Towels, 12 Rolls

BOTTOMLINE
Strong and Durable
The ability to rip these papers into tiny squares via perforation makes it a fantastic choice for everyday usage.

PROS
These rolls make it possible for customers to cut sheets into quarters, resulting in less paper usage. These towels' ability to double as napkins is aided by this feature. These are extremely absorbent and long-lasting.

CONS
It might be difficult to remove a square without tearing off a complete half sheet from time to time.

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Presto! Flex-a-Size Paper Towels, 12 Count

BOTTOMLINE
Bargain Pick
At such a low price, this 12-pack of paper towels offers excellent performance and is an incredible bargain.

PROS
These toilet paper rolls are inexpensive, yet they're absorbent and long-lasting. They may be separated into two categories: basic and advanced. Basic versions have the ability to remove half a sheet, allowing you to save paper towels for minor spills or cleanups.

CONS
When cleaning windows, keep in mind that these papers may leave a little lint behind.

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Sparkle Paper Towels

BOTTOMLINE
Sparkle is recognized for producing low-cost, no-nonsense paper towels that get the job done.

PROS
Consumers adore Sparkle because it cleans up messes efficiently. If you use one and a half rolls per week, the 18-pack should last about three months on average.

CONS
Sheets might be thinner and smaller than anticipated.

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Georgia Pacific Professional SofPull Center-Pull Perforated Paper Towels

BOTTOMLINE
Best for Offices
The finest paper towels for the workplace and offices.

PROS
These paper towels are ideal for use in the workplace. The roll is massive at 320 sheets, and there are six rolls in the pack. The paper towels come from the center of the roll and are highly absorbent. A fantastic value for bathrooms, kitchens, and cleaning.

CONS
Some people complain that these paper towels are a little thin.

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Buying Guide for Best Paper Towels

You may have a favorite type and texture of paper towels, no matter how many are on the market. Perhaps you prefer thick, expensive paper towels and are fine with spending a little extra on quality. Perhaps you enjoy value rolls that can be used in bulk to clean up family messes.

If you have space, buying paper towels online is a no-brainer. You won't have to deal with heavy boxes from store to home, and bulk purchases are sure to save you money. However, there are certain things to bear in mind when looking for the best paper towels. The roll size, sheet size, thickness, softness, and wet strength vary from brand to brand.

Instead of using cloth towels, a schoolteacher in Philadelphia distributed tiny squares of soft notebook paper to stem the spread of the flu at her school in the early 1900s. The teacher's idea was taken up by the Hutchinson-based P&H Paper Company, which created the first paper towel, dubbed Sani-Towels, and marketed its sanitary advantages.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

Absorbency

When selecting paper towels, the most significant factor to consider is absorbency. Cellulose fibers in a paper towel absorb each other and retain moisture thanks to an internal bonding process. However, you may do all the tests to determine which brand absorbs more or less, but the at the end is that premium plush double-ply materials absorb more in weight than low-cost single-ply paper towels. A single sheet of double-ply paper towel can contain up to 3/4 cup of liquid.

Wet strength

The fiber and resins in a paper towel determine its strength. Think about whether you want to reuse paper towels or toss them after one use. A paper towel's wet strength must be improved to rinse and reuse it.

A damp paper towel with excellent wet strength will last hundreds of scrubbings on a slightly abrasive surface while still being wet. If it fractures after a few dozen passes, it has poor wet strength.

Thickness

A multiple-layer paper towel absorbs more water. Single-ply paper towel is a less expensive functional product that performs adequately, but it isn't as robust when wet. A double-ply towel isn't necessarily more cost-effective, but it does get the job done and is twice as durable as a single-ply towel of similar quality. A water-based binding agent joins the two layers in this type of paper towel.

Hand

Paper towels with bigger pockets to catch water are likely to feel softer in your hand. If you don't prefer the way a paper towel feels in your hand, for example, if it's too scratchy to hold, you're unlikely to employ it. If you enjoy the feel of a plush paper towel in your hand, you'll be quick to spring up and grab a roll for cleanups.

If you don't mind how your paper towels feel in your hand and don't care if they're more or less expensive, the cheaper option is probably fine. They may be rougher and have fewer pockets, but they'll save you money.

Sheets per roll

There are also the smaller towel bar sets, which usually include a few extra perforations to enable you to cut them into half or quarter sheets. Some producers specify how many half-size or quarter-size sheets there are on a roll. You'll discover this information in smaller print on the bottom of the box.

Although there is no official guideline, a normal roll of paper towels has 60 sheets, whereas a mega roll contains about 100. A standard roll from a premium brand will typically appear smaller than a standard roll of an inexpensive brand.

Square feet per roll

Another approach to comparing brands is to consider the square feet of paper towels per roll. The number of sheets per roll should be available in the same location as the square feet of paper towels per roll.

Sheet size

The size of a paper towel sheet is generally 11" x 11" squares. A half-sheet is usually 11" x 6", while a quarter-sheet is half as big.

"By lining your vegetable crispers with paper towels, you'll be able to keep your produce fresher for longer. The moisture that caused fruits and veggies to decay will be absorbed by the towels."

STAFF

Revuu Buddy

FEATURES

Customized size sheets

Tearing off a tiny piece of paper towel for a little mess is more environmentally friendly and convenient. However, this is usually accompanied by a higher per-roll cost. For many individuals, it's a question of whether or not the paper towel can be readily ripped at the perforation.

Texture

Paper towels that are quilted keep more moisture. Air pockets develop in quilted shapes, absorbing and retaining water.

Design

Paper towel decorations and colors are formed by water-based printing inks.

Mega roll

There is no such thing as a "mega" roll of paper towels and no established or regulated measurement for it. Some firms claim that their mega roll is equivalent to 1.5 standard rolls, while others say that theirs are equal to two standard rolls. There are a lot of confusing aspects about bargain-packaged bread options. For example, one top brand offers two "family rolls," which are equivalent to five regular rolls.

Coupon

You save money by not paying the list price. A manufacturer's instant discount cuts your costs in half. A paper towel brand participating in a subscription service may help you save money over time.

PAPER TOWEL PRICES

Regardless of the brand or type of paper towels, you choose, buying in bulk is always more cost-effective than buying single rolls. Calculated pricing might show you how much you pay per 100 sheets on a roll. For example, you may come across prices such as $1.13 per 100 sheets, $1.37 per 100 sheets, and $1.77 per 100 sheets. The cost of one hundred sheets from your favorite brand's massive roll should be compared to other huge rolls to handle pricing.

Inexpensive: A single roll of paper towels from a variety of manufacturers might be purchased for between $3 and $12. Granted, a $9 single roll of paper towels isn't cheap in the least, but if you're buying one reusable bamboo paper towel, it adds value to your purchase.

There are also lesser-quality packages of three rolls in this collection, which may not absorb or break effectively. Although cloth towels may come in a range of sizes, they will be only available in full-size sheets with no select-a-size option. You may also discover 100% recycled paper towels at this price range; while they are more absorbent than lower-cost paper towels, they are not as absorptive as premium ones.

Mid-range: In the $12 to $22 range, you'll find great bulk purchases on well-known brand names in six- to eight-roll bundles, with most of them being select-a-size rolls. In addition, no-name paper towels are available in larger bulk packs.

Expensive: You'll get over $22 worth of bulk deals if you shop for just a few weeks. For example, choose-a-size sheets come in 12+ packages of various sizes, including extra-large and mega varieties. Premium brands that deliver the most absorbency are also available here.

TIPS

If you frequently dry and lift fruits with paper towels, double-ply rolls are the way to go. Single-ply sheets will struggle to contain half a pound of grapes, for example.
The finish of a paper towel has a significant impact on its feel. To improve softness or strength, conditioners are frequently added to the procedure. Paper towel manufacturers guard these trade secrets.

Plush bath rugs made of 100% polyester, however, may absorb less than fiber-based towels. The process of recycling fibers shortens them, which compromises their absorbency. There are brands that use a mix of recycled and virgin materials.

In a microwave, paper towels are perfectly fine. Covering the food with a paper towel on top while it's being microwaved helps to contain the grease. Paper towels should never be placed in a conventional oven because they might catch fire.

FAQ

Q. When wiping down the glass, why do some paper towel brands leave lint behind?

A. Some companies leave a cloud of lint when you pull off a sheet from the roll, or they may produce a bit of lint, which are really small loose fibers. When it comes to paper towels, each brand leaves its own amount of lint. If you can't stand the sight of lint, microfiber cloths are a good alternative.

Q. What does it signify if paper towels are septic-safe or compostable?

A. Because they don't disintegrate like toilet paper when placed in a sewage system, tissue papers should never be flushed down the toilet. Although paper towels are considered biodegradable (recyclable), keep them out of the compost if they have food or other spills on them.

Q. What does it signify if paper towels are bleached?

A. To keep tissue and paper towels white, bleaching chemicals are frequently used in the manufacturing of both. Paper towels are comprised of pulp that is brown in its natural state. According to the American Forest & Paper Association, contemporary bleaching processes employ non-toxic, safe technology that has been certified and approved by both the EPA in the United States and international bodies, including the EC. However, you may opt for unbleached paper towels if that is what you want.

Q. Is it possible to purchase scented paper towels?

A. Scent-infused paper towels seem on the market from time to time, but they seldom last long. Adding fragrance (or dishwashing detergent) to paper towels may price them too much. Furthermore, fragrant things may irritate those who are sensitive to fragrances. Furthermore, can you imagine how a fragrant paper towel would react to a stinky spill? When odors from two sources collide, something doesn't usually smell good.