For a long time, the roll of paper towels on our counter was the most-used object in the kitchen. Spills, hands, dinner, dusting: everything got a sheet, then a second one. Switching to cloth napkins instead of paper towels turned out to be one of the easiest home changes we have made, and one of the few that saves money, reduces waste and makes the dinner table feel a little nicer, all at once. Here's how to make the switch without it becoming a laundry burden.
Why use cloth napkins instead of paper towels?
Paper towels are convenient because they are disposable, and that is exactly the problem. They are bought on repeat, used for seconds, and thrown away. Cloth, by contrast, is a one-time purchase that keeps working for years. Most people who switch notice three things:
- Less trash. The kitchen garbage fills more slowly, and you stop running out at the worst moment.
- Better absorbency. A cotton cloth handles a spilled glass of water far better than a handful of paper.
- A nicer table. Cloth napkins at an ordinary Tuesday dinner make the meal feel more deliberate.
We won't pretend it's zero-effort. There is a small extra load of laundry each week. But once you have a routine, it's barely noticeable.
Estimate your savings
How much you'll save depends on how many rolls you go through now, what you pay for them, and how you wash. Rather than quote a number that may not apply to you, plug your own figures into the calculator below.
Cloth napkin savings calculator
What switching from paper towels really saves.
A few honest caveats: if you buy brand-new premium linen, it takes longer to pay off than a thrifted cotton set. And laundry has its own cost in water, detergent and energy. Washing napkins with a load you were already running keeps that extra cost small.
How many cloth napkins and towels you need
The most common mistake is buying too few. When the stack runs out, the paper towels come back. Plan for two separate groups.
| Type | Use | Starting quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Table napkins | Meals, hands, lunches | About 3 per person |
| Kitchen cloths | Spills, wiping counters, drying hands | 10 to 15 |
| Rag bin | Greasy jobs, cleaning, dusting | A handful of old towels or T-shirts |
Keeping table napkins separate from cleaning cloths matters. It keeps the pretty ones nice and makes it obvious which cloth to grab for which job.
Where to find second hand napkins
You don't need to buy a new matching set. Some of the nicest cloth napkins we've seen came from thrift stores, estate sales and family linen closets. Second hand napkins are often good quality cotton or linen that has already been washed many times, which means they're soft and won't shrink further.
- Thrift stores: Check the linen or kitchen section; napkins are often bundled in sets.
- Estate sales: Older households often have beautiful linen and embroidered napkins.
- Family: Ask relatives. Many people have napkins from their own wedding or holidays that never get used.
- Online marketplaces: Search for "vintage napkins" or "linen napkins lot."
- Make your own: A yard of cotton fabric makes several napkins with just a simple hemmed edge.
Mismatched sets are part of the charm. A stack of different floral, striped and solid napkins in a shared color family looks curated rather than random.
A note on lemon cloth napkins and other fun prints
Daily-use napkins are a great place for a playful print. Lemon cloth napkins are a favorite for a reason: yellow and green feel fresh, citrus prints suit spring and summer tables, and busy patterns hide stains better than solid white. Other forgiving prints include small florals, gingham and stripes. Save plain white or ivory linen for special dinners, since they show every drop of salsa.
If you're making your own, cotton quilting fabric comes in endless prints, including plenty of citrus and botanical designs.
A laundry routine that actually works
The routine is what makes the switch stick. Here's a simple system:
- Use a ventilated bin. Keep a small basket or open bin near the kitchen for used cloths. Avoid sealed hampers, which trap moisture.
- Hang wet cloths to dry first. Drape a soaked cloth over the edge of the sink or a hook before it goes in the bin. Damp piles get musty fast.
- Wash with towels. Add napkins and cloths to your regular towel load on a warm or hot cycle.
- Skip the fabric softener. It coats fibers and reduces absorbency over time.
- Fold simply or don't fold at all. A basket of loosely folded napkins is fine. If folding feels like a chore, you'll stop doing it.
Handling stains
- Rinse in cold water as soon as possible; heat can set protein stains.
- Rub a little dish soap into greasy spots before washing.
- Soak tomato and coffee stains with an oxygen-based cleaner.
- Sun-dry white cotton when you can; sunlight is a gentle natural brightener.
- Let a few stains go. These are working napkins.
Keeping a few paper towels (and that's okay)
Using cloth napkins instead of paper towels doesn't have to be all or nothing. Many households keep one roll for truly gross jobs: raw meat juices, pet accidents, draining bacon. Move it out of sight to a cabinet so it stops being the default, and you'll find it lasts a very long time.
Your switching checklist
- Count how many rolls of paper towels you use per month
- Gather or buy about 3 table napkins per person
- Set aside 10 to 15 kitchen cloths in a different color
- Make a rag bin from old towels or T-shirts
- Put a basket of clean napkins where the towel holder was
- Place a ventilated bin for used cloths near the sink
- Move the remaining paper towels into a cabinet
Cloth napkins also make a lovely gift for anyone setting up a home; they're on our holiday gift guide for photographers and homebodies. And if you're in a home-improvement mood, take a look at our home organization labels post for keeping the linen closet in order, or browse more home and lifestyle ideas.
Questions, answered
How many cloth napkins does a family need?
A good starting point is about three per person for daily use, plus a separate stack of kitchen cloths for spills and cleaning. That covers a few days between washes without running out.
Do cloth napkins actually save money?
For most households they can, because a set of napkins lasts for years while paper towels are bought over and over. The amount depends on how much paper you used before and how you do laundry, so use the calculator on this page with your own numbers.
What fabric is best for cloth napkins?
Cotton and linen are the most practical. Cotton is soft, absorbent and inexpensive; linen dries quickly and gets softer with every wash. Avoid polyester blends for kitchen use since they absorb poorly.
Is it sanitary to use cloth for kitchen messes?
Yes, as long as you rotate cloths often and wash them hot. Use separate cloths for raw meat juices or wipe those with a disposable towel, and never let damp cloths sit in a pile for days.
First published in Apr 2018 and fully rewritten and updated for 2026. Details like permits, fees and hours change — confirm them with the venue or land manager before you go.
