We all know the feeling: a spill, a coffee drip, a messy countertop—and the paper-towel roll is always right there. But what if there’s a better, cleaner, greener way? At Soak iT Up, we believe your home and the planet deserve more than single-use waste. Here’s how to reduce your paper-towel habit without sacrificing convenience or style.
1. The Hidden Cost of “Convenience”
Americans use more paper towels per capita than anywhere else—roughly 13 billion pounds per year, according to the EPA and industry data summarized by Martha Stewart Living. Producing one ton of paper towels can require 17 trees and 20,000 gallons of water—and it’s all tossed after one use.
2. Swap to Reusable, Compostable Cloths
Instead of reaching for a roll, grab a plant-based Swedish dishcloth or a Clard®, our patented 2-in-1 Greeting + Cleaning Cloth. Each one replaces up to 3,000 paper towels, and unlike synthetics, it’s made from natural cellulose and cotton—washable, reusable for months, and compostable at end of life.
Try our Best-Seller Bundle or Seasonal Designs to make sustainable cleaning look good on your counter.
3. Skip Microfiber (Here’s Why)
Microfiber towels are often promoted as eco-alternatives, but many contain polyester and nylon—plastics that shed microfibers into waterways when washed (National Geographic). That’s why we keep them out of our lineup. Our cellulose-based cloths deliver the same cleaning power—without the plastic.
4. Keep Hand-Towels Handy
Place reusable cloths or cotton towels by every sink. Assign one for hands, one for dishes, and one for general wipe-ups. Rotate and wash as needed. Small systems like this make a big difference—and look far better than a half-used roll of paper.
5. Build Habits That Stick
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Hide the roll. Put paper towels out of reach for a week—you’ll quickly adjust.
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Designate your cloths. Color-code or pick patterns for kitchen, bath, and cleaning zones.
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Wash weekly. Toss in your next load using our Sheet Happens Eco Laundry Detergent Sheets—no plastic jugs, no blue goo.
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Compost the worn ones. When a cloth wears out, cut it up and toss it in your compost or house-plant soil.
6. The Payoff
✅ Less waste headed to landfills
✅ No plastic shedding down the drain
✅ Lower long-term cost per use
✅ Cleaner counters—and conscience
Ready to Make the Switch?
One small swap can ripple into real change. Start with a Clard® or Swedish Dishcloth and see how guilt-free cleaning feels. When you choose reusable over disposable, you’re not just tidying up—you’re helping clean up the planet, one spill at a time.