The 10 Best Paper Towels

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This wiki has been updated 20 times since it was first published in April of 2020. When it comes to drying hands, soaking up spills, or cleaning the home, many people reach for paper towels. These handy sheets do an excellent job of absorbing liquids, scrubbing messes, and wiping down surfaces. But there are some notable differences between brands, so we have collated some that vary in size, thickness, softness, and absorbency for you to choose from. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Bounty Select-A-Size

2. Brawny Mega

3. Scott Mega Rolls

Editor's Notes

May 22, 2020:

Paper towels are great for cleaning and fighting germs. They work well with cleaning agents and can be used on practically any surface. For tough cleaning jobs, you need a paper towel that has a little scrubbing power. Options like Bounty Select-A-Size and Brawny Mega not only provide the strength to clean but also provide excellent absorbency to soak up spills. They also have perforations that allow you to use just half of a sheet to help you save money and reduce waste.

If you use paper towels to drain fat from foods or wrap fresh produce, it is best to use green brands. Seventh Generation, for instance, contains no chemical agents like bleach, dyes, or formaldehyde that can transfer to the foods.

Special Honors

Georgia-Pacific Blue Basic C-Fold Georgia-Pacific manufactures a wide range of paper products for commercial use. If you often entertain a large number of guests, it makes economic sense to buy multifold towels that you can stack on counters, sink ledges, and tables for quick use. Georgia-Pacific Blue Basic C-Fold 10-pack comes bundled with 240 units each sleeve, so you'll spend less time running around filling paper towel holders and more time enjoying your guests. gppro.com

13 Extraordinary Uses for Paper Towels The paper towel came to be as a result of a toilet tissue mishap at the Scott Paper Company. When the company produced a shipment of rolls that were too thick for wiping the bottom, they rebranded them as a disposable towel that could be used for cleaning. It wasn't long before other companies took notice and start mass-producing them, and consumers began using them for everything from drying hands to cleaning the home and commercial establishments. To get the most bang for your buck, Check out "13 Extraordinary Uses for Paper Towels." rd.com

4. Kleenex Pop-Ups

5. Viva Task Size Signature Cloths

6. Members Mark Super Premium

7. Sparkle Spirited Prints

8. Amazon Presto Flex

9. Seventh Generation

10. Plenty Ultra Premium


Christopher Thomas
Last updated by Christopher Thomas

Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.


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