Dirty dishes are an unfortunate mealtime consequence. Saucy, crusty, greasy, and oily residues cling to pots, pans, and plates. To avoid stuck-on messes, speedy cleanup is crucial. For those without a dishwasher or with pesky handwash-only items, soiled kitchenware needs a sudsy sink and elbow grease to achieve cleanliness. Aside from soap and water, dish towels help complete the laborious task. With a few swipes, their absorbent fabrication sops residual moisture to reveal tidy, shining surfaces. These versatile towels are also great for drying hands and scooping up hot-handled pots and pans. Choose from our favorite dish towel options.
Utopia kitchen towels
12-pack with color and pattern
These stylish and durable dish towels are made from soft, easy-care cotton.
Pros:
- Many color combinations and quantities available
- Soft and absorbent
- Organic and eco-friendly fabric
Cons:
- Edges might start to fray after use
- Some are full of loose threads
- Darker colors are not colorfast
Post-feast cleanup is simple with these trusty dish towels in tow. Crafted from lightweight cotton, the textured cloths absorb moisture from mitts and mealtime dishes alike. The hardworking fibers efficiently soak up drips and spills, drying in no time when hung on an oven door handle or over the sink. Each cloth measures 12-by-25 inches, has a solid hue or checked print, and is machine washable. Several color combinations are available to complement any kitchen aesthetic.
Swedish Wholesale dishcloths
Textured, absorbent, and washable sponge substitutes
Polish plates, flatware, and more with these super-absorbent and textured cloths.
Pros:
- Reusable
- Rinse off cleanly
- Leave no streaks
- Multiple colors available
Cons:
- Work best as a sponge replacement instead of a towel-replacement
- Don't dry flat
- Small cloths
Standard rectangular dish towels do a great job when handwashing is complete, drying already-clean cookware. However, when dirty bowls, cups, and plates are piled high, and scrubbing needs to happen, these dishcloths are a must. The 8-by-7-inch grime-busting squares, in particular, are great for during the wash cycle. Their textured surface and moisture-retaining cellulose and cotton composition powers through cakey messes, returning kitchen items to like-new status. Each of the ten cloths is dishwasher and washing machine safe and biodegradable. Several fun color options are available.
Zeppoli classic cotton kitchen towels
Cotton cloths in several quantity options
These streamlined cotton towels put the work in, effortlessly wiping away moisture. But they're not without charm, boasting a cool strip detail.
Pros:
- Great alternative to paper towels
- Great for drying hands
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
- Thin fabric wrinkles after washing
- Smaller than average dish towels
- Stain easily
Clean is as simple as cotton with these basic dish towels by Zeppoli. The signature white cloths are soft and smooth, gently handling kitchen items (from flatware to wine glasses) and surfaces as well as hands. Each absorbent cloth, measuring 14-by-25 inches, is conveniently machine washable and defined by a textured center stripe for extra flair. Available in several multi-cloth sets from 12 to 30, there's a selection to properly prep every kitchen (and keep laundry loads to a minimum) .
Sticky Toffee cotton terry dish towels
Terry cloths in multiple colors and patterns
Who said chores have to be boring? Sticky Toffee makes the dishwashing experience more fun with their lively dish towel collection.
Pros:
- Thick and absorbent
- Machine washable and dryer safe
- Great for drying dishes lint-free
Cons:
- No loop or grommet for hanging
- Hold on to odors
Dish towels are standard kitchen sidekicks, whether they're kept at the sink or tossed over a shoulder. They really do come in handy, absorbing a little moisture or heat when necessary. These generous 28-by-16-inch towels by Sticky Toffee are up to the task; each towel, four in total, is cut from lightweight, machine-washable cotton terry. The textured surface retains wetness for a clean result on dishes and countertops. With a combination of solids and stripes, this set offers functional style. Additional colors and pattern options are also available.
HYER KITCHEN microfiber kitchen towels
Striped collection in multiple colors
Go from wet to dry in no time with these soft and stripy moisture-retaining dish towels.
Pros:
- Soft and durable
- Absorbent
- Large size
Cons:
- Trap hair and lint
- Very thin
- Snag on rough or dry hands
- Not for hot pans
Stripes are a standard pattern among kitchen linens, and these dish towels are no different. Who doesn't love the look of a refined stripe anyway? Crafted from plush and absorbent cotton microfiber, these water-loving towels wear their pattern well as they wick away moisture. With each effective swipe on plastic, stainless steel, stoneware, and more, all that remains is a little sparkle and shine. Each dish towel, eight in total, measures 26-by-18 inches for optimum coverage and launders in the washing machine.
KAF Home Lemons All Over kitchen dish towels
Cotton cloths with a lemony twist
These budget-friendly, absorbent towels will add a little zing to your after-meal chores.
Pros:
- Bright color holds up well through washings
- Durable
- Vibrant, fun designs
Cons:
- Wrinkly after washing and drying
- Thin fabric that's not super absorbent
- More for décor
With this citrusy take on kitchen linens, fashion and function meet. The dish towels, crafted from lightweight and absorbent cotton, sport standout patterns. Taking on the zesty nature of the lemon itself, this towel set has a fresh look, featuring the fruit and its lively coloring. There are even fun stripes to be had! Each print is realized on an 18-by-28-inch towel and features a hanging loop to make storage and drying simple. With a quick trip to the washing machine, these cloths clean easily and are just as vibrant after every cycle.
The dish on kitchen towels
Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Kitchen messes are inevitable, so cleanup measures must be taken in advance. Dish towels are known to help manage mealtime mayhem. Simple as they may seem, these rectangular cloths are game-changers. They are lightweight and absorbent linens that help dishes and countertops regain their original luster. The Utopia kitchen towels top our selection, providing steadfast support to hand-washed dishes and more. Crafted from moisture-retaining, textured cotton, the 12 towels lift moisture from dripping surfaces. Each towel dries quickly for repeated use and launders in the washing machine. Both solid shades and checks are represented to give the kitchen collection some style.
If you need something a bit more durable for typical kitchen cleaning jobs, and not just drying hands or dishes, give the cellulose Swedish Wholesale dishcloths a try. They aren’t super fashionable but will be a hardworking addition to your cleaning toolbox. You can use them wet or dry to dispel dirt and grime. They also rinse cleanly, preventing germs and bacteria build-up.
Why trust us?
At Real Homes, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.