Esembly Paperless Towel Set Review: A Reusable Kitchen Essential

If you’re trying to cut down on kitchen waste, reusable paper towels are one of the simplest swaps you can make. But not all cloth towels are created equal—some are too thin to handle spills, others don’t dry quickly, and many lose their shape after a few washes. That’s why we spent two weeks putting the Esembly Paperless Towel Set through real-life kitchen messes, from coffee spills to greasy stovetops.

Esembly is best known for its organic cloth diaper system, but the brand has expanded into home goods with the same practical, eco-conscious philosophy. The Paperless Towel Set promises to replace disposable paper towels with a durable, washable alternative. In this review, we’ll break down absorbency, durability, ease of cleaning, and whether it’s actually worth the switch.

What’s in the Esembly Paperless Towel Set?

The Esembly Paperless Towel Set includes a generous stack of reusable towels designed for everyday kitchen tasks. Each towel is made from a soft, absorbent material that feels substantial in hand—not flimsy like some single-ply cloths. The set is designed to handle everything from wiping counters to drying produce, and it comes in a neutral colorway that fits most kitchens.

Unlike disposable paper towels, these towels are meant to be used, washed, and reused hundreds of times. The set pairs well with other Esembly home goods, like the Ditty Bags for storage or the Bowl Caps for covering leftovers. But on their own, the towels are a straightforward, no-fuss solution to paper towel waste.

• Generous stack of reusable towels in one set
• Soft, absorbent material that holds up to repeated washing
• Neutral design that blends with any kitchen decor

Absorbency and Durability: How Do They Perform?

We tested the towels on a variety of spills—water, juice, olive oil, and even a small amount of batter. The absorbency is impressive: a single towel soaked up a half-cup of water without leaving streaks, and it held up well when wrung out. The material feels thick enough to tackle messes without falling apart, and after a full wash cycle, the towels came out looking nearly new.

Durability is where the Esembly Paperless Towel Set really shines. After 10 washes, we noticed no fraying, pilling, or loss of absorbency. The edges stayed intact, and the towels kept their shape. This is a key advantage over cheaper reusable options that often degrade after a few cycles. For heavy-duty messes, you might need to rinse the towel before washing, but that’s true of any cloth alternative.

• Excellent absorbency for both liquid and greasy messes
• Holds up well after multiple washes—no fraying or pilling
• Rinse before washing for stubborn stains or grease

Ease of Cleaning and Everyday Use

One of the biggest concerns with reusable paper towels is the laundry burden. The Esembly Paperless Towel Set is machine washable, and we found that a standard cycle with regular detergent was enough to remove most stains. For tougher marks, a quick pre-treatment with a stain remover did the trick. The towels dried quickly on a line, which is a bonus for eco-conscious users who want to skip the dryer.

In daily use, the towels are versatile. We used them for cleaning counters, drying hands, and even as a makeshift napkin. They’re soft enough for face and hands, yet sturdy enough for scrubbing. The only downside is that they take up a bit of space in the laundry basket, but that’s a minor trade-off for eliminating paper towel waste. If you’re already washing cloth diapers or other reusable items, adding these towels to your routine is seamless.

• Machine washable with standard detergent; air dry for best results
• Pre-treat stubborn stains for a fresh look
• Versatile enough for cleaning, drying, and quick napkin duty

Is the Esembly Paperless Towel Set Worth It?

When you compare the cost of a paperless towel set to a year’s supply of disposable paper towels, the savings are clear. The Esembly set is priced competitively with other premium reusable options, and given its durability, it should last for years. If you’re already invested in Esembly’s eco-friendly products, like the Everyday Balm for diaper changes or the Snack + Sammy pouches for on-the-go snacks, this set is a natural addition to your sustainable home.

However, it’s not perfect for every situation. For extremely greasy or messy tasks, you might still reach for a disposable option—but for 90% of kitchen spills, the Paperless Towel Set handles it. If you’re on the fence, consider starting with a smaller set or the 60 Day Try-It Kit to test the waters. But based on our testing, the Esembly Paperless Towel Set is a solid investment for anyone looking to reduce waste without sacrificing performance.

• Cost-effective over time compared to disposable paper towels
• Pairs well with other Esembly home and baby products
• Consider a trial kit if you’re new to reusable towels

The Esembly Paperless Towel Set is a durable, absorbent, and genuinely useful alternative to disposable paper towels. It holds up wash after wash, handles everyday messes with ease, and fits seamlessly into an eco-friendly kitchen. If you’re ready to make the switch, this set is worth every penny—and it might just change the way you think about paper towels for good.