Paper towels are not only costly, but it’s very harmful to the environment. Most obviously, it takes up lots of space in landfills. Less obvious factors include deforestation, global warming & carbon emission from paper production facilities and energy usage. Very un-frugal and un-fabulous on all fronts.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free paper towel alternative, I really recommend the Skoy cloth! I first came across them on amazon.com purely by accident. These cloths and I are now very good friends. Here are some highlights of the Skoy Cloth:

• Biodegradable and compost-able
• Super absorbent yet dries fast
• Easy to sanitize in the microwave or dishwasher
• Can be used anywhere, all over the house!
• Very affordable — around $6 to $7 for a pack of 4
• Lasts for months! (The one pictured below is at least 6 months old.)

My well-worn Skoy cloth still does a pretty good job after 6 months of use.

I use my Skoy cloth to clean all surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen, and also use it on mirrors with good results. In a pinch, I have even used it to clean areas of the kitchen or bathroom floor if I don’t have time to deep clean. The best part is, magically, the Skoy cloth stays very clean. I’ve used it to sop up spilled red wine, ketchup, and pasta sauce. It rinses clean. After many months of use, all my Skoy cloths are white and bright.

I’ve tried limiting paper towels in the past. I’ve tried those checkered blue-and-white reusable towels as well as a variety of sponges. However, it always gave me a feeling of germi-ness. There is something eerie and disgusting about a wet sponge or towel that takes forever to dry. It’s a bacterial breeding ground! I’ve also tried using wash cloths. They just aren’t sanitary enough and not absorbent enough to be a paper towel replacement.

Luckily for me and my Skoy cloth, it dries very quickly. I give it a quick rinse under warm water and leave it near the sink. Once dry, I throw it under the sink. And each time I run the dishwasher, I throw my kitchen Skoy cloths in. The bathroom cloths go into my washing machine with my towels. So easy!

These days, I still use some paper towels. I would say that we go through about 1 roll every 2 months or so. Not bad, considering it used to be about 1 every other week! Beyond the cost savings, it just makes sense to use the Skoy cloth. It’s the perfect eco-friendly paper towel alternative so you feel good while using too!

Where to buy: They carry it at the Container Store as well, but there aren’t any of those in my area. I ended up buying mine on amazon.com.