Reusable Towels and Eco Brushes: Are They Worth Your Money?

Yes, making the switch to reusable towels and eco brushes is a smart choice for your budget, your health, and the environment. Even though you might pay a bit more at first, using these products saves you money over time, reduces waste, and cuts down on your exposure to harsh chemicals. They’re a practical change for any Australian home looking to be more eco-friendly. Here’s a simple guide to what makes these options so popular and why they’re a great choice.

What Are Reusable Towels and Eco Brushes?

Reusable towels and eco brushes are earth-friendly swaps for single-use cleaning products. Instead of using something once and throwing it away, these products are made to be used again and again.

Main Features of Reusable Towels

Reusable towels (sometimes called “unpaper towels”) look and work like regular paper towels, but you wash and reuse them instead of tossing them out.
They’re perfect for wiping counters, cleaning spills, drying hands, or polishing.
Most are made from soft, absorbent cotton, and some actually soak up more liquid after several washes.
Sizes are usually practical (e.g. 10x10 inches) and many fit regular paper towel holders.
For example, brands such as Earthly Co. sell 100% cotton flannel towels that are strong yet soft.

Types of Eco Brushes and Their Materials

Eco brushes include things like dish brushes or veggie scrubbers made with the planet in mind, not plastic.
Bamboo is a popular choice for handles, as it grows quickly and is easy to renew.
Bristles are often made from plant fibers like sisal, tampico, or coconut husk, unlike plastic brushes that don’t break down naturally.
Example: Ecozoi’s cleaning brushes use these plant-based materials for better durability and compostability.

How They Differ from Single-Use Products

Disposable paper towels and brushes are thrown away after a single use, causing massive waste. Paper towels alone add up to over 254 million pounds of landfill waste every year and are usually not recyclable. Most plastic brushes sit in landfill for hundreds of years. In contrast, reusable towels and eco brushes last much longer and are made from natural, biodegradable materials, reducing waste and saving trees and water.

Reusable Towels/Eco Brushes
Traditional Disposables

Used repeatedly (wash & reuse)
Made from cotton, bamboo, cellulose
Compostable and biodegradable
Less waste, lasts longer
Single-use
Made from paper or plastic
Not compostable
Lots of waste, short lifespan

Which Materials Are Best for Reusable Towels and Eco Brushes?

The kind of material used matters for both performance and eco-friendliness.

Bamboo and Cotton: Pros and Cons

Cotton: Soft, super absorbent, lasts through many washes, biodegradable. Organic cotton is better for the planet.
Bamboo: Grows quickly, strong and absorbent, has natural bacteria-resistant properties. Make sure it’s processed in a sustainable way for full benefits.
Choosing organic or recycled options is best for both.

Other Options: Cellulose Sponges and Microfibres

Cellulose sponges: Made from plant material, very absorbent, dishwasher friendly.
Microfibre cloths: Excellent for picking up dirt and grime. However, some microfibres contain plastic and may release tiny plastic particles in the wash. Choose eco-certified microfibres if possible.

Brush Bristles: Plant-Based or Plastic?

Plant-based bristles (sisal, coconut, tampico) are tough, clean well, and break down naturally.
Plastic bristles take hundreds of years to decompose and are made from fossil fuels. While they might cost less, their environmental impact is much higher.

How Long Do Reusable Towels and Eco Brushes Last?

One of the main selling points for these products is how long they stick around.

Average Lifespan with Regular Use

Reusable towels made of cotton or bamboo can often be used for a year or more, sometimes lasting through dozens or even hundreds of washes.
Eco brushes with bamboo handles and plant-based bristles last as long as plastic versions when well cared for. Some toothbrushes can be used for months before needing replacement.

What Affects Durability?

Material: Cotton, bamboo, and cellulose are strong choices.
Care: Following care instructions, washing with mild detergent, avoiding bleach, and air-drying help these products last longer. For brushes, rinsing and letting them dry keeps them from getting mouldy or breaking down quickly.

How Do You Clean and Care for Them?

Looking after reusable towels and eco brushes is easy with a simple routine.

How to Wash Reusable Towels

Most can go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water. Avoid bleach to keep them from wearing out.
Air-dry or tumble dry on low. High heat can make them less absorbent.
Handwashing works too-use a little detergent, rinse well, hang to dry.
If dishwasher safe (some cellulose sponges), place on the top rack.

How to Clean Eco Brushes

Rinse under hot water after each use to remove food bits.
Wash with dish soap and hot water for a deeper clean.
Soak in a solution of vinegar and water now and then to disinfect.
Let them air dry completely to prevent mould.
Don’t soak wooden handles for long, as this can damage them.
When bristles become worn, compost them if made from natural materials.

How Do Reusable Towels and Eco Brushes Help the Environment?

Cutting Down on Waste

Reusable products mean far less trash goes to landfills. Each reusable towel saves dozens or even hundreds of paper towel sheets from being thrown away.
Eco brushes replace plastic brushes that otherwise stick around in the environment for centuries.

Saving Resources

Making disposable paper towels uses huge amounts of trees, water, and energy-over 51,000 trees are cut each day for these products in the US alone.
Reusable options cut down on tree use, water, and power and lower greenhouse gas emissions tied to manufacturing and delivery.
Bamboo and organic cotton are better choices because they need fewer chemicals and less water to grow.

Composting and Reusing at End of Life

Most cotton, bamboo, and cellulose towels and plant-bristle brushes can go into your home compost bin once they’re worn out (as long as they don’t contain plastic).
If towels or sponges are too worn for their original use, cut them up for rags for tougher jobs to keep using them before composting or final disposal.

How Do Households Benefit?

Switching to reusable towels and eco brushes isn’t only about being green-it has practical benefits for your home too.

Cost Savings Over Time

Although reusable towels and eco brushes cost more at the beginning, you’ll save a lot of money over months and years by not having to buy new ones all the time.
On average, families spend $180-$250 a year on paper towels. Reusable options can cut out much of that cost.

Better Cleaning Ability

Reusable towels (especially cotton/cellulose) usually soak up much more liquid than disposables, meaning you use fewer for each mess.
Eco brushes with natural bristles are often stronger and more effective at removing dirt and grime compared to plastic ones.

Less Chemical Exposure

Disposable paper towels and plastic brushes may contain added chemicals and plastics. Reusable, natural products are often made with fewer or no additives, making them safer for your skin and air quality in your home.

What Are the Downsides?

Reusable towels and eco brushes have a few drawbacks to keep in mind:

Higher Upfront Cost

You’ll likely pay more at first for a set of reusable towels or a quality eco brush compared to single-use products.
This upfront cost might be tough for tight budgets, but in the long run, you save money.

More Work to Keep Clean

You have to remember to wash and dry your towels and brushes to keep them clean, adding to your laundry and cleaning chores.
While this doesn’t take much effort, it’s less convenient than simply throwing something in the bin.

Are Reusable Towels and Eco Brushes Good Value?

Cost Comparison Over Time

Product
Initial Cost
Five Years of Disposable
Five Years of Reusable

Paper Towels
$10-$15 (per pack)
$900-$1,250
-

Reusable Towels
$50-$100 (set)
-
$50-$100

If you look at the long run, reusables are far more affordable than always buying new disposables. You’ll also cut back on trash and use fewer natural resources.

Effort vs. Environmental Impact

Although reusables need more attention (cleaning and drying), the benefit to the environment is huge. You’ll help shrink landfill waste, save trees and water, and use less energy. Most people find this small extra effort worthwhile in exchange for a healthier world.

Who Should Make the Switch?

Anyone wanting to reduce waste, save money, or avoid chemicals will benefit, especially high-use households. People who care about sustainability will also feel good about making this change.

How to Choose and Start Using Reusable Products

What to Look Out for When Shopping

Pick materials like organic cotton or bamboo for towels-these score well on durability, absorbency, and eco-impact.
Brushes should have plant bristles and sturdy bamboo handles.
Look for certifications such as GOTS or OEKO-Tex to show products are safe and sustainable.
Check sizing and choose based on your usual messes (bigger towels for big spills, smaller for light cleaning).
Some “reusable” products still contain plastics, so read the label carefully if composting is important to you.

How to Fit Reusables into Your Routine

Put reusable towels in a spot that’s easy to grab-use your old paper towel holder.
Use a basket or container for used towels. Wash with your regular laundry as needed.
For brushes, rinse after each use and stand them bristles-up so they dry properly.
Start small-switch to reusable towels first, then add brushes over time. No need to change everything at once.