Kitchen towels are an essential workhorse in any home cook’s arsenal. From drying dishes to wiping up spills and messes, we rely on our trusty kitchen towels multiple times a day. But not all towels are created equal. If you’re looking for ones that are highly absorbent, quick-drying, durable and eco-friendly, bamboo fiber kitchen towels check all the boxes.
Bamboo has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years due to its sustainability factor. Often touted as one of the most renewable resources on the planet, bamboo can be harvested every 3-5 years without needing to be replanted. It grows abundantly and quickly without the need for pesticides or extensive watering. This makes products derived from bamboo fibers, like kitchen towels, a great choice for the environmentally conscious.
In addition to being green, bamboo kitchen towels have excellent moisture-wicking capabilities. The cross-linked structure of bamboo fibers makes them highly absorbent, often even more so than cotton. That means they can soak up spills quickly and dry promptly. This absorbency also makes bamboo towels great for drying hand-washed dishes, produce and more.
Beyond just absorbency, bamboo offers other desirable properties like antimicrobial abilities and durability. Bamboo contains a substance called bamboo kun that acts as an antimicrobial agent, reducing unwanted bacteria in your kitchen. And since bamboo fibers are so hardy, high-quality bamboo towels can withstand daily use and frequent washing over years of service.
If you’re sold on bamboo fiber towels for your kitchen, keep reading to discover the top 5 contenders plus expert tips for choosing the best bamboo towel for your needs. We’ll also tackle some frequently asked questions about the care and use of these eco-friendly towels.
The Best Bamboo Kitchen Towels
With more brands recognizing the appeal of bamboo towels, there are now numerous options on the market catering to different priorities like affordability, softness, absorbency and design aesthetic. Here are the top 5 bamboo fiber kitchen towels to consider:
1. Big Red House Bamboo Towels
The Big Red House brand offers soft bamboo kitchen towels available in a variety of colorful stripes and patterns. Made from a blend of bamboo viscose and cotton, these towels strike a nice balance of absorbency, durability and aesthetic appeal. Reviewers praise how soft and comfortable these towels feel, making them nice for delicate tasks like drying hands and dishes. The loops on the towels also provide light scrubbing power for basic cleaning. With fun colors like aqua, lavender and lime green available, you can liven up your kitchen décor with these striped towels.
2. Organic Cabana Luxury Bamboo Towels
For those who want a super thick and plush bamboo towel, the Organic Cabana Luxury towels fit the bill. Constructed from 3-ply bamboo, these towels are generously sized for maximum absorbency. They have a soft, fluffy texture that feels soothing to hands and delicate stemware. The Organic Cabana towels are OEKO-TEX certified free of harmful chemicals and materials as well. With excellent reviews for softness, the main drawback is the higher price, but customers find it worthwhile for the ultra-premium quality.
3. Sunland 100% Bamboo Towels
The Sunland 100% Bamboo towels are a great option if you want true bamboo fiber without any blended cotton. These towels only use bamboo viscose for ultra-absorbency and sustainability. With a sheared pile, they have a smooth, velvety feel. But Sunland also offers looper towels for a textured look. Both varieties are OEKO-TEX certified and free of dyes, bleach and other harsh processing. The viscose bamboo material gives these towels antimicrobial properties as well. For those seeking pure bamboo fiber towels, Sunland is a top contender.
4. Nature Towels Organic Bamboo Towels
For an affordable bamboo towel option, Nature Towels are a reliable choice. Made from a 70/30 bamboo/cotton blend, these OEKO-TEX certified towels provide decent absorbency and softness at a budget-friendly price point. They have a classic look in white or natural colors to match any kitchen décor as well. While not as plush or durable as more premium towels, satisfied Amazon reviewers say Nature Towels’ quality outweighs the low cost. They make great economical workhorse towels for daily kitchen tasks.
5. Real Home’s Bamboo Dish Towels
Specifically designed for drying and scrubbing dishes, Real Home’s bamboo dish towels are a sturdy option. They feature a waffle weave texture and looped pile for superior absorbency and cleaning power. The bamboo viscose and cotton blend makes these towels quick-drying while also resisting odor buildup. Real Home offers them in packs of 5 or 10 towels. So for those needing a workhorse towel for dishes and other heavy duty cleaning jobs, these are an excellent choice. The scrubbing texture does make them less ideal for delicate hands though.
How to Choose the Best Bamboo Kitchen Towel for Your Needs
With various fiber blends, pile depths, textures and prices, how do you decide which bamboo towel is right for you? Here are key factors to consider when shopping:
- Intended uses – Are you looking for a towel strictly for drying hands? Cleaning dirty dishes? Or an all-purpose option? Towels with different materials and pile lengths work better for certain tasks.
- Absorbency – Check reviews and product details to compare the absorbency levels of different towels. Both pile depth and bamboo purity impact wetness absorption.
- Durability – Higher quality bamboo towels with looped construction will be more durable and long-lasting over time. Make sure to compare ply counts.
- Softness – Do you want an ultra-soft towel or one with scrubbing texture? This depends on if you’re drying delicate items or need scrubbing power.
- Aesthetics – Bamboo towels now come in various colors and patterns. Decide if you want decorative towels or classic white.
- Price – There’s quite a range when it comes to cost for bamboo towels. Make sure to compare quality and value for money.
- Care requirements – Most bamboo towels are machine washable but see if they require special care like cold water or hang drying.
- Reviews – Customer reviews can provide helpful insight into how the towels perform for real-world kitchen tasks.
Once you decide your top priorities, you can zero in on the best bamboo kitchen towels to suit your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bamboo Fiber Kitchen Towels
Are bamboo fiber kitchen towels more absorbent than cotton towels?
Yes, bamboo towels tend to be significantly more absorbent than their cotton counterparts. The cross-linked structure of bamboo fibers makes them very effective at absorbing and retaining moisture. Bamboo absorbs about 40% more liquid than a standard cotton towel.
How do you wash bamboo fiber kitchen towels?
Most bamboo kitchen towels can be washed in the washing machine using a gentle, cold cycle. Warm or hot water can damage and shrink the bamboo fibers over time. Use a mild detergent, and avoid bleach or fabric softener as well. For best results, skip the dryer and allow the towels to air dry. This prevents shrinkage and maintains their absorbency.
Do bamboo kitchen towels stain easily?
One of the advantages of bamboo is that it is naturally stain-resistant due to the smooth surface of the fibers. Liquid tends to bead up rather than soak into bamboo material. However, oil-based stains and turmeric or beet juices can be tougher to remove. Any bleaches or harsh cleaners will also discolor bamboo towels over time.
Are bamboo towels antibacterial?
Yes, bamboo contains antimicrobial properties that reduce bacterial growth. Specifically, bamboo produces an antimicrobial bio-agent called bamboo kun that stops bacteria from multiplying as rapidly. This built-in protection makes bamboo kitchen towels less hospitable environments for microbes and germs in the kitchen.
How long do bamboo fiber kitchen towels last?
With proper care, high-quality bamboo kitchen towels can maintain their integrity and absorbency for several years of regular use. Towels made from multi-ply bamboo with looped pile construction are the most durable option. Avoiding harsh detergents, bleaches and the dryer will also prolong the useful life of your bamboo towels. With moderate use, expect them to last anywhere from 3-5 years or longer.
Start Enjoying the Benefits of Bamboo Towels
Bamboo fiber towels represent an absorbent, durable, and sustainable option for the eco-conscious kitchen. When shopping for bamboo towels, be sure to consider factors like intended use, absorbency, softness, aesthetics and price to select the right option for you. Properly caring for bamboo towels by washing in cold water and line drying will help extend their longevity as well. Armed with the right knowledge, you’re sure to find the perfect set of bamboo kitchen towels to make cleaning and drying easier.