I Tested Different Rolls of Paper Towels: Which One Really Cleans Best?

I’ve always found that a simple roll of paper towels holds more value than meets the eye. It’s one of those everyday essentials that quietly supports our busy lives, ready to tackle spills, messes, and countless little challenges at a moment’s notice. Whether it’s in the kitchen, the garage, or even on a camping trip, the humble roll of paper towels is a reliable companion that often goes unnoticed—until you need it most. In this article, I want to explore what makes this common household item so indispensable and why it deserves a little more appreciation in our daily routines.

I Tested The Roll Of Paper Towels Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

365 by Whole Foods Market, Paper Towels 75 Sheet jumbo Rolls 6 Count, 75 Count

PRODUCT NAME

365 by Whole Foods Market, Paper Towels 75 Sheet jumbo Rolls 6 Count, 75 Count

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Sparkle Tear-A-Square Paper Towels, 2 Double Rolls = 4 Regular Rolls, Back-to-School Essentials, Customizable Sheets for Lunchboxes, Art Projects, Classrooms, and Home

PRODUCT NAME

Sparkle Tear-A-Square Paper Towels, 2 Double Rolls = 4 Regular Rolls, Back-to-School Essentials, Customizable Sheets for Lunchboxes, Art Projects, Classrooms, and Home

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Amazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels, 12 Basics Rolls = 32 Regular Rolls, Everyday Value with 150 Sheets per Roll

PRODUCT NAME

Amazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels, 12 Basics Rolls = 32 Regular Rolls, Everyday Value with 150 Sheets per Roll

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Scott Paper Towels, Choose-A-Sheet, 6 Double Rolls = 12 Regular Rolls (108 Sheets Per Roll)

PRODUCT NAME

Scott Paper Towels, Choose-A-Sheet, 6 Double Rolls = 12 Regular Rolls (108 Sheets Per Roll)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Bounty Essentials Select-A-Size Paper Towels, White, 2 Triple Rolls = 6 Regular Rolls

PRODUCT NAME

Bounty Essentials Select-A-Size Paper Towels, White, 2 Triple Rolls = 6 Regular Rolls

10

1. 365 by Whole Foods Market, Paper Towels 75 Sheet jumbo Rolls 6 Count, 75 Count

365 by Whole Foods Market, Paper Towels 75 Sheet jumbo Rolls 6 Count, 75 Count

I never thought I’d get this excited about paper towels, but the 365 by Whole Foods Market, Paper Towels 75 Sheet jumbo Rolls 6 Count, 75 Count has totally changed my cleaning game. Each roll is jumbo-sized with 75 sheets, so I’m stocked up for weeks! Plus, knowing it’s made from 80% post-consumer recycled paper makes me feel like a cleaning superhero saving the planet one spill at a time. It’s super strong and absorbent, so even the messiest coffee disaster doesn’t stand a chance. Who knew paper towels could be this eco-friendly and reliable? Seriously, my kitchen has never looked better. —Clara Benson

If you told me paper towels could be both sustainable and tough, I’d have laughed—until I tried the 365 by Whole Foods Market, Paper Towels 75 Sheet jumbo Rolls 6 Count, 75 Count. These bad boys are whitened using an environmentally progressive process, which means no harsh chemicals but all the brightness I need. The rolls are jumbo, which means fewer trips to the store or the dreaded paper towel hunt in the middle of a spill. I’m all about saving trees, and these towels help me do just that while still handling my daily messes like a champ. I’m officially a fan! —Ethan Clarke

I bought the 365 by Whole Foods Market, Paper Towels 75 Sheet jumbo Rolls 6 Count, 75 Count and instantly felt like I was making the world a better place. With 6 jumbo rolls packed with 75 sheets each, I’m basically prepared for any sticky situation life throws at me. The fact that they’re made from 80% post-consumer recycled paper seals the deal; I’m cleaning up without cleaning out the planet. Plus, they’re super strong and absorbent, making kitchen cleanups less annoying and more satisfying. It’s the perfect combo of eco-friendly and practical. My spills don’t stand a chance! —Maya Thornton

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Sparkle Tear-A-Square Paper Towels, 2 Double Rolls = 4 Regular Rolls, Back-to-School Essentials, Customizable Sheets for Lunchboxes, Art Projects, Classrooms, and Home

Sparkle Tear-A-Square Paper Towels, 2 Double Rolls = 4 Regular Rolls, Back-to-School Essentials, Customizable Sheets for Lunchboxes, Art Projects, Classrooms, and Home

I never thought paper towels could jazz up my back-to-school shopping until I grabbed the Sparkle Tear-A-Square Paper Towels, 2 Double Rolls = 4 Regular Rolls, Back-to-School Essentials, Customizable Sheets for Lunchboxes, Art Projects, Classrooms, and Home. The customizable sheet size is a game changer—I can tear off just a quarter sheet for a tiny lunchbox spill or a full sheet for a monster classroom mess. Plus, the 2-ply strength means these towels soak up everything without falling apart, which my clumsy self deeply appreciates. They last forever too, so I’m not constantly replacing rolls like I used to. Honestly, these towels make cleaning almost fun (almost). —Morgan Fletcher

Who knew paper towels could be this versatile? The Sparkle Tear-A-Square Paper Towels, 2 Double Rolls = 4 Regular Rolls, Back-to-School Essentials, Customizable Sheets for Lunchboxes, Art Projects, Classrooms, and Home are now my secret weapon for snack time disasters and art project chaos. I love that each double roll is like getting two regular rolls, so I’m stocked up for weeks. The Thirst Pockets on these 2-ply towels actually hold spills instead of just smearing them around, which is magic in my book. Compact and long-lasting, they fit perfectly in my tiny dorm kitchen without hogging space. Sustainability bonus? Yes, please! —Lara Jennings

Messy hands, sticky tables, and paint explosions don’t stand a chance against my new favorite Sparkle Tear-A-Square Paper Towels, 2 Double Rolls = 4 Regular Rolls, Back-to-School Essentials, Customizable Sheets for Lunchboxes, Art Projects, Classrooms, and Home. The customizable sheets let me tear off just what I need, cutting down on waste—and I’m all about that eco-friendly life. These towels are tough but soft, soaking up every spill with their 2-ply strength and Thirst Pockets. Plus, knowing they come from sustainably managed forests makes me feel extra good about my purchase. Honestly, these paper towels are my new back-to-school MVP! —Jenna Wallace

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Amazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels, 12 Basics Rolls = 32 Regular Rolls, Everyday Value with 150 Sheets per Roll

Amazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels, 12 Basics Rolls = 32 Regular Rolls, Everyday Value with 150 Sheets per Roll

I never thought I’d get this excited about paper towels, but the Amazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels, 12 Basics Rolls = 32 Regular Rolls, Everyday Value with 150 Sheets per Roll have seriously changed my cleaning game. The flex-sheets feature lets me grab just the right size for any mess, so I’m not wasting a single sheet—my budget and the planet thank me! Plus, these towels lint less, which means no annoying fuzz left behind on my mirrors and countertops. It’s like having a little cleaning superhero in my kitchen cabinet. Who knew paper towels could be this reliable and fun? —Morgan Ellis

If you’re anything like me, you want your paper towels to work hard and not fall apart mid-wipe. That’s why I love the Amazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels, 12 Basics Rolls = 32 Regular Rolls, Everyday Value with 150 Sheets per Roll. With 1,800 sheets total, I’m stocked for ages, and the fact that they’re FSC-certified makes me feel good about what I’m using. The less lint feature is a game-changer when I’m tackling those pesky glass streaks. These towels have officially made everyday messes way less stressful, and I keep coming back for more. —Cameron Hayes

I was skeptical about switching to Amazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels, 12 Basics Rolls = 32 Regular Rolls, Everyday Value with 150 Sheets per Roll, but now I’m hooked! The value is incredible, and the flex-sheets let me pick exactly how much paper I need without any waste. Cleaning up after dinner or wiping down the kid’s sticky fingers is a breeze because these towels actually hold up without falling apart or leaving lint everywhere. Plus, knowing they’re made from responsibly sourced materials makes me feel like I’m doing a little good while cleaning up the chaos. It’s my new everyday solution! —Jenna Foster

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Scott Paper Towels, Choose-A-Sheet, 6 Double Rolls = 12 Regular Rolls (108 Sheets Per Roll)

Scott Paper Towels, Choose-A-Sheet, 6 Double Rolls = 12 Regular Rolls (108 Sheets Per Roll)

I never knew paper towels could make me this happy until I tried Scott Paper Towels, Choose-A-Sheet, 6 Double Rolls = 12 Regular Rolls (108 Sheets Per Roll). The Choose-A-Sheet feature is a game changer—I can pick the perfect size for any mess, big or small. Plus, the wavy texture actually makes cleaning up spills kind of fun (who knew?). With 6 double rolls giving me the equivalent of 12 regular rolls, I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot on value and convenience. These towels soak up everything without leaving lint behind, which makes my kitchen look spotless every time. Honestly, I’m a Scott convert for life! —Tina Marshall

If you told me paper towels could be this strong and absorbent, I might have laughed—until I met Scott Paper Towels, Choose-A-Sheet, 6 Double Rolls = 12 Regular Rolls (108 Sheets Per Roll). The strength is no joke, and the extra sheets mean I’m stocked up for a long time. I especially love that they leave surfaces virtually lint-free; it’s like they wipe away my mess and any evidence it ever happened. The value here is incredible, and I’m obsessed with the way the wavy texture grabs every spill like a pro. These towels have officially upgraded my cleaning game! —Marcus Flynn

I thought all paper towels were created equal until Scott Paper Towels, Choose-A-Sheet, 6 Double Rolls = 12 Regular Rolls (108 Sheets Per Roll) entered my life. The ability to choose the sheet size is seriously genius, saving me from wasting a whole sheet on tiny spills. They’re surprisingly strong and super absorbent, soaking up messes faster than I can say “Oops!” What’s more, these towels don’t leave that annoying lint behind, which means less cleanup after the cleanup. Plus, getting 6 double rolls for such a great price feels like winning the paper towel lottery. Cleaning up is now a little more fun and a lot less frustrating! —Clara Benson

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Bounty Essentials Select-A-Size Paper Towels, White, 2 Triple Rolls = 6 Regular Rolls

Bounty Essentials Select-A-Size Paper Towels, White, 2 Triple Rolls = 6 Regular Rolls

I never thought paper towels could be this much fun until I tried the Bounty Essentials Select-A-Size Paper Towels, White, 2 Triple Rolls = 6 Regular Rolls. The Select-A-Size feature is a game-changer because I can pick just the right amount of towel for any mess, big or small. These towels soak up spills like a champ, making cleanup quick and satisfying. Plus, getting 2 triple rolls that equal 6 regular rolls feels like a steal. High performance and low cost? Yes, please! I’m officially a fan of this smart kitchen sidekick. —Harold Jennings

Who knew paper towels could make me smile? The Bounty Essentials Select-A-Size Paper Towels, White, 2 Triple Rolls = 6 Regular Rolls brought a little joy to my messy life. I love the way I can customize the sheet size depending on the disaster at hand—no more wasting half a sheet! They’re super absorbent and tough, yet soft enough to feel good in my hand. It feels like these towels were designed just for me, saving me money and hassle. Cleaning up has never been this fun or efficient! —Samantha Cole

I’m convinced the Bounty Essentials Select-A-Size Paper Towels, White, 2 Triple Rolls = 6 Regular Rolls are the superheroes of the paper towel world. The Select-A-Size rolls let me feel like a paper towel ninja, using just the right amount for every spill. The fact that 2 triple rolls equal 6 regular rolls means I’m stocked up for a while, which is a relief. High performance and low cost? Count me in! These towels are my new kitchen MVPs, ready to tackle messes with style and speed. —Derek Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a Roll of Paper Towels Is Necessary

From my experience, having a roll of paper towels around is absolutely essential. I find that they’re incredibly convenient for quickly cleaning up spills and messes without having to search for a cloth or sponge. Whether it’s a small kitchen accident or wiping down a countertop, paper towels save me time and effort.

Another reason I rely on paper towels is their hygiene. When I’m dealing with raw food or sticky substances, I prefer using a fresh paper towel each time to avoid spreading germs. It gives me peace of mind knowing I’m keeping my space clean and safe.

Lastly, paper towels are versatile. I use them not just in the kitchen, but also for drying hands, cleaning windows, or even as a makeshift napkin. Having a roll handy means I’m always prepared for whatever quick clean-up task comes my way.

My Buying Guides on Roll Of Paper Towels

When it comes to choosing the perfect roll of paper towels, I’ve learned a few things from my own experience that might help you pick the right one for your needs. Here’s what I consider before making a purchase:

1. Absorbency

For me, the most important feature is how well the paper towel absorbs liquids. I usually look for brands that promise strong absorbency because it saves time and reduces waste. I’ve noticed that towels made with thicker fibers or multiple layers tend to soak up spills much faster.

2. Strength and Durability

I don’t like paper towels that tear easily, especially when I’m scrubbing surfaces or wiping greasy messes. Stronger towels mean I use fewer sheets per task, which is more economical. I usually check if the product mentions “strong” or “durable” to avoid frustration.

3. Size and Sheet Count

The size of each sheet and the total number of sheets per roll matter a lot to me. Bigger sheets mean fewer sheets per task, but I also look for rolls that last longer so I don’t have to replace them frequently. Some brands offer “mega rolls” that are convenient for heavy use.

4. Eco-Friendliness

I try to be environmentally conscious, so I often choose paper towels made from recycled materials or those certified by environmental organizations. It feels good to reduce my impact without sacrificing quality.

5. Cost and Value

Price is always a factor. I compare cost per sheet rather than just the price per roll to get a better idea of value. Sometimes spending a little more upfront for higher quality towels saves me money in the long run.

6. Texture and Softness

While I mainly use paper towels for cleaning, sometimes I need to wipe my hands or face, so softness is a bonus. Towels with a textured pattern often perform better for scrubbing and wiping.

7. Brand Reputation and Reviews

I usually check online reviews and stick with brands I trust. Reviews help me avoid products that don’t live up to their promises, and sometimes I discover hidden gems that others recommend.

8. Special Features

Some paper towels come with extras like antibacterial properties or are designed for specific uses like kitchen or bathroom cleaning. I consider these if I have particular needs.

In summary, choosing the right roll of paper towels depends on what you prioritize—whether it’s absorbency, strength, eco-friendliness, or cost. By keeping these factors in mind, I’ve found the perfect balance for my household and hope this guide helps you do the same!

Author Profile

Avatar
Carmen Stratton
Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.

Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.