Bambooee reusable paper towels review — do they actually work?

Americans use a lot of disposable paper towels. While other nations swear by brooms, mops, and sponges, it seems our society is having a tough time kicking a bad habit.

But it’s 2019, and there are clever companies making more sustainable workarounds that don’t require us to sacrifice the convenience we’re accustomed to — like Bambooee.

Bambooee, if you’re unfamiliar, is the company that popularized reusable bamboo paper towel alternatives on “Shark Tank” in 2013.

Bambooee sheets (currently $10 for 30 sheets Amazon) are thick, super-absorbent sheets made out of rayon derived from organic bamboo that can be machine-washed for reuse up to 100 times. Rayon is a natural raw material that has been converted through a chemical process into a durable, soft fabric. Each roll of 30 Bambooee sheets is equivalent to 429 paper towel rolls, but unlike trees, the sustainably harvested bamboo bamboo regrows new sprouts every year. Plus, Bambooee plants a tree for every roll it sells. On Amazon, the sheets have over 300 five-star reviews.

In an effort to make my home more eco-friendly, I bought Bambooee Sheets, and I’ve been impressed. The sheets are thicker and more absorbent than traditional paper towels, and they dry faster than cloth towels. It took a bit of explaining to convey the concept to my roommates, but after that it was easy to adjust to using them and throwing them on the top rack of the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning.

If you rarely run the dishwasher or washing machine (or don’t have one), then care may outstrip their convenience. But, if that doesn’t apply to you, the perks are pretty compelling: a superior product (thicker, sturdier towels), eco-friendly benefits, and saving money by replacing them far fewer times though it’s more expensive upfront.

Even if you don’t completely switch from paper towels, you can integrate Bambooee to use fewer. Estimations put the impact of American households using three fewer rolls per year at 120,000 tons of waste saved and $4.1 million eliminated in landfill dumping fees.

While most of the Amazon reviews are positive, I want to note that a few reviewers have mentioned their Bambooee sheets turning moldy after the first wash. I didn’t experience this after more than a month of use. The only noteworthy limitation I’ve experienced is that they can stain, but since I keep the washed Bambooee sheets in a bin under my sink, this doesn’t bother me.

If you plan on getting a set and know you’ll want to separate the sheets that have been used to clean hands from those that have been used to clean the house, some reviewers have suggested using a touch of fabric paint to delineate.

All in all, Bambooee sheets have been a great eco-friendly substitute for me. I prefer them to regular paper towels in density and durability. If you don’t mind the subtle adjustment to your cleaning routine, they’re a solid option for a more sustainable home.

Bambooee Reusable and Machine-Washable Paper Towel Replacement, 30-Sheet Roll, $9.99