A CleanTok creator waded into a surprisingly heated discussion over whether single-use face towels are worth it.
Instead of leaning further into the argument, she highlighted the towel system she uses at home, presenting it as a way to keep the bathroom organized while cutting down on waste.
Here's what to know
In a TikTok, Kelly of Plant-Based Baby (@plantbased.baby) explained why she decided to address the debate directly.
@plantbased.baby keeping a clean & organized home brings me so much joy! after the recent debate around single use face towels in my comment section, I thought I'd share the system I use for towels in my space that helps me reduce waste #reducereuserecycle #cleantok #cleanhome #sustainability #cleaningroutine ♬ Pleasant cafe bossa nova -6min(1550084) - Noru
"Keeping a clean and organized home brings me so much joy! After the recent debate around single-use face towels in my comment section, I thought I'd share the system I use for towels in my space that helps me reduce waste," she wrote.
Many people want simple and hygienic routines, but they also want to avoid throwing away more products than necessary. Kelly's system accomplished both.
In the video, she revealed she had reusable towels in a bin. She uses them to wash her face, dry it, and then clean up the sink.
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For floor cleaning, she had reusable and washable pads for a Swiffer. To make things easier, she had a designated hamper with wheels for her towels. Last but not least, she showed her bath towels and added that she washes towels separately from her clothes.
"I use my towels like 3-4 times before I clean and replace them," one commenter wrote, while another shared, "I wash my towels every week on sanitized mode."
"I've been looking for a video like this. Thank you," someone else added.
More background
Single-use products are often marketed as convenient, but over time they can become costly and add to the steady stream of household waste.
For many households, towels are part of a larger routine involving laundry and storage. That means the question is not just whether to use reusable cloths but also how to organize them in a way that is manageable.
The post placed reusable towels within a broader home routine, connecting cleanliness and organization with using less.
What can be done?
Reusable systems tend to work best when they're easy to maintain. That can mean keeping clean towels in one space, setting aside used ones for laundry, and deciding ahead of time how often they should be washed.
Kelly's system is easy to follow and convenient. While reusable towels might be pricey, once you go through them a few times, it can lead to savings and less waste.
Commenters also suggested there is no single rule. Some people are comfortable reusing towels a few times before washing, while others prefer more frequent laundering or separate loads for different kinds of cloths.
When a process is organized, low-waste habits can become part of daily life instead of feeling like one more chore.
Where can I learn more?
For people trying to use fewer disposable products at home, there are a lot of hacks and product alternatives to consider.
• One shopper found cotton flour sack towels handled messes and replaced paper towels for good.
• Another TikToker said using Swedish dishcloths kept paper towels out of their cart for years.
• A farmer showed how old towels became cleaning rags, giving worn fabric a second life.
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