Tea towel vs dish towel, which is better?
No one likes stains. No one also wants to be known as a home without style.
Just like how a pillowcase needs it's proper linen bed sheets, a kitchen must be paired with its perfect tea towel.
Some might ask what is a tea towel? Some may know the answer already. Either way, by the end of this, you'll know that its needed in your kitchen.
What Is A Tea Towel?
A tea towel is soft and absorbent cloth that’s used in the kitchen to clean items or handle food. Tea towels are common in places such as the UK, Ireland, Australia and other commonwealth countries.
The tea towel was first created in the 18th century in England, originally for the lady of the house to use in the kitchen (not servants since the tea towel is a luxury product).
It’s called the tea towel as it was often used to serve tea and snacks during the traditional afternoon tea time that the English took part in.
Common Uses
- Drying dishes and glassware (tea towels are amazing for delicate items such as china and prevent smudging)
- Drying or wiping hands while cooking
- Polishing cutlery to get rid of smudges
- Covering baked goods while they cool, or Lining Bread baskets
-
A decorative item
Material
Tea towels can be made from linen or cotton, but linen is the better material for tea towels.
Cotton was only introduced since there was such a high demand for tea towels.
Not everyone could get linen, so those who got cotton sacrificed quality.
Linen tea towels are great to use as they are lint-free and more gentle on items.
They also last longer
What is a Dish Towel?
A dish towel is a common household item found in many homes, used to clean up spills and general kitchen clean ups.
If you go into any home, you'll find the dish towel hanging on the oven or near the sink to clean up any spills.
Funny enough, these towels were also created around the 18th century in England like tea towels.
They became more common in places such as America during the 19th century when the industrial revolution happened.
They then rose in popularity in America especially during the Great Depression, which is why they're so common in America
Material
There are two main fabrics that dish towels are made from: microfiber, and terry cloth.
Terry cloth has a looped texture which make it effective for spills.
Microfibres are known for its ability to grab fine particles while polishing surfaces.
Common uses
- Cleaning spills
-
Drying hands
Like the tea towel, the dish towel can be used for absorbing those spills, but it's not so much a luxury or fashion symbol like a tea towel.
While dish towels serve well in these utilitarian tasks, they’re not always gentle or elegant. They can leave lint on delicate glassware, lack visual appeal for serving or hosting, and often wear down quickly with regular use.
Tea Towel vs Dish Towel: Which is Better?
1. Absorbency
Both items are highly absorbent but its worth mentioning. Your real decision factors come from the other categories
2. Material & Texture
- Dish Towels: Often thick, and coarse since it’s only used to clean spills.
-
Tea Towels: Smooth, tightly woven linen. This helps to properly handle food since tea towels don’t just clean spills. It’s also created to be lint free.
3. Visual Appeal / Aesthetics
- Dish Towels: Plain, functional, often stained easily
-
Tea Towels: Created with elegant patterns, since it’s used in hosting, food photography, or gifting
4. Durability & Longevity
- Dish Towels: Wear out fast, especially when being washed
-
Tea Towels: Tea towels (especially linen) will become softer and stronger with age.
5. Multi-Purpose Use
- Dish Towels: Limited mostly to drying and cleaning
-
Tea Towels: Serving bread, wrapping gifts, drying herbs, decorative hangers
6. Kitchen Role & Hosting Suitability
-
Dish Towels: Stays behind the scenes
-
Tea Towels: Welcome at the dinner table, used to serve food or display desserts
7. Maintenance & Cleanliness
- Dish Towels: Can keep odors and stains
-
Tea Towels: Easier to wash, naturally antimicrobial (especially linen)
Why the Tea Towel Is Needed for the Kitchen
The tea towel gives what most dish towels can’t: work, but with style, and longevity. Where the dish towel is more like a tool, the tea towel is a tool but with class.
Its finer weave and smoother fabric not only clean up spills efficiently, but it avoids scratching glass, leaving lint, or looking out of place.
But it’s more than just looks.
Linen tea towels are breathable and resistant to odours.
That means no musty smells hangs around the sink or on your hands. Your kitchen is cleaner.
And while dish towels tend to wear out quickly, tea towels become softer and more durable with each wash.
Over time, they become a reliable item in your kitchen, getting done what others can’t.
How to Buy the Right Tea Towel
1. Multipurpose
The best tea towels aren’t just for drying. They should be perfect to wrap fresh bread, line a serving tray, or given as a thoughtful hostess gift.
2. Choose the Right Fabric: Linen or Cotton
Linen is the gold standard.
I’m sure you prefer something breathable, naturally antibacterial, and becomes softer with each wash without losing its shape
Cotton is also a good choice, but linen will remain unmatched for that refined look.
3. Look for European Creators
The best linen tea towels are from Ireland, France, and Belgium.
These countries have a massive culture around linen woven items and are made with family-run techniques, not mass factory produced methods.
4. Pay Attention to the Weave and Weight
The tighter the weave, the kinder it lasts.
Aim for the towel to have a medium-heavy weight to it. It may feel heavy in hand (not too heavy, just for a small towel), but that’s why it performs so well.
5. Design Should Not Compete, But Complement
Choose patterns and colors that fit well with the aesthetic of your kitchen.
Soft neutrals, heritage prints, or classic stripes will give the quiet confidence look.
Avoid the loud colors or any trendy graphics. You want timeless, not trendy.
FAQ
Can Tea Towels Clean Delicate Plates?
Yes, tea towels are ideal for cleaning delicate plates and glassware.
Since they’re smooth, and lint-free (especially the linen tea towels), it will prevent scratching and no residue is left behind.
This is why linen is often used in high-end kitchens and by fine china collectors.
Best Fabric for Tea Towels
Finding the best fabric is important for tea towels.
The best tea towels will be made from 100% linen or high-quality cotton.
Linen gives you a durable, naturally antibacterial towel that gets softer over time.
Cotton tea towels are also absorbent and versatile but may wear out quicker than linen with heavy use.
How Often Should You Wash Tea Towels?
Every 1–2 days since you’re likely using it to dry hands or dishes.
Even though tea towels are odour resistant (unlike dish towels), regular washing keeps it in its best shape.
Do Luxury Tea Towels Make a Difference?
Yes.
Luxury tea towels aren’t just about looks - they are better with absorbency, longevity, and feel.
Many luxury linen tea towels are made with traditional techniques (such as Ferguson). So they’ll last longer and perform better.
Why Are Tea Towels Great for Hot Dishes?
The layered weave provides light insulation without melting or sticking, unlike synthetic fabrics.
However, remember to always fold them when handling very hot items.
How to Clean a Tea Towel Properly?
Wash tea towels in warm hot water if it’s cotton with mild detergent. For linen you want to use a cooler temperature of water with mild detergent.
Avoid fabric softeners since they reduce absorbency.
For linen towels, air drying is best, but if you need to dry it quickly, they can be tumble-dried on low.
If being used as a gift or for presentation, iron them on a medium hot setting when damp.
