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Best Non-Toxic Washcloths

We vetted washcloths against the Welpr Standard and here are our top picks.

Camille May

Cofounder & Product Curator

Olushola M. Awoyemi

Medical Reviewer, PhD

Here's what we look for:

Natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, wool, and hemp
Natural or low-impact dyes, free from azo dyes
Trusted third-party certifications like GOTS & OEKO-TEX
Transparent sourcing, materials, and manufacturing practices

Best Non-Toxic Washcloths

On Welpr, terms like "non-toxic," "safer," "cleaner," "healthier," and "vetted" are editorial labels based on our own standard for product assessment. They are not guarantees, certifications, or medical claims. Learn more.

Delilah Home GOTS Certified 100% Organic Cotton Washcloths (2 Pack)

Meets the Welpr Standard

Top Pick

Delilah Home

GOTS Certified 100% Organic Cotton Washcloths (2 Pack)

Free From: Azo Dye Free, Chlorine Free, Flame Retardant Free, Formaldehyde Free, Heavy Metal Free, PFAS Free, Phthalate Free
Certified: GOTS Certified
Highlights: Vegan, Made in EU, Hypoallergenic, 0.0821917808 year warranty, 13 x 13 in, Quick-dry

8.6

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
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Delilah Home
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Two-pack of plush, heavyweight washcloths made from long-staple Turkish cotton, woven into 2-ply double loops that create a thick, fluffy pile.
Produced in a family-run workshop in Portugal using a double herringbone stitch, which adds durability to the weave so the cloths hold up through repeated washing.
At 700 GSM, these are noticeably denser than typical washcloths (most fall in the 400-500 GSM range), so they feel substantial in hand and absorb more water per pass.
Particularly relevant as non-toxic washcloths for anyone with sensitive skin, eczema, or allergies, since the cotton is grown and processed without synthetic pesticides or chemical treatments.
Expect some light shedding during the first wash cycle; that's normal for this type of cotton and tapers off quickly.

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Sleep & Beyond 100% Organic Cotton Terry Towel (1 Pack)

Meets the Welpr Standard

Budget Pick

Sleep & Beyond

100% Organic Cotton Terry Towel (1 Pack)

Free From: Azo Dye Free, Chlorine Free, Flame Retardant Free, Formaldehyde Free, Heavy Metal Free, Low VOC, PFAS Free, Phthalate Free
Certified: Fair Trade International, GOTS Certified, OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Highlights: Compostable packaging, 3 year warranty, Terry, 12 x 12 in, Quick-dry

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
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Sleep & Beyond
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Made with low-twist two-ply organic cotton yarn in a terry weave, so it starts out a bit firm but blooms and softens with each wash rather than breaking down.
Packaged in a reusable organic cotton cloth bag instead of plastic, which doubles as a small travel or storage pouch.
The factory in India runs on solar power and uses 91% less water than conventional cotton towel production, so the supply chain is unusually transparent for non-toxic washcloths.
Absorbent enough for daily face washing but also quick to dry between uses, which helps prevent that musty towel smell from building up.
Sleep & Beyond is primarily known for organic wool and cotton bedding. The towels use the same organic cotton sourcing and zero-waste manufacturing approach as their sleep products.

Meets the Welpr Standard

Boll & Branch

Plush Washcloths (2 Pack)

Free From: Azo Dye Free, Chlorine Free, Flame Retardant Free, Formaldehyde Free, Heavy Metal Free, Low VOC, PFAS Free, Phthalate Free
Certified: GOTS Certified, OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Highlights: Terry, 13 x 13 in

8.3

Performance score

Where to buy

Boll & Branch
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Sold as a pair of organic cotton washcloths woven in a terry loop construction, which is what gives them both texture and absorbency.
The "Plush" line is Boll & Branch's heaviest bath fabrication, so these feel noticeably denser and more substantial than a typical washcloth.
Velvety on the surface rather than rough or nubby. If you prefer a washcloth with some scrub to it, this isn't that.
Boll & Branch directly sources its raw cotton rather than buying through intermediaries, and uses only adult labor in its supply chain. For non-toxic washcloths, that level of supply chain traceability is relatively uncommon.
Available in ten colors, so they can match the rest of the Plush towel line if you're building out a coordinated set.

Meets the Welpr Standard

Anact

Wash Towel (2 Pack)

Free From: Azo Dye Free, Chlorine Free, Flame Retardant Free, Formaldehyde Free, Heavy Metal Free, PFAS Free, Phthalate Free
Certified: GOTS Certified
Highlights: Plastic-free packaging, Recyclable packaging, Compostable packaging, 12 x 12 in, Quick-dry

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
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Anact
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Hemp fiber is naturally biostatic, meaning it resists bacterial growth on its own. That's the property that keeps these washcloths from developing that mildewy towel smell between washes.
The texture leans exfoliating rather than plush, so they double as a gentle scrub for face washing or removing masks.
Each cloth has a built-in loop for hang drying, and the hemp content means they dry noticeably faster than conventional cotton washcloths.
Available in two colorways, both completely undyed: one bleached white, one unbleached natural. As non-toxic washcloths go, skipping dyes entirely is uncommon.
Founded by a former sustainability director at major sportswear brands, Anact started specifically because hemp fiber solves the mildew problem that plush cotton towels are known for. Hemp textiles are currently only produced in China, though the brand is working to bring that manufacturing stateside.

Meets the Welpr Standard

Verlee Home

Organic Classic Turkish Cotton Washcloths (4 Piece)

Certified: 1% For The Planet
Highlights: Hypoallergenic, Plastic-free packaging, Recyclable packaging, Recycled materials, Money-back guarantee, 12 x 12 in

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Verlee Home
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Made from extra-long staple Aegean Turkish cotton, which is a specific regional variety with longer fibers than generic "Turkish cotton." The longer fiber length produces a softer, more durable yarn.
Zero-twist yarn construction means the cotton fibers stay open rather than being tightly spun. That open structure is what makes the washcloths soft and absorbent from the first use, without needing multiple washes to break in.
The dyes used are free of harsh synthetic chemicals, which makes these non-toxic washcloths a reasonable option for sensitive or reactive skin, but also means they can discolor if exposed to benzoyl peroxide or similar active skincare ingredients.
Woven at a family-run mill in Denizli, Turkey that has been working with Aegean cotton organically since 1996. Fiber sourcing, spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing all happen in-house.
Verlee is a women-owned company (WBENC-certified) with no outside investors, and donates 1% of revenue to environmental nonprofits. Their markup runs 3 to 4x cost of goods, compared to the 10 to 12x typical in the category.

Meets the Welpr Standard

Verlee Home

Organic Plush Turkish Cotton Washcloths (4 Piece)

Certified: 1% For The Planet
Highlights: Hypoallergenic, Plastic-free packaging, Recyclable packaging, Recycled materials, Money-back guarantee, 12 x 12 in

8.2

Performance score

Where to buy

Verlee Home
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Zero-twist yarn construction means the cotton fibers stay open rather than being tightly spun together. That open structure is what makes the washcloths feel soft immediately and absorb more effectively than a conventional towel at a similar weight.
Aegean Turkish cotton is a specific extra-long staple variety grown in Turkey's coastal basin, not just any cotton from Turkey. The longer fibers produce a finer, more durable yarn that holds up and softens further over wash cycles.
Worth knowing if you use benzoyl peroxide or similar active skincare: the dyes used on these are free of harsh synthetic chemicals but more susceptible to discoloration from those ingredients. White is the safer pick if that applies to you.
Verlee is a women-owned company that works directly with family-run mills in Denizli, Turkey. The towel mill has been producing organic textiles since 1996, and everything from fiber sourcing to finishing happens in-house.
If you're specifically shopping for non-toxic washcloths, these are grown and woven at the same facility under the same organic and environmental standards as the full-size towels, just sold as a four-pack.

Meets the Welpr Standard

Brooklinen

Super Plush Cotton Washcloths (2 Pack)

Free From: Azo Dye Free, Formaldehyde Free, Heavy Metal Free, Low VOC, PFAS Free, Phthalate Free
Certified: OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Highlights: Money-back guarantee, Terry, 13 x 13 in

8.1

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
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Brooklinen
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Pros

Soft and absorbent, with a weight and thickness that feel substantial.
Larger than a standard washcloth, which works well for bigger hands.

Cons

Durability is a concern; the fabric can start separating at the weave transition points after regular use.
Dye lots vary noticeably between product types in the same color, so sets may not match.
No corner hanging tag, which makes it harder to hang dry on a hook.
Care instructions call for cold water washing only, which feels impractical for towels.

Made from long-staple Turkish cotton woven with a z-twist construction, which means the yarn is twisted tighter than standard towels for durability without sacrificing softness.
At 820 GSM, these are notably dense and heavy for washcloths. For context, most cotton washcloths fall in the 400-600 GSM range, so these hold significantly more water and feel thicker in hand.
Sourced and woven in Turkey, where the cotton is grown. Brooklinen operates as a direct-to-consumer brand, skipping traditional retail markups on materials like these.
If you're shopping for non-toxic washcloths, the combed long-staple cotton here means fewer loose fibers and less lint, and the fabric is tested for harmful substances before it reaches you.
Worth noting: these need a wash before first use to hit full absorbency, and fabric softener will actually reduce how well they absorb over time.

Meets the Welpr Standard

Coyuchi

GOTS Certified 100% Organic Cotton Washcloths (1 Pack)

Free From: Azo Dye Free, BPA Free, BPF Free, BPS Free, Chlorine Free, Dye Free, Flame Retardant Free, Formaldehyde Free, Heavy Metal Free, Low VOC, PFAS Free, Phthalate Free
Certified: Fair Trade International, GOTS Certified, Made Safe
Highlights: 12 x 12 in, Quick-dry

8.1

Performance score

Where to buy

Coyuchi
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Long-staple Turkish cotton loomed into long loops with a plush, lofty texture. The fabric is dense and thick but dries relatively quickly for its weight.
Absorbency improves over time with washing, so these non-toxic washcloths actually get better the longer you use them rather than degrading.
Grown and woven in the Aegean region of Turkey, where the climate produces longer cotton fibers that contribute to softness and durability.
Sold individually rather than in multi-packs, so you can mix colors or buy exactly the quantity you need without committing to a set.
Coyuchi runs a take-back program (2nd Home) where you can send back worn linens for store credit. The returned textiles are either reconditioned for resale or recycled into new products.

Meets the Welpr Standard

Brooklinen

Dreamweave Waffle Washcloths (2 Pack)

Free From: Azo Dye Free, Formaldehyde Free, Heavy Metal Free, Low VOC, PFAS Free, Phthalate Free
Certified: OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Highlights: Waffle, 13 x 13 in, Quick-dry

7.7

Performance score

Where to buy

Amazon
See price
Brooklinen
See price

Pros

Soft and absorbent, with a weight and thickness that feel substantial.
Larger than a standard washcloth, which works well for bigger hands.

Cons

Durability is a concern; the fabric can start separating at the weave transition points after regular use.
Dye lots vary noticeably between product types in the same color, so sets may not match.
No corner hanging tag, which makes it harder to hang dry on a hook.
Care instructions call for cold water washing only, which feels impractical for towels.

Waffle weave, not terry. The honeycomb texture creates small pockets that trap water and wring out quickly, so these dry faster between uses than traditional plush washcloths.
Lightweight at 290 GSM, which is notably thinner than most cotton washcloths. If you prefer a substantial, heavy cloth, Brooklinen's Super-Plush line is their thicker option.
Pre-washed before shipping, so they arrive soft rather than stiff. Long-staple Turkish cotton also tends to get softer over repeated washes rather than breaking down.
Brooklinen redesigned this waffle weave after two years of reworking their original version, specifically to reduce shrinkage and help the cloth hold its shape over time.
For anyone shopping for non-toxic washcloths, these are manufactured in Turkey from 100% cotton with no blended synthetics.

How to Swap to Non-Toxic washcloths:

Here's how to swap to non-toxic washcloths:

What to know about washcloths

Washcloths are used directly on your face and body, often daily. Because they sit against sensitive skin and are used in warm, moist conditions, the fabric and any dyes or finishes matter more than you might expect.

Many conventional washcloths are made from synthetic fibers or treated with chemical finishes to make them feel softer or resist wrinkles.
Washcloths used on faces, especially for babies or children, deserve extra attention since they contact delicate skin frequently.

Review what you already use

Check the labels on your current washcloths for fiber content and any finish or treatment claims. Look for what the cloth is actually made of and whether it mentions organic or certified materials.

Labels that say 100% cotton are a good start, but don't tell you whether the cotton was treated with chemical finishes or dyed with azo dyes.
Prioritize checking the washcloths you use most often or the ones used on your face or on children's skin first.

Use your current washcloths more safely

If you're not ready to replace your washcloths right away, a few simple steps can help reduce exposure to residual finishes or dyes. Washing them thoroughly before first use is one of the easiest things you can do.

Wash new washcloths at least once (ideally two or three times) in hot water before using them on your skin to help release leftover chemical finishes.
Replace washcloths that are heavily worn or have a persistent chemical smell, as degraded fibers and finishes can break down over time.

Choose cleaner replacements

Look for washcloths made from natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, or hemp. Certifications like GOTS or OEKO-TEX® help confirm the fabric is free from problematic dyes and finishes, but the materials themselves matter most.

Avoid washcloths made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, and skip products dyed with azo dyes or marketed with wrinkle-free or antibacterial finishes.
Click the button above to shop Welpr Approved washcloths.

Camille May

Cofounder & Product Curator

Camille May is the co-creator of Welpr and a guide for clean living. After selling her last company in the health food space, she went non-toxic while working to heal an autoimmune condition....

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Olushola M. Awoyemi

Medical Reviewer, PhD

Olushola M. Awoyemi (aka Shola) is a board-certified toxicologist and a research scientist with a PhD in Environmental Toxicology. Shola's long-term ambition is to be recognized as a world-renowned expert in toxicology,...

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