Paper towels are most commonly marketed to clean up spills, which is really not the best use of their talents. While these absorbent paper sheets can be great at cleaning up spills, it's much better to use a washable kitchen towel, rather than wasting a sheet of paper.

Consumer Reports says the best toilet paper in America is a Wal-Mart exclusive — White Cloud Ultra Soft and Thick. At 25 cents per 100 sheets, White Cloud got a high score of 77 based on softness, strength, disintegration and tearing ease.

Paper towels are made up of cellulose fibers, which also make up cotton, wood, and most other plants. These cellulose fibers are actually giant molecules that consist of many small molecules linked together.