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I've used Bounty paper towels (regular Bounty, not Essentials) forever, and I've also noticed a difference in the past 2-3 months or so. They're a little thicker, stiffer, less absorbent, and the sheets are slightly longer. I haven't noticed any roller marks or other discolorations. These are either being made on different equipment or with different materials than the ones I've been buying for decades.
I'm just about running out of paper towels, the last batch I bought was probably a couple of years ago. I use cloths for most things these days. I have one old dishcloth in particular that is complete tatters and used for cleaning up grease spills on the stove, sopping up schmutz on the floor, and the dirty tasks that I would have used a paper towel for. It gets tossed in the wash with towels and always comes out clean and a little more tattered.
The shift came about naturally; as the paper towel quality got worse, they simply would not do the jobs they used to unless close to an entire roll was used. It was much easier to just grab an old dishtowel instead, not caring if it got stained or torn.
There is a fabric called "Zorb" that is supposedly HIGHLY absorbent, although a little pricey. I may try some of that, but the cotton of old dishcloths and towels works well.
FWIW, there is a fabric cleaning technique called "stripping" where you add washing soda to hot hot water and throw dirty stuff in overnight to soak. Using a degreaser or detergent would do about the same. The idea is that the heat and chemicals and time strip out all the grease. It can be rough on fabric, but in a cleaning cloth situation, so what?
I can't see spending a lot on "premium" paper towels that get tossed, when I have old real towels that do a better job, don't have to be lugged home from the store, and cost nothing.
Are you sure you didn't buy Bounty Essentials (their value brand)? Bounty Essentials isn't the same as Bounty. Bounty Essentials is more of a competitor to Sparkle and Scott.
I just went and checked in the pantry, and apparently we've used the last roll, but the new unopened package we have is just Bounty (not Essentials) in a green package wrap. I didn't know they had an economy line. The napkins are also just regular Bounty in a green package but they're so thin you can practically see through them.
Checked on the Charmin as well. It's called Ultra Soft and is in blue package. It's fine - much, much better than the cheaper stuff.
Well, We buy Kirkland paper towels and bath tissue. I consider those products the best for our purposes. I buy Vanity Fair Everyday napkins for day to day table use. The quality feel of these might be different.
On the table napkins, I might just buy a couple yards of material and make cloth napkins.
I am appalled sometimes by our profligate use of paper products which go into landfills.
I think I have Bounty from a long time ago (yrs. possibly?) - I seldom use paper towels so the rest will probably last for a couple more years. As for napkins, I use whatever is cheapest or things from fast food restaurants, etc.
I'm a Brawny person myself. But have bought Bounty from time to time.
Can't say I've noticed a quality difference. I buy stock up every 2-3 years. I'm in year 2 of a 3-year stock up now. So won't buy more until 2023. (Unless there's a sale I feel I just can't pass up.)
I love Viva -- which are more expensive than Bounty or Brawny. So I hardly ever buy them unless they're on a DEEP discount. Which they hardly ever are. They really are like "cloths" vs "paper."
When I was able to buy Charmin Ultra Soft again I noticed that the individual sheets have actually changed in size. They used to be square sheets, now they are rectangular and smaller in size.
One reason I've been looking at buying Bounty, in addition to Brawny, is that I prefer full size sheets. And the Bounty full size option seems to be more available in stores where the Brawny full size is not.
And they're both premium brands. So, lately, as long as it's full size, I'll buy either one.
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The napkins are also just regular Bounty in a green package but they're so thin you can practically see through them.
