Can I use Paper Towels instead of Non-Stick Parchment Paper for my Food Dehydrator?

Mark E. June 27, 2025 Last Updated: June 27, 2025

You can use paper towels in a dehydrator in some cases, but they’re not a great substitute for parchment paper—especially for long drying times or high-moisture foods. Here's the full picture:

🧻 Paper Towels vs. Parchment Paper in a Dehydrator

Factor	Paper Towels	Parchment Paper
Heat Resistance	Low — can scorch above 130°F	High — safe up to 420°F
Non-stick	No — food may stick	Yes — perfect for sticky foods
Airflow	Can block airflow if bunched	Allows good air circulation
Safety	Can dry out and become flammable	Safe and designed for ovens

🔥 When You Can Use Paper Towels:

For low-temp drying under 120°F (like herbs, flowers, or peanut shells)
For lining trays temporarily, then removing later in the process
As a drip-catcher, not a food contact layer

❌ When Not to Use It:

For juicy or sticky foods (bananas, meat, fruit leather)
For hot temps like jerky (160°F+)
If it will be in the dehydrator over 8 hours

✅ Best Substitutes for Non-Stick Use

Option	Safe?	Reusable?	Best For
Parchment Paper	✅ Yes	❌ One-time	Most foods (cut to size)
Silicone Dehydrator Sheets	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Fruit leathers, sticky items
Wax Paper	❌ No	❌	Not heat safe
Cheesecloth or Mesh	✅ Yes (low temps)	✅ Maybe	Herbs, leafy greens

👉 Bottom Line:

Paper towels are OK for low-heat, dry items like peanut shells, but for fruits, meats, or cooked foods, you’ll want to use parchment paper or silicone sheets.

Here are budget-friendly reusable or DIY alternatives to parchment paper for your dehydrator:

🧼 1. Reusable Silicone Dehydrator Sheets (Best Option)

Heat-safe, non-stick, dishwasher safe
Perfect for fruit leathers, meats, mashed foods
Trim with scissors to fit your trays exactly

🔍 Search for:

“Silicone dehydrator liners” or “Non-stick dehydrator mats”

💲 Cheap brands:

Wegreeco, Bright Kitchen, or generic Amazon brands
Usually ~$7–15 for a 2–3 pack

✂️ 2. DIY: Cut Silicone Baking Mats

Buy one or two large silicone baking mats
Cut to fit your trays with scissors

🧠 Tip: Use hole punchers to add airflow holes (like a mesh)

🧵 3. Cheesecloth or Muslin (Good for Herbs & Light Foods)

Breathable and cheap
Not for sticky or liquidy foods
Can sew elastic or clips on to keep them flat on trays

🔍 Look for:

“Unbleached cheesecloth” or “cotton muslin fabric”

💡 4. Teflon Mesh Sheets (AKA “Fruit Leather Sheets”)

Reusable, non-stick, very thin
Sold as “dehydrator screens” or “Teflon dehydrator liners”

They often come pre-cut for brands like Excalibur but can be cut to fit any tray shape.

🧪 DIY Hack Using What You Might Have:

Old silicone baking mat? Cut it up
Plastic cutting mat? Only if BPA-free & temp safe (rare—test at low temp)
Plastic mesh produce bags (like from onions)? Good airflow for herbs, not food contact