The towel absorbs 10 times it's weight in grease/liquids--anything you choose to use it for. It also absorbs 20 times faster than other fabrics do--and there are no bleaches or dyes to leach into your food. After use, we recommend that it be soaked in hot water and a degreaser soap like Dawn for 15-20 minute. ​It can be laundered with other towels after soaking. Biodegradable.