12 Clever New Ways to Repurpose Old Towels

Infuse new purpose into your outdated towels by following these professionally recommended suggestions.

Bath towels ( and bath sheets ) are a bit of a mystery. In theory, all they do is try you when you’re fresh out of the shower and at your cleanest. It’s understandable that beach towels and pool towels get worn as they are toted around and given a beating, but how can a bath towel become so worn and weather-beaten simply due to drying out washing If your towels are worn out, consistently rough, or carry an odd smell despite frequent washing, it might be it's time to acquire some fresh ones .

As you bask in your glory new towels Instead of discarding those well-worn towels, consider reusing or upcycling them for various household tasks. Despite losing their plush feel or becoming somewhat frayed, these towels can still serve multiple purposes—from do-it-yourself crafts to everyday domestic applications. There are numerous opportunities to transform old towels into valuable resources that enhance your living space and support environmental sustainability. We consulted with several specialists who shared innovative methods to breathe new life into these outdated towels. No matter whether you enjoy crafting, tending to gardens, or merely wish to minimize waste, you will discover many inventive ideas to convert those tired towels back into functional items.

DIY Swiffer Pads

“Cut your old towels to match the size of your Swiffer or whatever mop you have, then attach them straight to the mop head. They’re ideal for dusting or wet mopping, and when you’re finished, just throw them in the wash and use them again,” says Elizabeth Shields, the Operations Manager of Super Cleaning Service Louisville Towels are very absorptive, and they serve as an environmentally friendly option compared to single-use pads.

Turn Into Cleaning Rags

"Luis Carmona suggests repurposing old towels as cleaning cloths. Despite showing signs of wear such as slight discoloration or minor damage, most towels that seem worn out can still perform exceptionally well for tasks like wiping cabinets, drying cars, cleaning counters, or sweeping floors," he explains. Verde Interior Design Most towels have texture and offer high absorption capabilities, which makes them ideal for cleaning purposes. Should you decide to reuse a bath towel, consider cutting it into six to eight sections to maximize its utility.

Use In Potted Plants

"When you're positioning a potted tree, whether real or artificial, inside a bigger ornamental container, old towels make excellent fillers. Their malleability lets them adapt easily to the contour of the pot, allowing you to elevate the tree as needed. Additionally, these towels can be secured at the bottom of the tree for extra support. After arranging and stabilizing the tree, just place some moss over the top; this gives it a finished appearance, hiding the towels beneath," explains Rose Zefferino, who serves as both the CEO and Chief Design Officer. Z Domus Designs .

Convert Into Recyclable Makeup Removing Wipes

At least, just trim your old towels into tiny squares and neaten the borders. However, if you're feeling rather inventive, attach some scrap fabric to the back of them and fold over the edges to prevent unraveling," advises Michael Bogoyavlenskiya, the managing director of. Cleaning Express .

Utilize as a hair wrap

Vintage towels can be transformed into a hair towel wrap This enables you to dry your hair without rubbing it while attending to other tasks," explains craft expert Christine Burrows.

Make Cleaning Mitts

Shields recommends repurposing old towels by cutting them in half to create cleaning mitts. "Cut out two mitt-shaped pieces, sew around the edges, and leave an opening for your hand," she says. These can be used for dry dusting or slightly moistened with cleanser to reach tight spots.

Convert Into Pet Beds or Toys

Pet enthusiasts can effortlessly transform discarded towels into cozy bedding for their animals just by folding and sewing multiple layers," notes Farook Member, a Home Improvement Expert. "Additionally, these towels can be repurposed into durable playthings for pets by weaving the fabric strips into chew-proof cords. QS Supplies .

Utilize as a dryer vent cleaning tool

"Wrap a strip of towel around a bendable rod or wire and make sure it’s securely fastened so it doesn’t move. This tool can be used to clear lint and dust from difficult-to-access areas," explains Shields from Super Cleaning Service Louisville.

Use For Curling

"To achieve flawless heat-free curls, cut pieces of towel approximately an inch wide and wrap them around your dry hair before going to sleep. The gentle fabric of the towel ensures comfort throughout the night," explains Bethany Skorik, who is a certified etiquette consultant at the Charming Diplomat .

Make A Bath Mitt

“If you’re confident with sewing, you could turn your old towel into a bath mitt. This is essentially a mitten that looks like an oven mitt, except you use it in the shower!” suggests Bogoyavlenskiy. “Find a sewing pattern online, cut the towel into the relevant pieces, and sew them together. This is a great option for both reusing an old towel and replacing plastic shower scrunchies if you’re on a plastic reduction mission.”

Use As Draft Stoppers

"Rolled towels can enhance your home’s energy efficiency by being turned into draft blockers for doors and windows, which help prevent cold air from entering and reduce energy consumption during winters," suggests the member.

Donate To A Shelter

My top choice for repurposing old towels is to gift them to our nearby animal shelter," states Libby Wood. "They ALWAYS require additional towels! Senior Settlers .

Make Vacuum Attachment Wraps

"Tightly bind pieces of towel around the end of your vacuum cleaner using rubber bands. If you want to clean fragile items such as lampshades or shelves gently without causing damage, the towels will collect the small particles of dust while safeguarding your belongings," advises Shields.

Use As Plant Ties

"Old towels from the garden can be sliced into ribbons to serve as gentle plant supports, being supple enough to prevent damage to delicate stalks," according to Member.

Utilize As Easy Drawer Dividers

Rolled-up old towels can be used as dividers," recommends Shields. "After measuring your available space, roll the towels tightly and insert them between items to maintain organization. You can use this method for organizing cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils, or even makeup! Additionally, these rolled towels provide some padding.

Related: 11 Innovative Ideas for Giving Old T-Shirts New Life

Read the initial article on Southern Living