uses for old towels

DonnaP

Hi

In true money saving style I have never thrown away old towels 'just in case'.

But we are now overrun with them and I need to make some space.

I thought about cutting them up for cleaning rags, but thought they might fray.

Any ideas greatfully received!

Donna

bertiebots

What about making wash mits...you could make them as simple or as fancy as you like. For eg you could make a simple rectangle or a frog puppet for the kids (if you know/have any !). You can also make hair wraps which I am planning on doing. http://perfectlittlestitches.com/downloads/HeadWrapProject.pdf

Debt_Free_Chick

My "order"

Towels - when trashed relegate to ...
Dishcloths - when trashed, relegate to ...
General cleaning cloths - when trashed, relegate to ...
Floorcloths - when trashed, relegate to
Decorating cloths e.g. for applying wax, oil to furniture or for use with white spirit to clean up spillages, or clean paintbrushes etc.

I cut mine up all the time and whilst you initially get some loose threads, they disappear with multiple washes. You can cut off the longer threads, but generally, they don't "unravel".

I shove them all in a hot wash with towels etc.

Go for it!!

I also use old shirts and T-shirts in the same way (sad or what????). Pure cotton shirts are great for cleaning glass and windows, in particular

ZoeGirl_3

I cut them and either hem them with sewing machine (fold the edges in and zigzag around them is enough) or if I am feeling really lazy or they are for grotty jobs I don't bother with hemming, they fray, but they are still useable.

Am guessing you could use them as the inner of something too, eg, say you want to make some pot holders for xmas presents you could use towel material as the inner layer, or maybe two layers (I hate taking hot things out of the oven lol, the more protection the better).

Or if you are keen :eek: have seen people online use the towels for the changeable part of sanity pads they made themselves lol

Keep one in the car for emergencies. Doesn't matter if it is a bit ratty.

Cut them up into cushion stuffing

Cut the nicer parts down into teatowels and hem? :rotfl:

Cut them down and sew around scraps of soap like a case so you can soap it up and use those soap pieces. :T

I am not sure really lol ... I use my towels until they are pretty worn and the few I have decided were not savable have generally gone into rags.

Plum_Pie

See if a local kennels or even pet owner (ask on freecycle) would like them for dog beds.

anniewoo

I gave a load of my old towels to a local animal shelter,they were really grateful for them.

MeAllOver

I've used them for cloth nappies before now. or cut them up small and use them for kids face cloths. We go through a lot of those in the kitchen! i've not found fraying a problem either.

tessie_bear

use for wiping wet car windows and mopping up paint when u decorate

painted_lady

My mum used to use them as flannels on us lot!
If you can sew, then sanitary protection too, I bought some that were towel on the inside and old curtain on outer bit (curtain pocket stuffed with towel).
Dog shelter is a good idea.

betheebee

If you use pinking shears to cut them then they won't fray.