The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Even thebest bath towelseventually become too worn out and stained to be regularly used.

But when this happens, that raggedy towel doesn’t need to be thrown out quite yet.

Here’s what we found out.

Stack of folded old towels for reuse and upcycling

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

In fact, many people likely do this already, but it’s a popular option for a reason.

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This will prevent fraying and loose strings as they continue to be used.

reusing old towels as cleaning rags

The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala

Push the corners of the towel into the mop head’s divots, then use as normal.

If your mop doesn’t have divots, don’t fret.

Create Makeup Remover Pads

Need a new use for an old towel that’s extra plush?

Using an old towel as a Swiffer mop pad

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Consider turning it into makeup remover pads.

“Simply cut your old towels into small squares and tidy up the edges,” says Bogoyavlenskiy.

This trick will work best for towels that are made of bamboo or quite soft.

Using old towels to make makeup remover pads

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Rough towels or those with loose stitching will irritate the sensitive skin on your face.

But did you realize you might make a draft stopper out of an old towel?

He says to sew a long pouch with additional fabric, leaving it open on one end.

Using an old towel to stop door drafts

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Then, “insert the towel, and sew together.

Put this up against any drafty doors and it should make a difference!”

Tip

Looking to get those old towels out of your home?

reuse old towels pets

Iza Lyson Arts / Getty Images

“Consider donating them to pet shelters,” says Willatt.

“Shelters go through tons of laundry every day.

They are always looking… for towels and rags to clean kennels and other areas of facilities.”