Six Uses for Old Towels

Towels that are past their prime and are showing their age with a few stains and tears still have a lot of life left in them. When you find yourself hankering for some new bathroom towels, go ahead and splurge and recycle your old towels with some of these ideas.

Stop Cold Air Drafts

Save money on the heating bill and keep the room warmer by using an old towel under the door to stop cold air drafts. Roll up an old towel and place at the bottom of the door (tuck under if needed) to keep cold outside air at bay. An old towel used to stop cold air drafts at the entry door also serves double duty when someone comes in with wet muddy shoes. Roll the towel out to stand on and place wet shoes on after removal.

Use Old Towels When Painting

Old towels provide great protection when painting a room. Tape old towels down on the floor to protect floor from paint spatters and use old towels to cover other objects in the room that you don't want to move out prior to painting. When painting is done, use the old towels for cleanup and then toss in the trash.

Dust the Ceiling

Cut an old towel in half or quarters (depending on towel size) to fit over a broom head so you can easily remove dust and cobwebs from the ceiling. Place the piece of old towel over the broom head and secure with a rubber band and dust away. The towel fibers grab and hold onto overhead dust, grime and cobwebs. When done, carefully remove towel piece and toss in trash or in washing machine to clean and use again.

Keep Old Towels in Car Trunk

Keep a few old towels in the trunk of your car for emergencies. They're great for cleaning up kid' s spills, an impromptu picnic ground cover or to place on the ground to kneel on when changing a flat tire. During winter, if the car breaks down, old towels can keep you warm until help arrives.

Line Cabinets with Old Towels

Old towels are soft, colorful and make a perfect resting place for cups, plates or other breakables. Towels are easy to cut to fit any shape or size cabinet shelf too.

Dog Bed Cover

Toss an old towel over your dog's bed to keep it clean and looking good longer. The old towel is easier to wash (or replace) than the entire dog's bed. Place an old towel on your dog or cat's favorite daytime napping spot to keep it clean too.

If you don't have pets, animal shelters are always in need of old towels to line pet crates and other uses around the shelter, and donations are tax deductible.