What old towels can be used for
Short answer: Old towels work as floor cloths, as a mat under the washing machine, for the car and for pets. Terry cloth absorbs a lot of water and is therefore hard to replace.
For the floor
An old towel absorbs more water than most floor cloths. It is thick, it is large, and it lies well against the floor when you push it around with your foot. Cut it in half and it is easier to wring out. If you have several old ones, keep one in the hall where water comes in. See bamboo towels.
Cut it in half
A whole towel is heavy to wring out, especially when wet. Cut it in two or four and you get cloths that fit the hand. The edges fray a little, but that does not matter on the floor. If you want them to last longer, sew a simple zigzag along the edge.
For machines
A towel under a washing machine dampens noise and catches drips. Lay it flat and straighten it so it does not touch the hose. Look at it now and then, because a wet towel needs to dry, and one that is soaked through should be replaced before it starts to smell.
For furniture and plants
A towel under a potted plant protects the table from water running out of the saucer. It can also sit under a vase or a bucket you need to stand somewhere the surface cannot take water. It is a simple way to give an old towel a new life, and it costs nothing.
For the car
For wiping the windows from the inside and for drying the car after a drive in the rain. A towel in the boot takes up no room and is used more often than you think. It absorbs a lot and can be wrung out several times, so one towel can do the whole car. See bamboo pillowcases.
For pets
For wet paws after a walk and for drying the coat when it has rained. An old towel by the door is quick to grab, and it does not matter if it gets dirty. If you have a dog or a cat that likes to lie somewhere soft, a folded towel can also go in the basket.
In the boot and the hall
Two places where an old towel is most useful are the boot and the hall. Both get water and mud, and it is easier to wash a towel than to clean a hidden surface. Keep it there permanently, so it is at hand every time. See homewear in bamboo.
Wash separately afterwards
Towels used for the car or for pets should be washed separately afterwards. That way you avoid dirt and hair ending up on ordinary clothes in the machine. Shake them out outdoors first, and choose a temperature that suits the fabric. Hang them up to dry so they do not smell of damp.
When a towel should be replaced
When it no longer absorbs, even after washing without fabric softener. Softener can make towels absorb less, and a towel that does not absorb does not get better from more washing. Then it is time to use it for the floor or the car instead of the body.
Frequently asked questions
Can towels be cut without fraying
The edges fray a little. Sew a zigzag if it bothers you. For floor cloths it does not matter, and you can simply cut in straight lines with sharp scissors and use the cloths as they are.
Should they be washed separately afterwards
Yes, especially if they were used for the car or for pets. Shake them out first and wash them separately, so dirt and hair do not end up on ordinary clothes in the machine.
When should a towel be replaced
When it no longer absorbs, even after washing without fabric softener. Then it can move on to the floor, the car or jobs where it does not matter that it is worn.
