What you can do with bamboo clothing that is worn out
Short answer: Clothes that can no longer be worn become good cleaning rags. Bamboo viscose absorbs well and does not shed lint like terry cloth, which makes it useful for cleaning.
Rags from T-shirts
A worn out T-shirt cut into squares gives you rags that absorb better than most store bought ones. The surface leaves no lint on smooth surfaces like windows and mirrors, unlike many terry rags, which easily shed fibers while wiping. See washing and care.
Why bamboo viscose suits rags so well
The smooth fiber structure that makes the fabric soft against the skin also makes it easy to get hard surfaces clean without streaks. It is the same quality that is used for cloth napkins in many restaurant kitchens because of the good absorbency.
How to cut rags properly
Cut the fabric into suitable squares, avoiding seams, collars and buttons, which can otherwise scratch delicate surfaces such as lacquer and glass. Keep rags in different sizes for different tasks, from dusting to more thorough cleaning of sturdier surfaces around the house.
Towels for the car
Worn towels stay useful in the garage and for the dog long after they have become too shabby for the bathroom. They hold up to the kind of use that would otherwise quickly ruin a good towel. See bamboo towels.
Why old towels still work well for this
Even a towel with flattened pile and somewhat thinned fabric can still absorb moisture from wet surfaces effectively. It is only the look, not the function, that makes it unsuitable for the bathroom, and that function lasts a long time in less visible rooms such as the garage.
Bedding for storage
A worn sheet is a good cover for things kept in the attic or basement. It keeps dust away without shutting out air completely, unlike plastic, which can cause moisture problems over time. See bamboo bedding.
What cannot be reused
Underwear and socks rarely belong anywhere other than the textile bin, because they sit close to the body and are hard to reuse hygienically afterward. See bamboo underwear for men to see what new pieces can replace them.
Sort it correctly
Textiles, regardless of condition, belong in the fraction your municipality assigns to textile waste. That also applies to pieces you have used as rags yourself, once they eventually become too worn for even that task. See frequently asked questions.
Frequently asked questions
What can you use worn bamboo clothing for?
Cleaning rags. They absorb well and leave no lint on smooth surfaces like windows and mirrors, unlike many other rag materials commonly used around the house.
Can worn bedding still be used for something?
Yes, as a dust cover for things stored in the attic or basement. It keeps dust away without shutting out air completely the way plastic does.
Where should worn underwear go?
In the textile bin, following your municipality's guidance. It has been close to the body and should not be reused or donated further for hygiene reasons.
See our range of Copenhagen Bamboo.
