20 Ways to Upcycle Old and Worn-Out Towels

20 Ways to Upcycle Old Towels

There are so many things you can do with old towels – throwing them into the trash bin is such a waste.

So, if you have old towels at home, those that are just not suitable anymore for drying yourself after bathing, then try these DIY projects and upcycle them.

These are stuff that are very useful in the home. You may be buying these at stores from time to time. But as I always say, why buy something when you can make it? I always love creating. You save money (I love this one!), and you help the environment in the process as you lessen the trash that you contribute to your community.

And don’t worry because these DIY projects are simple and easy to make. Simply click on the link on each image and you’ll be taken to the tutorial page for each project.

Here we go!

1. Reusable kitchen towel

Why buy a new set of kitchen towels when you can simply make more using your old towels?

upcycle old towels into kitchen towels
Image from A Rose Tinted World

2. Washcloth

If your towel still looks nice, with just a few areas which are no longer nice, turn those parts that are still good into a washcloth.

upcycle old towels into washcloths
Image from Heather Handmade

3. Cleaning rags

Cut your towel and come up with lots of cleaning rags. Perfect for dusting and wiping.

upcycle old towels into cleaning rags
Image from Frugal and Thriving

4. Potholders

Whether it’s just the usual potholder, or a pocket potholder like this, old towels are just great for making one.

upcycle old towels into potholders
Image from Needlepointers

5. Drawstring bag

If you know how to sew, then here’s a simple DIY project – upcycle your old towel into a drawstring bag! Totally handy!

6. Beach Bag

Make a beach bag that can easily transform into a beach towel using your old towel. Add a built-in pillow for extra comfort.

upcycle old towels into a beach bag
Image from Fine Craft Guild

7. Garden Kneeling Pad

Protect your knees while you tend to your home garden. Since this is DIY, this is much better than those in the stores which are really thin and don’t really last for long. This one is much more durable.

8. Travel toothbrush holder

Ah if you love traveling with your family, make this one. Totally handy for all your toothbrush, even the kids’! Simply roll it with the toothbrushes and easily pack along with your travel stuff.

upcycle old towels into a travel toothbrush holder
Image from Swoodson Says

9. Swiffer cover

Instead of buying Swiffer disposable cloths, simply upcycle an old towel. It’s washable and eco-friendly. And definitely saves money!

upcycle old towels into a Swiffer cover
Image from Berlin’s Whimsy

10. Mop Head

Not exactly Swiffer mop, but just the ordinary one. Instead of buying a new mop, simply upcycle an old towel.

upcycle old towels into a mop head
Image from Handimania

11. Bath Mat

Old towels can still absorb lots of water, so upcycle an old one into a bath mat. If you have more old towels, then make more like this as floor mats to be used in other parts of the house, not just the bathroom.

bath mat
Image from Hello Sewing

12. Braided Towel Rug

Here’s another version of the floor mat, this time it’s a braided rug. So, if you like this style, why not?

braided towel rug
Image from Hearth & Vine

13. Car Floor Mat Towel Sleeves

Keep your car floor mats always clean by making sleeves from worn out towels. When you need to clean, simply remove the towel sleeves and wash that rather than the floor mat itself. So practical!

car floor mat towel sleeves
Image from Design Life Hacks

14. Baby Bibs

This is one of the items we often buy when we are expecting a baby. But if you have old towels, simply upcycle those into these. They’re really cute! And very much budget friendly. You can give these as gifts too.

baby bibs
Image from The Project Corner
baby bibs
Image from The Project Corner

15. Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

If you use makeup often, you might as well want to make reusable makeup remover pads. When already used, wash it, let it dry, and it’s ready to use again.

16. Ironing Board Cover

I remember my mom buying a new ironing board cover from before. But now that I know this one, no need to buy another in the future. Just upcycle an old towel!

ironing baord cover
Image from Stitched in Color

17. Pillow Stuffing

This is a bolster fabric pillow made from old towels. You simply roll up the towels and wrap it with an old flat pillow. Then cover it with fabric. Make it look nice and that’s it!

18. Dog Towel

Of course, if you won’t use it anymore, just give it to your pet dog for his bathing needs – I’m pretty sure he will appreciate it!

dog towel
Image from Kiss My Mutt

19. Dog Bed

Another gift for your pet dog. Make him feel comfortable with a bed from old towels.

dog bed
Image from Instructables

20. Cat Bed

Of course, just like with dogs, if you have a cat, old towels can be repurposed too as a cat bed. It’s so warm!

cat bed
Image from Reddit

Ready to upcycle your old towels?

As you have seen there are many things you can do with old towels. So, why throw them?

Now go ahead and gather those old towels and start upcycling! Mother Nature will thank you. And your own wallet will thank you.

Looking for more upcycling or repurpose projects for your home? Check these out!

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Upcycle your old towels into useful items for the home. Here are various ideas to try! Don't throw your old towels yet.

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