11 Clever Uses for Old Towels, Recommended by Experts

Resuable Mopping Pads

Old towels also work well as reusable mop pads. Cut them large enough to wrap securely around the sweeper head, then use them to clean your floors in place of disposable pads, DeMorrow says.

Make-Up Removing Wipes

Larger microfiber towels also work well for making reusable makeup removal pads. "I cut down larger microfiber into squares or rectangles that are just a little smaller than the size of a cell phone," DeMorrow says. "Use them once with your favorite micellar water or facial cleanser to remove makeup, toss in a small mesh laundry bag (the kind you wash lingerie in), wash, and re-use."

Pet Towels

If you have pets at home, put old towels to work for your furry friends. Use them as bath towels after grooming, or layer them in pet beds and travel crates for extra cushioning. On rainy days, keep one by the door to wipe muddy paws before they track dirt through the house, DeMorrow says.

Under Booster Seats

Booster seats can dig into leather car seats and puncture the material over time. To help prevent damage, place an old towel on the seat before installing the booster. Make sure the towel doesn't interfere with the seat's grip, latches, or overall safety, DeMorrow says.

Children's Smock

When you have children, it helps to keep plenty of smocks on hand to protect their clothes from food, paint, and other craft stains. To make one from an old towel, fold it in half, cut a half-circle in the center, and slip it over your child's head so it rests on their shoulders, DeMorrow explains. "Tie or use binder clips to hold the sides closed," she says. "You have a functional bib or smock for messy projects."

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Filling Decorative Pillow Shams

Decorative pillow shams in guest bedrooms that get little use offer an easy way to repurpose old towels. Simply fold and stuff a towel inside the sham to create the structured, plush shape you want, DeMorrow says. Towels can also be used in a pinch to fill throw pillows.

Polishing Fixtures

"If you have good cotton towels that are past their prime, they make the best cloths for wiping and polishing," DeMorrow says. "Cutting them down into shapes that are about as big as a paper towel square can make them easier to store and more practical to wash and eventually throw out."

Kneeling Pad While Gardening

Old towels can double as kneeling pads for gardeners, May Wang, the founder of a nonprofit called Linens N Love, says. Fold a thick towel into thirds or quarters for extra cushioning, then place it on the ground before you kneel to weed, plant, or prune.

Protect Seedlings From Frost

Protect delicate seedlings from the unexpected cold snaps with old towels, Wang recommends. When temperatures drop, gently drape a lightweight towel over your seedlings to create an insulating layer that helps trap warmth near the soil.

Keep a Towel in Your Car for Easy Cleanups

Keeping a towel in your car trunk can come in handy for several reasons. "Keep one towel in your car to dry off after going through the car wash," DeMorrow says. "A quick hand dry gives you a cleaner windshield and allows you to wipe off stubborn bird mess."

You can also use it to wipe your feet before getting into the car after stepping in mud or rain puddles, or after spending a day at the beach.

Donate to Animal Shelters

If you don't have a pet, consider donating old towels to a local animal shelter, where staff can often use them for bedding, bathing animals, and general care, Wang says. Before you drop off, call ahead to confirm the shelter is accepting towel donations.