7 Surprisingly Useful Ways to Reuse Microfiber Cloths at Home

Microfiber cloths are the workhorse of any home’s cleaning arsenal. They’re lightweight, super absorbent, catch all manner of dust and grime, wash and dry easily, and can be used in every room of the house. 

But after all that use, your trusty set of microfiber cloths may lose their cleaning power. Instead of tossing them, upcycle them into something totally new—you may be surprised at the myriad of ways to breathe new life into your old microfiber cloths. 

We spoke with two experts who have reimagined microfiber cloths as everything from hair scrunchies to mop pads. No matter how you upcycle microfiber cloths, always deep clean them first to remove lingering odors, bacteria, and debris.

Patchwork Throw or Floor Pillows

Turning your old microfiber cloths into a cozy, comfortable pillow is a perfect upcycle opportunity that keeps synthetic fibers in use much longer than if they were sitting in a landfill, says Lizzie Horvitz, a sustainability expert and founder of Finch. "By sewing multiple towels together into a simple cover, you create something durable and washable that’s meant to be leaned on and lived with," she says.

Microfiber Scrunchies

The absorbency of microfiber makes it especially great as a post-shower hair scrunchie for all hair types. "If you have curly hair, microfiber is amazing because it absorbs just enough moisture to help your curls dry naturally without frizz," says Pamela Mahshie, overlock machine business manager at BERNINA of America. "And for those with straight hair, it’s great too—the soft texture grips gently, so your scrunchie stays put instead of sliding right out."

Reusable Mop Pads

This practical upcycle "directly reduces household waste," says Horvitz. Microfiber is already designed to trap dust and dirt, so swapping in microfiber cloths for pricier Swiffer pads is a smart switch. "Reusable mop or Swiffer-style pads can be made by cutting microfiber cloths to size and adding Velcro or snaps," Horvitz explains. "This swap replaces disposable floor-cleaning pads without sacrificing performance."

Pet Towels or Crate Liners

Keep your furry friends clean with old microfiber cloths. No crafting or sewing is needed to reuse them here; once they’ve outlived their usefulness in your home, use them as crate liners or to clean your pets. "They’re absorbent, quick-drying, and easy to wash, making them ideal for muddy paws, food bowls, or crate messes," says Horvitz. "Repurposing them for pet use extends their life in a setting where durability matters more than appearance."

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Reusable Baby Wipes

Sticky fingers and messy faces are inevitable with babies and toddlers, but upcycling microfiber cloths into reusable baby wipes can offer a smart and practical solution to purchasing single-use wipes. "They’re soft, super absorbent, washable, and best of all—fast and easy to make. You can even whip up a whole set during naptime," Mahshie says of microfiber cloths. Choose the fabric you’d like for one side of the wipe, cut it to size, and sew the microfiber cloth on the other side as an absorbent liner. You can also use these as makeup wipes, too.

Lightweight Drawstring Bags

Stitching a few microfiber cloths into a simple pouch with a drawstring provides added storage without you needing to purchase anything new. "They’re sturdy enough for repeated use and help replace disposable plastic bags," says Horvitz. "This is especially useful for organizing dirty shoes or clothes without buying new storage accessories." Horvitz also recommends microfiber pouches for housing produce or travel laundry.

Cleaning Quilt

One single microfiber cloth can be small, but sewing a few together creates a much larger and potentially more useful cleaning tool. "For larger cleaning jobs, multiple microfiber cloths can be stitched together into one oversized cleaning 'quilt,'" Horvitz says. "This creates a heavy-duty cloth for windows, cars, or DIY projects, giving worn towels a final, useful role."