Give Worn Towels a Second Life: 8 Genius Ways to Reuse Them

Share Towels Still In Good Shape

Clean towels that remain in good condition could be offered to family or friends, or listed with a local Buy Nothing group. A towel that no longer suits one bathroom may still be useful to someone else.

Some nonprofits and shelters may take towel donations, but check with them before bringing anything in. Their acceptance policies can vary.

Make Soft Landing Spots

Oguzhan Karlidag, founder at Lotus Linen, recommends using towels that have lost their soft, display-ready feel as absorbent bath mats. Guest and children’s bathrooms are possible places to use them. He says folding a towel in thirds can help it last longer and give it a deliberate look.

Repurpose Towels For Pets

Old towels can provide bedding for pets, offering a less costly way to make them comfortable. Karlidag says their absorbency is more important for pets than how they look. They can also help dry a pet after a bath or muddy walk, and can line crates or car seats.

Put Them To Work In Kitchens

Towels can serve as reusable drying pads for washed produce or dishes, Karlidag says. They may also line bowls while bread dough proofs or cover the dough. For people who sew, Frej Lewenhaupt, Steamery co-founder and chief product officer, suggests making an old towel into a beach or tote bag. He notes the project takes more time, but the finished bag can be useful.