Cute Reusable Homemade Cleaning Cloths from Old Towels
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Upcycle an old towel into these cute but practical reusable homemade cleaning cloths. Two sides, two textures, great for cleaning the house.
These pretty homemade cleaning cloths are a step up from cleaning windows and wiping up floor spills with rags (aka hubby’s old undies) and a little less embarrassing when we have guests.
They are quick and simple to make, so a great project for a beginner sewer or a child who is keen to learn how to sew.
Speaking of kids, mine have hijacked these cleaning cloths and made them their own. This may have something to do with the fact that I leave them in the ‘kid’s drawer’ in the kitchen. This is the drawer where they have easy access to plates, cups, cutlery…and cleaning cloths.
My son, in particular, likes to clean up spills without me having to tell him (actually, he doesn’t like to be reminded to do anything – “I knew before you said, mum!”).
I made these cleaning cloths from an old towel, but you could also use old Terry towelling nappies (clean and unstained).
I also used a couple of farm print fat quarters that were gifted to me about 10 years ago and that I’ve had no idea what to do with until now.
Don’t have any spare cotton fabric? Check out your local charity store. I often find quilting fat quarters and other fabric offcuts – not to mention old, thin towels – perfect for this kind of project. Alternatively, you can cut up old and unused cotton clothing that was heading for the rag bag.
Ways to Use DIY Cleaning Cloths
Because these cloths are used from old towels, they can be used as either cleaning cloths for around the home or face or body cloths.
To use as cleaning cloths, spray surfaces with this homemade all-purpose cleaning spray for a frugally clean home or use it with your favourite kitchen and bathroom cleaners.
These cloths are made from old towels, which make great face wipes. Old towels are usually thin and soft with wear, making them a gentle option. With cotton on the other side, you can use one side for cleansing and the other side for a gentle wipe clean.
Keeping Cleaning Cloths Clean
We keep a bucket in the laundry to put dirty cleaning cloths (the ones we use for cleaning the house), including our knitted dishcloths.
I throw the dirty ones in the bucket, and then when it comes time to wash a load (usually the sheets or towels), I throw the cleaning cloths in with the wash.
Rinse the cloths before putting them in the bucket, and if they are getting a bit funky, you can soak them in a little laundry soaker before adding to the wash.
Here’s how to make your own homemade cleaning cloths.
DIY Cleaning Rags
Materials
- old cotton terry towel
- cotton cloth like quilter's cotton
Tools
- sewing needle and thread or sewing machine
- pins
- pencil or chopstick to turn out the corners
- iron (optional)
Instructions
Step 1
Cut your towel and cloth to your preferred cleaning cloth size. I cut mine to be 25 cm square (about 10 inches).
Step 2
Place the cotton cloth and towel together, right sides facing in, pinning if you like to keep it in place.
Step 3
Leaving about a 1.5cm seam allowance (1/2 inch), sew around the edge of the square using a running stitch (hand sewing) or sewing macing, leaving a small gap for turning out the right way.
Step 4
Turn right side out, using a pencil or chopstick to gently push out the corners if necessary. Fold over the opening, and press with an iron (optional) or your fingers to make it neat.
Step 5
Top stitch around the edge of the cleaning cloth, about 1 cm from the edge, closing the opening with the top stitch as you go. Press again if desired.
While rags are great, you can clean with style by making a few of these quick and easy homemade cleaning cloths.
love this idea. I was gifted some towels years ago but don.t use because I find them a little thin.
I will repurpose them and make some of these cloths for Christmas gifts for the family.
Thank you
I have a couple of towels on their last leg in certain areas, but some areas are not ready for full retirement. This looks like just what they need. Thanks for the inspiration.
This is exactly what I was looking for to make my terry towels cute and make the cute tea towels actually useful for absorbing liquids. Put them together! It’s perfect.
Great idea!