Hive Tip: Towel Refresh

In addition to being your trusted source for home management and house cleaning in Okc, we aim to inspire our clients with simple DIY projects for a better and happier hive!

Have you ever grabbed a clean towel out of the closet and noticed a funky smell or stains? Over time detergents, softeners and skincare products can build up and ruin the bright absorbent appeal the towel once had. A tried and true way to return grubby towels to their former fluffy glory is this recipe:

What you'll need:

Directions:

  1. Pour the vinegar into your washing machine, then load the towels. The vinegar breaks down mildew and mold growth that might be in your towels, while giving them a deep clean. Set your washing machine to soak, and let the cycle run.

  2. Sprinkle the baking soda and epsom salts over the towels. Set the machine to soak, and let the towels run through the cycle again. The baking soda will neutralize smells and break up stains, and epsom salt naturally softens water and fabrics.

  3. Finish by washing with your favorite detergent and drying. Voila! This process works for any colors of towel, too.


Next, to move on the poor, sad towels we all have. Yes, those ones with the frayed edges - maybe even a hole or two - but we keep them around nonetheless! Though you’ll be pleased to know they aren’t useless in the slightest - here are many new uses for old towels that are eco-friendly and money-saving! 

  • Cleaning rags: Packs of new washcloths can quickly add up. Instead, cut up the sad towel at the bottom of your linen stack! Depending on what you use most, cut into washcloth or dish towel sizes Since they’ll be used for cleaning or drying dishes, it’s not necessary that they start out in pristine condition.

  • Baby bibs: Another costly item that inevitably ends up dirty anyways. Cut an old towel into a bib shape, attach a bit of velcro around the back, and there you have it!

  • Swiffer/mop pads: Instead of tossing out disposable pads every time you mop - opt for these washable and reusable ones made from old towels.

  • Dryer sheets: Cut up an old towel, soak in your favorite fabric softener, and hang to dry. Once dry, toss in the dryer, each sheet lasts approximately 10 rounds - then repeat the process again.

  • Packing material: This one is a bit of a no-brainer, but old towels make a great, space-saving way to pack up fragile items when moving or storing them.