DIY Microfibre Towel Projects: Repurposing and Upcycling Ideas

DIY Microfibre Towel Projects: Repurposing and Upcycling Ideas

Microfibre towels are fantastic for cleaning, drying, and various other tasks. But what happens when they start to wear out? Instead of tossing them in the bin, why not give them a new lease on life through some creative DIY repurposing and upcycling projects? This guide will walk you through several ideas for transforming your old microfibre towels into useful items for your home and garden. Before we get started, if you want to learn more about Microfibretowels and our commitment to quality, feel free to visit our about page.

Microfibre Cleaning Cloths

This is perhaps the most obvious and straightforward way to repurpose old microfibre towels. Even when they're no longer ideal for drying cars or applying waxes, they can still excel as general-purpose cleaning cloths.

Cutting and Sizing

• Assess the towel: Examine your old microfibre towel. Are there any heavily soiled areas or sections with significant wear and tear? If so, try to avoid using those parts.

• Cut into smaller pieces: Using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter, cut the towel into smaller, manageable squares or rectangles. The size will depend on your intended use, but squares around 30cm x 30cm are a good starting point. You can adjust the size later if needed.

• Consider hemming (optional): If you want to prevent fraying, you can hem the edges of the cut pieces. A simple straight stitch on a sewing machine will do the trick. If you don't have a sewing machine, you can use a fabric glue specifically designed for hemming.

Best Uses for Repurposed Cleaning Cloths

Dusting: Microfibre's ability to attract and trap dust makes it perfect for dusting furniture, shelves, and other surfaces.
Cleaning spills: Keep a stash of these cloths handy for quickly cleaning up spills in the kitchen or bathroom.
Wiping down surfaces: Use them to wipe down countertops, appliances, and other surfaces after cleaning.
Cleaning windows and mirrors: Microfibre leaves a streak-free shine on glass surfaces. Just dampen the cloth lightly and wipe.

Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

Single-use makeup wipes are convenient, but they contribute to environmental waste. Repurposing microfibre towels into reusable makeup remover pads is an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative.

Creating the Pads

• Choose a template: Find a round object, like a small bowl or jar lid, to use as a template. The size should be comfortable to hold and use on your face.

• Cut out circles: Place the template on the microfibre towel and trace around it with a fabric marker or pen. Cut out the circles using sharp scissors. You'll need two circles for each pad.

• Sew the pads together: Place two circles together, with the softer sides facing outwards. Sew around the edge, leaving a small opening (about 2-3cm) for turning. Turn the pad right-side out through the opening.

• Close the opening: Fold the edges of the opening inwards and sew it closed with a hidden stitch or a simple straight stitch.

Using and Caring for Your Makeup Remover Pads

Wet the pad: Before use, wet the pad with water or your favourite makeup remover.
Gently wipe your face: Gently wipe your face to remove makeup. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
Wash after each use: Wash the pads after each use with soap and water. You can also machine wash them in a mesh laundry bag to prevent them from getting lost in the wash.
Dry thoroughly: Allow the pads to air dry completely before storing them.

Dusting Mitts

Dusting mitts are a convenient way to dust furniture and other surfaces. They're easy to make from old microfibre towels and offer excellent dexterity.

Making the Mitts

• Trace your hand: Place your hand on the microfibre towel and trace around it, leaving about 2cm of extra space around your hand. This will be the pattern for your mitt.

• Cut out two pieces: Cut out two pieces of microfibre towel using the hand pattern. Make sure to cut a left and right hand shape.

• Sew the pieces together: Place the two pieces together, with the softer sides facing inwards. Sew around the edges, leaving the wrist area open.

• Turn right-side out: Turn the mitt right-side out.

Using Your Dusting Mitts

Slip the mitt on: Simply slip the mitt onto your hand and start dusting.
Dust hard-to-reach areas: The mitt allows you to easily reach into corners and crevices.
Wash after use: Wash the mitt after use with soap and water or in the washing machine.

Pet Drying Towels

Microfibre towels are excellent for drying pets after baths or walks in the rain. Repurposing old towels into pet-specific drying towels is a practical and hygienic idea.

Customising the Towel

Gently pat your pet dry: Use the towel to gently pat your pet dry, starting with their head and working your way down their body.
Pay attention to paws and ears: Make sure to dry their paws and ears thoroughly to prevent infections.
Wash the towel after each use: Wash the towel after each use to remove dirt and pet dander. You can find frequently asked questions about microfibre care on our site.

Garden Weed Barrier

While perhaps not the first thing that comes to mind, microfibre towels can be used as an effective weed barrier in your garden. The tightly woven fibres prevent sunlight from reaching the soil, inhibiting weed growth.

Preparing the Towel

• Choose the right area: Select the area in your garden where you want to prevent weed growth.

• Cut the towel to size: Cut the microfibre towel to fit the area, leaving some extra material around the edges.

• Prepare the soil: Clear the area of any existing weeds or debris.

Installing the Weed Barrier

• Lay the towel on the soil: Lay the microfibre towel on the soil, making sure it covers the entire area.

• Secure the edges: Secure the edges of the towel with rocks, bricks, or soil to prevent it from blowing away.

• Plant your plants: Cut holes in the towel where you want to plant your plants. The microfibre will suppress weed growth around your plants while allowing them to thrive.

Homemade Mop Heads

Give your mop a refresh by creating new mop heads from old microfibre towels. This is a great way to save money and reduce waste.

Creating the Mop Head

• Assess your mop: Determine the type of mop you have (e.g., string mop, flat mop). This will influence how you create the mop head.

• Cut the towel into strips (for string mops): Cut the microfibre towel into long, narrow strips. The length of the strips will depend on the desired length of the mop head.

• Attach the strips to the mop head: Tie the strips securely to the mop head, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

• Cut and sew (for flat mops): Cut the microfibre towel to the size of your mop head. Sew the edges to create a pocket that slips over the mop head. Elastic can be added to ensure a snug fit.

Using Your Homemade Mop Head

Attach the mop head to your mop: Attach the homemade mop head to your mop.
Mop your floors as usual: Use the mop as you normally would to clean your floors. Our services include advice on the best cleaning practices, so feel free to browse.

• Wash the mop head after each use: Wash the mop head after each use to remove dirt and grime.

By repurposing and upcycling your old microfibre towels, you can reduce waste, save money, and create useful items for your home and garden. These are just a few ideas to get you started – feel free to experiment and come up with your own creative projects!