Do you have some extra towels lying around? Everyone usually has a few, because we buy new ones when they become a little drab and frayed. But don't throw them out; they are still useful! Towels--especially old towels--are very helpful to have around. So much that the importance of these linens has permeated our pop culture. So whether you're following the advice of South Park's Towlie or the words of wisdom Douglas Adam wrote in The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, make sure you have a towel!
Disposable Mop Pads
Whether you are doing it to save money or to be environmentally friendly, try using an old dish towel (or even cut up pieces from a bath towel) instead of the store bought pads for your Swiffer or other push broom. These will do a great job of removing dust, dirt and debris from your floors. When you are done, you can either throw out the rag or wash it so you can use it again another day.
Photo by firepile
Baby Bibs
If you have a baby in your life, you know how important it is to have extra bibs around at all times. So if you even have the slightest bit of sewing skills, you can make great baby bibs out of old towels. There are several instructions online; we really like the one over at Instructables. These are great because they're very soft and baby friendly.
Photo by abbybatchelder
Car Rags
It's always good to keep an old towel (or two) handy in the car at all times. Whether you have to wipe some mud off your headlights like in this photo or someone spilled a beverage, you'll be glad you had that extra rag on hand.
Photo by BetterThanEveryone
Pet Bedding
Cats and dogs aren't picky; you can always turn your old towels over to them. Whether the towels are used to line their crates or for bedding materials, your pets will thank you. If you don't have a pet, you can donate your older towels to an animal shelter for the same purpose. Just check with the shelter to make sure they are accepting them. 
Photo by mikebaird
Dog Toy
Dogs really get the best uses out of old towels. Real Simple shares this really simple set of instructions on how you can make a rope toy out of some old towels you have around the house. Trust me, your dog will thank you.
Photo by _tar0_
To check out our previous installments of "5 Uses For...", click through the slideshow below.
5 New Uses For Everything
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