It’s surprising how versatile old towels can be. Aside from cleaning surfaces or dusting off old items, there are a few clever ways to reuse those worn-out towels.
First: Insulate your rice cooker
Rice cookers are a common household appliance, and for good reason. They make cooking rice a breeze. But did you know that keeping your rice warm can rack up your electricity bill? If you tend to prepare other dishes while your rice cooks, consider this tip to save energy.
Instead of letting your rice cooker continuously warm your rice, turn it off once the rice is cooked. Then, simply place a clean towel over the lid to keep the warmth in. This simple trick can save you money on your monthly electricity bill.

Second: Eliminate cigarette smoke odors
If you or someone in your household smokes, you know how difficult it is to get rid of the lingering smell. Opening the windows might not be enough. Here’s where your old towels come in handy. Mix some white vinegar and a few drops of essential oil into a bucket of clean water. Soak a towel in this mixture, wring it out, and hang it in the smoky room. The smoke odor will be gone in no time.
Nicotine dissolves easily in water, and the alkaline smoke is neutralized by the acidic vinegar in the towel. Plus, the essential oils leave a pleasant fragrance in the air, making your home smell fresh and clean.
Third: Banish fridge odors
Over time, your refrigerator can develop an unpleasant odor from the various foods stored inside. No amount of wiping with plain water seems to get rid of it. But there’s a simple solution: soak a clean towel in diluted vinegar, wring it out, fold it, and place it in a corner of your fridge. After a day or two, the fridge will smell fresh again.
Just remember to remove and wash the towel after a while. Once it’s clean and dry, you can repeat the process and reuse the towel.