First a word about the photo.
A few weeks ago, I realized that our dishcloths were hopelessly tattered and needed to be replaced. And then more time passed because I didn’t want to spend the money on something so banal and also wanted to find an environmentally-friendly solution.
Why is it that when faced with a problem our first thought is almost always, “What can I buy to fix this?” Had I followed that thought anywhere, I would have ended up buying some kind of home-made and/or recycled/organic dishcloths, which, fine, would have been better than standard-issue, but still would have used up valuable resources in their manufacture, transport and purchase.
Fortunately, I’ve been going through a lazy patch, so I didn’t do that. Then I stumbled on a suggestion to use the cuffs of defunct sport socks. Alan had a few that were due to be tossed, so I cut off the cuffs, opened them up and put them in the drawer beside the sink. They’re not exactly pretty, but they’re dishcloths. How pretty do they have to be?
The benefits? Only half the sock went to the landfill. The other half will lead a long and useful life cleaning our dishes. I saved a bit of cash and best of all, didn’t have to go shopping.
It really was a lightbulb moment and I’ve filed it away in my head so that the next time I need something , instead of asking myself what I need to buy, I’ll start by asking what I already have that can do the same job. Old t-shirts will turn into cleaning cloths, for one thing, and who knows what else will get re-used from here on in.
How about you? Do have suggestions for creative re-use or simpler ways of dealing with the banalities of life? I’d love to hear them!
I also use old sock cuffs as reusable coffee cup sleeves. I keep one in my purse in case I decide to grab a cup while running errands. It may look a little dorky, but cardboard doesn’t end up in a landfill just because I needed a pick me up. I knit my own wash cloths, so I’m covered in that department rather easily. I also use mugs as small dessert cups when I want to trick myself into thinking I’m having a bigger portion of something sweet. And I make my own cleaning supplies using a lot of vinegar and baking soda.
Thank you for being my “zen blog.” Every time I read this blog I just feel so peaceful.
What a kind thing to say! Thank you so much!
I love the idea of using sock cuffs as coffee cup sleeves. For some reason, those sleeves annoy me even more than paper cups.
oh, old t shirts are great for cleaning…i also find that my husband’s old boxer shorts (of the cotton stretch variety) are good too. not that i tell anyone…for some reason people are grossed out by that. um, i do wash them before i use them as cleaning cloths!!!
Ha ha! Amy Dacyczyn calls this selective squeamishness.
Though I do remember being slightly traumatized as a kid when I realized that the dust cloth I was using on the furniture was in fact a pair of my Dad’s old boxers.
I’d like to think I’ve grown up since then.
I recently realized my duster was a piece of flannelette from a pair of my father’s old pyjamas.
He died in 1986 and my mother clearly had cut up his p.j.s to use just as you are advocating.
She loved flannelette for dusting – so gentle on things.
It brought a moment of nostalgia to my dusting, though I suppose that all depends on the recycled item – LOL – perhaps one’s husbands socks or boxers won’t give quite the sentimental journey ; )
I guess that depends on the memories associated with them… (I did NOT just say that!)
A pair of pajamas retired in 1986 and still in use as dusters. Is there a Hall of Fame for creative reuse? These definitely deserve a spot!