The Handy Purpose Old Towels Can Serve In Your Deep Kitchen Drawers

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Deep kitchen drawers can feel like a blessing until you start filling them. It doesn't take long before pots, pans, lids, or even loose utensils start clattering around every time you open and close the drawer. On top of being noisy, all that shifting can leave scratches on the wood, chip delicate dishware, or create a messy pile that makes it harder to find what you need. Maybe you've already tried some clever decluttering tricks that have helped keep your kitchen drawers organized, but the bottom of your drawers is still getting scratched. Buying drawer liners or organizational inserts can help, but those extras add up quickly and don't always fit the size of your drawers. 

Instead of running out to purchase something new, try a no-cost solution: Old towels. Towels you no longer use, whether worn bath towels, faded hand towels, or dishcloths, make surprisingly effective drawer liners. They add a layer of cushioning that keeps items from sliding around and helps prevent scratches on the drawer bottom. As a bonus, the fabric doubles as a barrier for crumbs, dirt, or anything that might spill. When it's time to clean, you don't need to scrub the drawer itself; just shake out or toss the towel into the wash, and you're back to a fresh surface. 

To get started, all you need are a couple of clean, dry towels you're willing to repurpose, some kind of adhesive to make sure to towels don't shift, and a pair of scissors. That's it. No pricey organizers required.

Turning your old towels into drawer liners is simple. Start by emptying and wiping down the drawer to give yourself a clean slate. Measure the interior dimensions with a tape measure, then cut your towel to match the length and width. If you're working with small hand towels, you might be able to use one per drawer. For larger bath towels, cut them down into sections that fit. Once placed, smooth the towel flat so it covers the bottom evenly. If you don't have a tape measure, you can remove your drawer and flip it over, and then put your towel on top to cut it to size.

To secure the towel to the bottom of the drawer so it doesn't move around, you can use a thin shelf drawer liner from Amazon underneath for extra grip, or dab a small amount of removable adhesive like this Ready America museum gel at the corners. The museum gel hack also works to stop drawer organizers from shifting around. Either option will help keep the towel in place without damaging the drawer. 

From there, you can make the idea your own. If you prefer a neater look, choose towels in colors that match your kitchen décor or trim the edges with pinking shears to prevent fraying. For a rustic feel, use towels with fun patterns or stripes. This budget-friendly trick doesn't just keep your drawers tidy; it's a clever way to recycle fabric you'd otherwise throw away. While you're at it, here's how to maximize organization for deep kitchen drawers.