Organize Cluttered Cleaning Towels With An Affordable Storage Hack

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With such a variety of materials to look for when buying new kitchen towels, it's no surprise that keeping rags and cleaning cloths organized can be so difficult. Whether you fold and stack them nicely on a shelf and risk them toppling over whenever you grab one, or you simply throw them into a drawer and hope no one sees, storing your collection of rags so that they are easy to access while still looking nice is a hassle. If you are looking for a storage solution that is easy to implement and makes your towels more accessible, then it may be time for a trip to the office supply store.

While it may not be the first storage option you think of, a magazine file holder can be the perfect way to neatly store cleaning towels. With their narrow shape, tall back and side walls, and opening on the front, they are space-saving and easy to access. When placed on a shelf, you can easily see and reach the towels inside without shuffling them around, and the towels aren't strewn about. Plus, if you like to separate your towels by use to prevent cross-contamination, you can easily do so by labeling the magazine file holders by towel function and storing the corresponding cloths inside. Roll flexible towels to store them, or, if you have stiffer cloths, just file them inside. If you are ready to give it a try, then you'll want to know how to make sure they will fit in your storage space and what the available options look like.

The first thing you will need to do is choose some file holders to repurpose or to buy new ones. Whether you want to store your towels on a shelf or in a cabinet, which is one of a few smart ways to store and organize cleaning supplies out of sight, you should measure your space to ensure a good fit. Most cabinets range between 12 and 24 inches deep, which will fit the usual magazine holder depth of about 9 to 10 inches. A typical magazine holder is around 12 inches tall, so make sure that your cabinet or shelf has enough space above it to accommodate the holder you choose. 

Then, of course, decide on the style and material you want. You can choose plastic, wood, wicker, metal, or even cloth. If you purchase a plastic or metal organizer, it will be simple to keep clean and dust-free, so that the towels inside are always fresh and ready for use. Wood and wicker holders will look nicer on an open shelf, but your towels may snag on them. The Amazon Basics rectangular plastic desk organizer has high reviews, and with two organizers for about $15. Wood and other materials can jump up in price to well over $20 per organizer, but having a style you enjoy may encourage you to keep things tidier, so it really depends on your budget and design needs. Combine this storage with the smart trick to hide used kitchen towels before laundry day, and your cleaning towels will no longer be an eyesore in the home.