As sustainability becomes a bigger part of our daily choices, many of us are asking: Do old towels and fabrics really have to end up in the trash? A recent article from The Mirror in the UK suggests otherwise — encouraging households to cut up old towels and repurpose them in the garden to reduce waste and protect plants.

At BLANC Tea Towel, we believe this is more than just a smart trick — it’s a beautiful example of turning everyday items into sustainable solutions. And your old tea towels may be far more useful than you think.
🐌 Keep Snails Away with Old Tea Towels: A Natural, Chemical-Free Method
Slugs and snails can be a gardener’s nightmare. These pests love moisture and soft soil — but they hate the rough texture of fabric. This is where your old tea towels can help:
- Cut your tea towel into squares (around 10×10cm)
- Place them around the base of young plants or flower beds
- The fabric deters snails by creating a rough, dry surface they avoid
Unlike chemical repellents, this method is non-toxic, biodegradable, and safe for pets and kids — plus, it gives new life to worn textiles.

🌿 More Smart Garden Uses for Old Tea Towels
If you’re into DIY, your garden is the perfect place to repurpose textiles creatively. Try these ideas:
- Weed Barrier Strips: Cut towels into long pieces and lay them across garden beds to suppress weeds
- Harvest Aprons or Produce Bags: Stitch a few towels together for easy garden harvesting
- Kneeling Pads: Fold and layer towels to create comfy knee cushions while you plant or weed
Each of these upcycling tricks turns waste into purpose — and keeps your garden a greener place.

♻️ Beyond the Garden: A Second Life for Beautiful Towels
These small garden hacks aren’t just about function — they remind us that sustainability starts with small, smart decisions.
And when your tea towel is still in good shape but ready for a refresh, there’s another way to extend its life and value.
🎨 At BLANC Tea Towel: From Old Prints to Custom Style
We help designers, gift shops, artists, and creatives bring new ideas to life — one custom tea towel at a time. Our reactive digital printing uses eco-friendly ink for vibrant, long-lasting prints. We offer:
- Low minimums — great for testing or limited editions
- High color fastness — prints stay bright wash after wash
- Global air shipping — your designs delivered fast, anywhere
Whether you’re upcycling an old look or starting a fresh one, we’ll help turn your fabric ideas into meaningful products.
👇 Ready to Create Something New — or Make Something Old New Again?
Visit our website: www.blancteatowel.com
Or email us: nolan@blancteatowel.com
Let’s make sustainability simple, stylish, and personal — starting with one beautiful tea towel.