How to Get Rid of Damaged Clothing (That’s Actually Trash)

[@mimi02536]

Just dealt with this issue and was told by the Salvation Army on Cape Cod that they accept all clothes that are clean (not moldy/wet) and if they can’t be sold are recycled. They still profit from handing them over to someone else which is wonderful!

[@marynellparker1103]

I've been using your methods. I have made progress. My husband got very ill 5 days ago and had to go to the hospital. I had family and friends come by. I was not embarrassed to have them in my house. Thank you forhelping me.😊

[@kelleporter8709]

Along these lines, animal shelters will often take towels, old bedding, etc. to use in the pet kennels. Ours is always SO appreciative when we donate some!

[@lindalarson5468]

YES! Many animal shelters do! They also love to take cleaning products and bleach.

[@grutarg2938]

I have also tied off and donated some half-finished crocheted blankets.

[@robinrutherfordcost4748]

Snuffle mats too. Sara Ondrako has an awesome video on how to make a snuffle mat with a pocket. I use my old socks for this project as well. Cut them the size of ponytail holders and sew them down the middle onto a fat quarter or one side of an old pillowcase for the dog to get some mental stimulation and help tamp down their energy level. My younger Dobe leaves his lunch in his dish - has to be in his snuffle mat! Hope that helps.

[@1HorseOpenSlay]

That is a great idea!

[@schnetzelschwester]

If I have old T-shirts with holes I cut them from the seam in spiral rounds into a long strip of fabric. Then I crochet with a big crochet hook (10-12 mm) small round or square mats for my cats to sit or sleep on them. They are easy to wash or to be thrown away when they get too dirty. They are better than that synthetic plush stuff you can buy for pets, and the cats like them. I think they are just making holes in my shirts because they want a new mat.

[@juliewright1895]

I’m in Washington state and there is a place near me that makes unusable clothing into insulation for homes. Great video, Dana!

[@carolinebrooks1141]

That's such a cool way to recycle! It's a fascinating idea! (LOL at least to me it is, and maybe others who struggle with this stuff. )

[@caroleweston7563]

I am a volunteer in a charity (thrift) shop in the UK and we take unsaleable clothes for rags. We appreciate it if they are in a separate bag from other donated items. As you say, we get money for these "rag bags". Thanks for spreading the word.

[@joannafoster3423]

I also love using old socks as dust rags. Stick your hand in the sock, dust away, pitch sock. Great!

[@SassySue67]

One more tip for ripped or stained towels and bedding, your local animal shelter may take them as long as they are clean. I bring my crappy towels to my dogs groomer and they appreciate having them.

[@michelesusanne1]

Where I live, we can take old clothing that is at least 50%cotton to our trash/recycling center and a company uses them for rags and oil spills. A big category of clothing that ends up in the landfill is fast fashion. Buying second hand, buying better quality and owning less, is something we can do to be more conscientious consumers.

[@jenniferfarmer8514]

Here in the UK on a weekly basis we get empty charity bags delivered through the letter box. Once filled with clean unwanted clothes or bedding. The bags are left on your door step and collected the next day by the charity. Also for those who are crafter's there are rag rugs or Quilters. keep up the good work Dana. Jen x

[@becca377]

It really worth looking at these bags clearly…a lot make donation to a charity of a set amount every year and are shipped off to other poorer countries to be sold there. They are making money.

[@oumaclubbe522]

Where do you live in UK? That would be great

[@jenniferfarmer8514]

@@oumaclubbe522 I live in Stratford on Avon England the home of William Shakespeare. I am very much on my declutter journey after my husband died suddenly 3 years ago. It has been painful at times. I have to say that I get rid of stuff as quickly and most eco friendly way that I can. I would go as far as to say that stuff and clutter was making me I'll and preventing me healing. I do still buy things but promised myself that gor everyone thing I bought 3 would. E donated Not easy but it prevents the problem getting worse. Jen x

[@dubbry0]

My goodwill has taken used candles that I didn’t like the smell of and used cleaning products I didn’t like. Sometimes they use them for the store itself. Always worth an ask!

[@vivianhudacek1556]

When I was growing up, we had a “rag bag” where all of those damaged items lived. We always used those rags for cleaning up dirty jobs. I honestly don’t EVER remember having paper towels in the house when I was growing up. I still use them pretty selectively. Also, speaking of stains, my daughter just accidentally washed & DRIED a tube of chapstick with a load of good clothes. HUGE mess, but she used blue Dawn on the many spots & saved the day!

[@joannafoster3423]

And everything ends up in the landfill eventually. It's not if but when. Slowing down how much we buy is what puts less in the landfill.

[@bethheerten1132]

Ah, yes.."the very best thing" is a real hang-up. Thanks for talking about this.

[@fionagray9687]

Yay! More like this for other items please. I'll go first. My mother-in-laws ancient but working kenwood Chef. Tried baking friends, Facebook marketplace, young people setting up home, couldn't give it away. Finally found a youth project that teaches cooking classes. Thrilled to have it. So relieved.

[@SaraShire]

Here in San José California, there are textile recycling collection bins. They turn old clothes and even shoes into plastic type products. We’re fortunate to have one just a bit over a mile away. You know, that container is full. So you’ve inspired us to take the it there now. Thank you.

[@sarahwomer4458]

Listening during lunch my 5 year old son says “I’ve seen people in blue jeans with so many holes they should throw them away”. I said, “unfortunately they likely paid a lot of money for them to come with the holes”. 😂

[@jamrose17]

Talking about laundry, I have always had a bin for each person in their rooms and one in the bathroom. Then anyone can do their own laundry any day. My kids started at 8 doing it themselves. I remember how proud my first one was that he could do it. Yeah you help to begin with, but mine used a kitchen chair and got it done.

[@lfmccune]

This is such a great message!! I recycle some things easily, but other items just pile up because I have to separate the elements to place in various bins, or I just don't know how to ethically dispose of them. I did just call my local thrift store and they will accept clean damaged clothing!! I also want to support your statement that it is OK to throw things away on your initial purge, even if it goes against your morals. I'm a musical theater buff, and there really is truth in Alfred Doolittle's statement in "My Fair Lady" when Pickering asks "Have you no morals, man?!" and he replies, "Nah. Nah, can't afford 'em, guv'nor. Neither could you, if you was as poor as me." This helps me accept the idea that now that I have hit rock bottom with clutter, it's okay to throw away some things that I SHOULD dispose of responsibly. NOTE: this is not a recurring thing. I've been at rock bottom for a while and am still in my initial purge. I continue to recycle easy items and am now trying to immediately separate and recycle incoming items. Just saying that if it has become overwhelming, I think it's okay to give yourself a break and throw some things away just so you can get your space and sanity back.

[@vikkirountoit497]

Well said Lynn!

[@jackiefields1607]

Just one more suggestion for this great list-Ask family members if they need any good rags. I live alone and generate very few rags that are good for cleaning. My daughter saves some old t-shirts for me. Win-win.

[@emc1694]

Such a great suggestion re ragmakers! I just checked with my local Goodwill (Annapolis MD), and they now do want clean, unusable clothing/textiles! Thanks Dana

[@betabelieve]

Hi Dana! I just discovered your channel and boy oh boy! I can’t get enough of it. I absolutely love your channel. You have here a wealth of information. I have been watching cleaning and decluttering videos and channels for close to 10 years, and let me tell you…! #1 ☝🏼 , I have NEVER resonated with anyone like I do with you and your decluttering principles. In my 20 years of marriage My home is finally getting organized and decluttered! Alleluia 🙌🏼 I cannot thank you enough for your help. I will also be buying all your books and can’t wait to dive in them and discover what else you have to say on the subject of decluttering our homes. #2 ✌🏻, you crack me up in every single one of your videos. You are an absolute treasure!!! Thank God for you! God bless!!

[@ninak8506]

Im feeling vindicated! Woohoo. Some friends & I were talking about what to do with "trash" clothes & I said we should be able to bag them separately, mark what they are & drop them off. But I never went so far as to ask my stores because I didn't think that was a thing. I'm so happy! Thank you Dana! Valuable info.

[@jillbruce3624]

This was so well timed. I have so many "dirty job or painting" t shirts that it is a joke. Yesterday, after washing a whole load of them, I told myself that I was going to keep 5 and the rest were going to be cut up for rags or trashed. And then here you are! Today, that is my project and I have a container for the rags already to go. Thanks, DANA!

[@countryfrau8328]

This is exactly like me. So many bad t-shirts for gardening, etc. Nothing nice enough to wear as regular clothes in public.

[@Claycat4]

I love the container concept. I was just explaining it to my sister-in-law. Thank you for such a valuable concept!

[@lindalange7124]

You can put cotton and wool clothes in the compostable bin.

[@allyson5712]

Hi Dana! Our Goodwill takes damaged clothing! Otherwise, I would probably want to leave that pile of clothing in my house and put off thinking about it until later 😄 I love your tips and am using them to get our home to a manageable level regarding “stuff”. Thank you and God bless 💕

[@marciamagnus1796]

Wonderful advice! It’s hard to just get rid of it sometimes, but I can feel liberated once it’s out of my house!

[@Cecily-Pimprenelle]

The business to whom I give clothes (not a charity per se, but they focus on employing people in need of reinsertion, plus the big boss does NOT pay himself an Indecent Remuneration) takes it all (clean and dry), and the employees sort through it, fix it for resale if it’s a small thing. They resell what is sellable, and the rest is also resold... in the shape of cloth-based house insulation. I still have to sort through the shoes (what can be easily repaired vs what is trash), but being able to dump all the clothes at the same place is really great.

[@rebeccaaschbrenner330]

As odd as this may sound, when I have a piece of clothing that is too stained to pass on and I love the fabric, I will tear it up for art journals which is a hobby I love. I am a dedicated minimalist and this is the one hobby where I indulge in saving meaningful and fun odds and ends!

[@terrilloyd3691]

In our area, H&M clothing store has a fabric/ clothing bin for recycling. These clothes or bedding are not suitable to use, but they will use it to make new fabric.

[@anitasimmons3599]

I use t-shirt material for the ear pieces for mask or for recycled yarn. Living in a bigger city is great because you can easily recycle almost anything. Your container concept really helps me limit the amount of material I keep on hand to recycle into my sewing or crocheting. Yes some times small amounts of recycling will end up in the trash, because it just makes decluttering easier. Thank you for your video.

[@mangopuppybaby]

Old tee shirts are great for soaking up cooking grease too (so it won’t clog the drain) instead of using a paper towel.

[@gwenj5419]

Great idea.

[@countryfrau8328]

I mean, I'm in my 60s and I didn't grow up using paper towels. I think we used a lot of newspaper for jobs like that and rags for other things. I still get a newspaper and find it really useful.

[@garyesue323]

I cut the tops off of cotten socks and slip my hand inside the foot to use as dusters.

[@elizabethsokol2545]

Thanks so much for putting out this video. Textile recycling is becoming more popular in my area, but I've been using Goodwill for a few years. Goodwill told me to separate and label the clean clothes I'm donating for textile recycling from a regular donation. I drop off the bag when I'm running errands.

[@HandcraftedHound]

This was a topic I've been waiting for! That is one of my biggest hang-ups in decluttering, getting rid of clothing that is stained or torn. Something that my mom reminded me of, however, is that people buy jeans brand new from the department store *already ripped up and torn,* and sometimes at a premium because it's part of the trend!

[@karlalarsen7597]

This is so good! Knowing that I have done what I can to try to donate things, (checking with the thrift store to see if they take stained, torn clothes) helps alleviate my guilt over having to throw things in the trash. It helps to know that I've done everything I can to not be wasteful!

[@barbaramoss6413]

I actually used some "paint clothes" for painting this summer AND put them, dirty, in the trash. No paint in my laundry appliances. My sister had given me these clothes instead of throwing them away. I had moved and drastically reduced my less worthy clothes. I needed my sister's cast offs, but am still getting them to leave my house, too!

[@debbiev.1311]

Thank you Dana!! 🤗 I would also encourage people to check w/ their local animal shelters...some will take old/stained towels; but as you said, please wash them before donating!!🐶❤🐱

[@granitemoss1451]

I tend to hang onto 'dead' clothing not out of guilt from throwing it out, but from a misplaced scarcity mindset. Like, sure, that sweatshirt's cuffs are unravelling, and the front has so many stains I only dare wear it at home, when the power's out, so even my family can't see how bad it is (kidding!), but I CANT throw it away, since no doubt I will never, ever find such a comfy, marvelous piece again! And it's 9 times out of 10 a sweatshirt from Target or something, nothing special. This is annoying as all get-out to have to move past but I have found the container concept helps.

[@countryfrau8328]

Yes, I keep all kinds of clothes for just in case....I used to have clothes that were too small in case times got bad and I would lose weight and need to wear them. Now that I'm losing weight on purpose I'm finding it hard to get rid of really big clothes because I think that I could wear several layers under them and keep them as a top layer. It really is kind of a super-frugality/scarcity mindset.

[@micheledryden1057]

Such a timely video, Dana. One of Dawn's recent videos was about decluttering clothes, especially if they don't fit. I also watched your clothing decluttering video and was motivated to remove 6 bags of clothes. They will go to a thrift sho today. I also decided that most of the items in my mending pile need to go because we have replaced the items. I love dropping metal objects off at a recycler but decided it wasn't worth my time because I'd only get about 10¢. It's invigorating and freeing to let go of unneeded items. Thank you!!!

[@danielleb6064]

Dana, I am in the process of "laundry day(s)" to get everything washed and put away. I've started evaluating my favorites, my containers, and what I deserve to wear. I've found Harper Wilde and Retold Recycling to take my un-donate-able clothing. My local YWCA gets everything that's in good condition. I took 2 bags there this past weekend and I have another bag started in my room. Yours is the first decluttering process that makes sense to my brain. Thank you!

[@annaberg6505]

In my neighborhood there is a home for abandoned dogs. The staff there often ask for discarded clothes (stained but clean!) for their volunteers to wear while working.

[@carminesanders2759]

I absolutely love this video! My older sister found you recently and tried your concepts herself. It has helped her immensely. I just finished your book Decluttering at the speed of Life and it is helping me so much. THANK YOU! Someone finally figured out the disconnect between keeping a clean house.

[@michellegravolin5186]

Use as cushion stuffing; compost if natural fibres; or mulch layer for weed control; old table cloths, towels, sheets might be useful for animal care or shelters

[@lesleywilliams323]

I composted a very old feather pillow…. Worked well…. & a def yes for old sheets, t shirts etc instead of weed fabrics…..

[@countryfrau8328]

@@lesleywilliams323 Never even thought of using old t-shirts instead of weed fabric. Hmmmmm....

[@ematthews3267]

Another excellent video, I can no longer throw rags out locally. I do lots of gardening and have many pairs of stained ripped jeans (only what fits in the garden/painting clothes box), when they become too ripped (usually the seat!!) Once dirty from a few days digging/decorating, in the bin they go. Saves on the washing😆 Same with old t-shirts and jumpers. I apply the same principle to underwear and socks. If I notice a hole, poor elastic I wear it and bin it at the end of the day. Ex

[@JayeEllis]

I took four garbage bags of clothes and three smaller bags of shoes to the donation bin near my home today! SO glad to have them out of my space! There's plenty more to come, I'm sure, since I'm nowhere near done my declutter and organize project.

[@kimberlierauton9094]

Thank you for sharing all your wisdom earned with love I’m sure. I’m a only child but I know you are my sister from another mother. I’m so glad I found you every time you get deep I’m like that’s me all my life . Been watching you for 2 weeks now and I’m recovering from knee surgery so everyday I’m working on your 5 steps in some kind of way. God bless you and thank you for sharing I feel a weight lifted off every day watching you. ❤️🦋🌻

[@1HorseOpenSlay]

🙌🙌🙌 I can't get over how helpful you have been!

[@va1445]

Wow, I didn't even know it was a thing that some places sell for rags! What a great alternative.

[@pamf8228]

Hi Dana! You made me do it! After listening to this video, I went and threw out the 5 bras that I had replaced 6 months ago. The old ones were uncomfortable and not in great shape. Not sure why I thought I should save them.

[@SIC647]

Thank you. I work in a municipal system where we among other things sort donated clothes. And a lot of it is literal trash: Moldy, reeking of animal waste, ripped, worn to threads. It would be less waste of our time and money, if people put it in the trash fabric bin themselves. If those clothes were all the eventual recipients had to wear, yes we might sort differently. But we get SO much clothing. We have more than anyone wants. In very round numbers I think 5% goes to stores, 60% goes to bulk sale, and 35% we send to futher sorting off premises (that is where clothes people bin goes as well, so when they give it to us, it is an unnecessary extra step). Further sorting then separates usable stuff, which is used for humanitarian purposes. And trash which is shredded and used to make new products (survival blankets, insulation ect.).

[@felicityhearnden9414]

A great video! Another great tip to support your op shop volunteers and staff is don't wrap or mix your breakable crockery and glassware in your garments/ textile waste! I used to think I was being helpful 'wrapping' breakables, but essentially I was hiding sharp items in clothing because of how they have to often bulk move donations.

[@kennethbailey9853]

You have already completely solved my problem with the clothes issue in the past So thanks to You My closet Honestly Stays Clean And Neat At All Times. Thankyou Dana And May God Bless You Specially for this. 🙂

[@lindalarson5468]

You are always SO helpful. And what I have learned is that St Vincent de Paul always wants and recycles stained and ripped clothing (sheets, blankets, anything fabric) because they sell it. In fact, having just cleaned out a relative's huge house after a death, I learned that St Vincent de Paul takes and RECYCLES EVERYTHING. They don't reject anything. Computers, electronics, wood stuff, you name it. It makes the process so much easier if you use a charity that makes it easy for you. There are lots of worthwhile charities, but when you are trying to get it done fast and efficiently, it is nice if they just take everything.

[@lisamisterek7683]

OMG, you just saved me a TON of money! Our local transfer station (dump) takes them, but I have to pay a fee. I haven't been in that area recently, but I'll check. Thank you SO much!

[@danettegibbs4323]

I have googled this sooo many times trying to figure out what to responsibly do with my old clothes that are literally falling apart. I could never figure out where to take them. Thank you SOOO much for this video. I have a pile in the bottom of my linen closet that is getting out of control from ruined clothes that I keep throwing in there.

[@idid138]

My daughter has been watching vids that show her how to make diaper/undies for her baby doll & simple outfits all with scissors & socks ✂️ 🧦 also I let her keep some ruined favorite clothing items to sew into doll clothes

[@llamasugar5478]

Funny story: my little girl was a _really_ little girl (12# at 6.5 months). One day, we got a package from Grammie: two little dresses. They were a bit frou-frou for my taste, but it was a sweet thing to do. On Grammie’s next visit, I made sure to dress our girl in one of them. Mom walked in, took one look at her, and asked “Why is she wearing the doll clothes I sent?!” 🤭

[@user-sm6od4tx2p]

Always remember: donated clothes go to africa and other what we percieve "poor countries". I saw multiple documentaries and they always reject stained clothing. It's a disgrace that us westerners think they need our trash clothes even If they are still intact. Our fast fashion is ruining their own clothing market.

[@suredeydo]

How is it ruining their clothing market? It seems they are much more picky; why accept damaged clothing when turnover is so fast that they can receive "like new" clothing instead?

[@user-sm6od4tx2p]

@@suredeydo because the clothing that arrives there comes in opaque industrial mesh bags. The clothes are not presorted anywhere but it's up to the buyer in the african destination to sort the delivery out. No one wants to wear shoddy or stained clothing that is a understandable and a question of dignity. Also us (eu, usa) unloading our old clothes in their countries interferes with the local Market. We oversaturate their markets with our used stuff and it makes it hard for them to sell Home produced clothing.

[@amywilloughby8019]

I saw this documentary. What an eye opener? Very inconvenient to other countries. And a horrible way to pollute beautiful places.

[@beckyshell4649]

@@suredeydo I think I saw the same documentary . They sell the clothes in open street markets there were unwanted clothes in the streets that clogged the gutters. The city dump had mountains of unwanted clothes. No clothing manufacturers can compete with the low price of the "donated" clothes.

[@mangopuppybaby]

What’s the name of the documentary? I would love to watch it!

[@magswilliams-fuller8879]

Clothes! Clothes I wear, clothes for cleaning cloths and clothes for mucky jobs, after that there's not many left, like towels and sheets, once they have been so well used and virtually destroyed even I can throw them away.

[@24carrotgold8]

I am a compulsive crafter 🥴 I rip or cut my clothes into 1-2 inch strips and crochet the strips into placemats, coasters and rugs. I give them as gifts or donate them as finished items.

[@meghandaniels3406]

I started using a service called Ridwell that takes "threads" in any condition. They also take plastic film, used batteries, and lightbulbs, and a rotating featured category. They figure out the best use of the threads (clothes, fabric, towels, etc.) whether that's putting it back out into the community or recycling it. For the featured categories they partner with local organizations that can reuse the donations. It's been great for me for decluttering because I can let it go a little bit at a time. If I only have two stained items they still go out on pickup day. But, it also incentivizes me to look around for more stuff to put in my bin. It's only in certain cities now, but there might be something similar in other areas. I've also dropped things off at American Textile Recycling bins too.

[@kimking3466]

I don't know if this is already in the comments, but I have 2 ideas: 1. If you know a mechanic, they can always use cut-up cotton/cotton blend shirts as rags. 2. If you have stained button-up shirts, ask an art teacher or preschool teacher if they want them for craft smocks. I taught preschool for awhile, and I would use old button-up shirts for crafts that involved a mess.

[@kaleenasowell9140]

I miss the credits! 😭 Still a great video!! 😁

[@donnakrebs252]

Thank you! I've struggled with the ripped/stained clothing issue. Now I think I can deal with it.

[@andrewbagwell7324]

I usually have a yardsale once or twice a year. If we have clothes that are ripped up I throw them away. If they are just stained, but otherwise nice, we put them in a free bin. There are LOTS of people that want them to work in. My husband used to be one of them. He used to weld & loved finding free clothes to work in. He went through then quickly because the welding sparks make holes in them. stains didn't matter, he was getting new stains on them every single day anyway. There are lots and lots of people with jobs and hobbies that get good use out of those types of clothes and that's literally what the go to sales looking for so they don't ruin nicer things. They are willing to pay for them so they don't have to constantly being brand new things to ruin. But we just always put them out for free & it never fails, they will all be gone & people will be excited to have them.

[@vikkirountoit497]

Did not know this - thank you!!

[@susanbartlett3421]

My mental health is less than stellar at the moment and has been for a while. I am finally addressing My health and well-being as a priority bc it has become glaringly obvious how much of an impact it has not only on me, but also on those who have (well, choose, let make it positive when we can...) to be around me. Dana, between your channel and Diane in Denmark, I have somehow managed to have a home that is becoming a refuge. Even though it is well past time to move from a 2 bedroom apartment to at least a 3 bedroom house (I married my wonderful redeeming gift from God in 2020, and he moved his 2 bedroom house into my well established 2 bedroom apartment, and well, you cannot change the laws of Physics), I have been able to start using the container method, your 5 step decluttering system to decrease the risk of overwhelm and meltdown paralysis, and the routines of the flylady system to create a home that I can be proud of while I am (im)patiently waiting and looking forward to our permanent home.

[@janabuchheit3389]

Where's Reid's editing comments? I am working through clothing, I do love buttons, so I cut them off before I trash my garments. In my area, the Goodwill takes denim that's damaged and sends it off. That's usually a good place to start. Great video.

[@janetmarino5589]

Hi, 1st time seeing this type of article. I reuse and recycle everything that has a purpose! You were the 1st to mention cutting off the buttons. I volunteer in the clothing rooms at a local Rescue Mission and if an item is just too bad for clothing purposes, I harvest the buttons to repair other good clothes. Now I know that trash clothes have a purpose too. And dead socks are a great packing supply for small knickknacks that you want to save for seasonal decorations or passing onto heirs in remembrance of the giver. God bless you all for trying to save the environment!!

[@janabuchheit3389]

@@janetmarino5589 I use the stained ones to dust and try to recycle everything also. Another thing I do with old stained socks or socks with holes in them is keep a few in the glove and cap drawer slip over shoes on icy days when we go outside, it keeps us from slipping down.

[@tracymatherson8174]

I once worked at a Savers/Value Village, and they had a special recycling bin just for unsellable clothes. (Had one for torn books too!)

[@donnajrobb]

My Mom used my Dad’s old, stained t-shirts, for family handkerchiefs during cold and flu season. Every year the three of us kids (Mom actually) would get Dad new undershirt/t-shirts, underwear, and socks for Christmas. His old shirts that had been washed so many times were super soft, great for sore noses. So she’d just give us a whole t-shirt when we were sick. When we had used the whole thing, we would either be better, or she’d give us another. I don’t know if she’d wash them again or throw the away. The t-shirts were pretty soft when new. But after a year of hard use, they were better than Puffs tissues. Unfortunately, Mom was a hoarder. I am doing my best to be a minimalist, but I still have a ways to go yet. The most successful thing so far has been the Container method. Before I moved from KS to NC, I got rid of lots of stuff. My old house was smaller, but had much more storage space. I bought a log cabin, that has very little, even with 100 square feet more room. My best friend came out the Summer after I first moved here and helped me minimize my kitchen stuff. I had no problem with Tupperware, silverware, plastic cups, towels, dishcloths, hot pads, and mugs. However, I seem to have a thing for spatulas! Which is something I never knew before. So she had to get a container to be used for spatulas and that’s all I get! We found out pens are another problem item for me. Again, I didn’t know that before either! So she got a coffee cup I was going to get rid of and made it my container. Although since then I started planning and have multiple types of pens, highlighters, and markers. But my container for all planner stuff is one of those small, rolling, three level carts. Which has worked out well. Thank you, Dana, and your friends, Dawn of the Minimal Mom, and Cass, the Clutterbug. I’m a butterfly and her suggestion to remove my closet doors, rocked my world! Have a blessed New Year.

[@What_For]

My company buys boxes those rag clothes. They are all cut up to use for rags. The bad thing is, the clothes that are all polyester or man made fibers don't make good rags. Finding more and more if those kind lately. The cotton clothes are aways the best. Don't let this comment stop you from donating certain items, just get rid of it.

[@amandabeachum188]

I had a set of old flannel sheets that were worn out. Cut them into rags and used them for clean-up when I was painting the bathroom. I had a ton left that I used for cleaning projects afterwards. They were so much nicer than anything I would have paid for and they were FREE!

[@countryfrau8328]

I have to hear this. I have saved a good hundred t-shirts thinking I'll use them for making crocheted rugs or even just kitchen rags....eeeek. I need to hear this.

[@kellyhaydon7674]

I wear alot of merino wool clothing but don't know what to do with it as it gets holes easily. I repair it until it's out of season but hubby does want itn the compost bin. Which is what I originally intended to do. Can't donate them for rags so thankyou for giving me the courage to put them in the bin!

[@SteMegManzaroli]

I love love love throwaway rags, if you have kids or pets or messy hobbies like art or home renovation those are the best!!!

[@lisamisterek7683]

1. Our thrift store will take "trash clothes" packed separately and labeled "rags." They then sell them super cheap - crafters love them! 2. If you live near an H&M store, check with them. They used take them to be recycled into new clothes. They stopped during Covid, but might have resumed by now.

[@laurasell2353]

Thank you! I needed to hear this again!

[@GratefulDeb270]

My carry-on during a recent trip was filled & limited by size according to the container concept. Ty! Great books! Great videos! 🌷

[@timvandermey4792]

Bring them to your local fire department. Ask to talk to the training captain. They need clothes to practice removing/cutting from their dummies.

[@emc1694]

Great suggestion!

[@Pasafino27]

I do have a rag basket 😁 but I like to use them as dust clothes in the kitchen with the dust and grease combined as soon as I find clothes that needs to be thrown away.

[@oumaclubbe522]

This was só in time! Thanks. I have given myself permission to get rid of all these items out of my house!

[@janicejettsitter2097]

I threw away some towels that I couldn't get clean today: they had grease on them. It made me feel good.

[@christinegomes3030]

Textile recyclers, yes, a real thing in California. They take all trashed clothing , prefer it in paper bags for their ease of recycling. ( some of us still have dozens from the pandemic when we weren’t allowed to take our reuse bags inside the grocery stores) Some goes to make insulation for homes, polyester is recycled into curtains drapes etc by IKEA, among others. Cotton is added to compost. The center near me set a goal of collecting a Million pounds this year. I’ve taken 3 Van loads Full, from my house, my daughter’s and our friends. They are on track to meet their goal. Proceeds get divided proportionally among the thrift stores in the area.

[@daniellegregory3359]

This was so helpful to me. Thank you❤

[@laurapellett7797]

I have always heard that the metal collection bins that you see in parking lots recycle the the clothes that are dropped in them.

[@leannewith3]

In Australia we have collection bins that are for fabric recycling. Some of our charity shops have fabric recycling as well.

[@happysteph7766]

What a great way to recycle clothes! BTW I was waiting for the captions you usually have at the end of your videos…they always make me laugh😂

[@SassySue67]

Check to see if a company called “simple recycling” is available in your area. They pick up all types of fabric stuff. It goes to a sorting facility where the damaged stuff gets turned in to rags.

[@patsweety]

I reuse as reusable kitchen towels or I cut it into strips and crochet some floor mats or storage basket

[@Math_ilda]

Great motivation video ! I was just hoping you'll have some clothes to discard and film while tossing them as it's my biggest struggle while decluttering and it's pretty much the only thing no ones film during declutter videos 😆 I hope next time you'll have clothes that can't be donated to toss while decluttering, that you'll film it 😀

[@azhotmom]

😂 loving all the graphic tees you're wearing in the new videos

[@juliebell6241]

Where are the end credits? Kinda my favorite part . Lol!!

[@naturalcreations40]

Good advice

[@ylime712]

After my dad has used a t-shirt till it's got "air conditioning" holes, we'll cut it up and put it in our rag milk crate. We use them to clean everything and I can't say I ever remember purchasing rags from the store.

[@mindymudge7247]

I love your tshirts!😊

[@lovinglife3954]

Always great. Now I want to see your rag box.😂 I’m so serious.

[@lisarivers1438]

Hi Dana, LoL am I the only one that turns faded tee shirts and sweat pants into pajamas.

[@elizabethsokol2545]

No🙂 And the cotton turns so soft from washing and age.

[@susanlowell4759]

I volunteered for a charity benefit shop that awarded a lot of grants and scholarships each year. Because space was limited, we could not use smelly, very dated, or obviously dirty clothing. We would pass it on to a store that would take those things. If clothing is too smelly, dirty or infested it gets trashed. Even the receiving stores sometimes trash things we would pass to them. Some items will not be accepted for safety reasons or storage limitations: electric blankets, durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, etc), car seats for children and babies or some children's furniture.

[@bissy_in_melbourne]

Omg "I wonder pile" oh yes! This is my problem, there are currently several piles driving around in the back of my car too🤦‍♀️

[@virgierutledge3004]

Any polyester goes into garbage. I cut off all buttons for my collection and for mending. I put old tee or sweaters on the head of my Swifer for wood floors. I put weird ones in basket to go to garage for husband. I keep the nice ones in my laundry room closet. I was my rags with my throw rugs. The ones used for glass, I wash alone.

[@juliea.7142]

There are some places that do textile collections. In my city the dump collects textiles ( clothes even if stained etc.) they have a metal cabinet that you throw the clothes or whatever you’re taking in there. There are many things you can take and then there are things you can’t take. They have the directions posted for people to know. So might want to check the dump in your area also.

[@MandyRay]

Hope Reid is enjoying his world tour trip, missed the credits though. 😉 Dana, as always...great advice/tips/words of wisdom. I had heard that some places even use those "trash" clothes to make filler inside mattresses for humanitarian purposes.