Old cotton mats, especially thick ones do not have to be thrown away if they already become worn and tattered. These are great at absorbing liquid spills, and you can even use them as fillers for old pillows that you can use for outdoor seating. Here are some practical ways for reusing your old cotton mats.
As fillers for outdoor pillows
You can use clean old mats made of cotton to stuff pillows for outdoor use. You can use pillowcases made of thick fabrics, which are better for outdoor use compared to dainty and lacy pillowcases which are more suitable for the living room or the bedroom. Simply cut up the mat and stuff the pieces into the pillowcase before zipping it up. If you have a large mat, you can probably stuff two regular-sized square pillowcases at the least.
As fillers for a doggie mattress
Most dog owners reuse their old comforters to line their dogs bed especially in preparation for the colder winter months. If you ran out of old comforters, you can use an old cotton mat to make your dogs sleeping pile thicker and warmer. Make sure to wash the mat before using it on your dogs bed, especially if you have been using it as an area rug or a doormat. It is also best to cover the entire mat with a clean blanket or a pile of old but clean clothes to make the sleeping area cozier for your dog.
As a floor-cleaning rag
Old mats made of cotton are great for cleaning the floor since they absorb liquids really well. You can also use them to buff the floors to give your wooden floors a good shine. If you know how to sew, you can cut up sections of the mat and sew the pieces into several layers, giving you a thick floor rag that will last you for years.
Mats made of cotton can serve other purposes if they are no longer functional as mats. From pillow fillers to floor cleaning rags, there are many uses for the old mats you have at home. Reuse old mats and save on cleaning expenses while lessening the stuff you throw out with the trash.
06/01/2012
How to Reuse Old Cotton Mats
05/28/2012
Getting Rid of Flies and Other Insects
The weather is getting warmer and many people are preparing to spend as much time outdoors as possible while the temperatures are conducive for outside activity. As people begin to spend more time outside of their homes as the climate becomes more pleasant, they must also deal with the problems associated with insects like flies. If you have ever planned an outdoor picnic or gathering only to have it destroyed by the presence of insects, you know that there is certainly a dark side to the warmer months of the year. As time goes on, the insects have a habit of getting inside your home, as well. Fortunately, there are ways to eradicate fly populations and other insect colonies so that you can enjoy the nicest time of the year.
Insects are attracted to food and water. This is why you need to keep your home sanitary and clean both indoors and outdoors. Food needs to be stored and put away properly when it is not being served or eaten. Also, trash needs to be disposed of regularly so that it does not provide an incentive for insects. It is also a good idea to keep a container of spray for fly populations and other insects. If you spray regularly, you can keep your home free from infestations. If insect populations become too large for you to bear, the next step is to retain the services of an exterminator who can treat your home and property to ensure that your spaces are insect-free.
