I save buttons in my sewing kit. I tear up old flannel sheets and towels and keep them for my husband to use when polishing his guitars, or to use if something spills on the floor, or to use as smaller towels to dry off the dogs when they come in during rain or snow, or any other need that would require multiple paper towels. If one of the dogs knocks over the water bowl, these rags are perfect. Speaking of the water bowl, I keep it sitting on a plastic lid from a take-out order. It keeps the metal bowl from marring the tile, and I can replace it whenever I choose.
I have a bag of paper towels, used, for cleaning the bird bath and kitty “oops”. LOL They come in handy in the winter when the guys track in grit and ice on their boots too. THEN they get thrown away. I have holey towels for cat carriers and the floor in winter.
Years ago, I went to the NAPA parts house for some parts. I saw bundles of towels that were rejected by hotels. They were selling them of $10 for a bundle of five towels so I bought two bundles. I was going to use them to clean the cars.
Most were solid white and had the hotel names on them. The only thing wrong may have been a bad weave or seam on the end. My wife confiscated them for the bathrooms. We are STILL using them.