Ideas for recycling/reusing stained linen napkins?...

**peanut** · 02-07-2008, 06:05 PM

I just can't get the stains out of these, so I've retired them from active duty as napkins. However, I'm thinking the fabric is still good...any ideas what I can do with them???

Jean

**shoiji** · 02-07-2008, 06:46 PM

How about dying them a dark color. That way you can still use them as napkins.

I used one in place of a dish towel when making pasta. Just lined the cookie sheet with it and laid the pasta on it.

Also, any soft clothing I keep to make cat toys out of. You could do the same thing with the napkins.

Good luck finding new uses for them.

**claimsgirl66** · 02-07-2008, 07:06 PM

Can you use them to line a basket used for another purpose? Like serving bread? Or in one bathroom I have some toiletries in a basket on the counter, and put an old pretty napkin in to line it in case of drips, etc...

**Darlene** · 02-07-2008, 07:28 PM

Like stated above, they make great bread basket liners. I use mine for everyday use too, we don't care if they are stained as long as they are clean. My oldest napkins are oh so soft and feel nicer to the mouth than some scratchy new one. Love, love my cotton napkins from crate & barrel from my sil over 20 years ago. Weathered blue, slightly stained but the best napkins in the world.

**qtkitty** · 02-07-2008, 07:32 PM

i would say dye them darker like was already said. Deep wine color or dark cornflower blue

**guest002** · 02-07-2008, 07:35 PM

Originally Posted by qtkitty

i would say dye them darker like was already said. Deep wine color or dark cornflower blue

My thoughts exactly.

**PurpleSnowflake** · 02-07-2008, 08:20 PM

Tie Dye them in colors you like!

**kabin63** · 02-07-2008, 10:35 PM

Peanut,
What kind of stains are on the napkins? I would dye them to match the worst or darkest stain. What if you had different colors. I have to say though, I always thought a stained napkin was a sign of prosperity or better yet, gave the napkins more character. JMHO.

**wildflowerpa** · 02-08-2008, 06:36 AM

Sine youre not using them anyway ry mixing some Whink rust remover in some hot water, not sure how much and put one in and let it soak a little bit. I did this with my dh's brand new tan shirt he wore to work. He got lumber stain on it from cutting oak.(The sleeves were a pretty purple.) Even bleach won't take that out but the Whink combo did. Looks like a brand new shirt. The stains went the whole way through the fabric too. I put some Whink on the stain and rubbed it a little and then put it in some whink and water. Just a thought. You can also use this for taking rusty water stains out of clothes. Sory if I'm rambling, I'm half aleep.Haven't finished my coffee yet

**PrairieRose** · 02-08-2008, 07:10 AM

Like Darlene said we use them for everyday use even if they are stained. As long as their clean we don't care. When company comes we use paper napkins anyway.

**peanut** · 02-08-2008, 10:24 AM

Thanks everyone. I'll try the Whisk treatment before dyeing them. I'll use some to line baskets too...good idea. I always have a bread basket and fruit basket on the go...

Jean

**wildflowerpa** · 02-08-2008, 11:29 AM

If you try using Whink be sure to rinse your hands good. Also Rit makes a color remover that will take out some stains.

**peanut** · 02-08-2008, 11:17 PM

Someone today suggested I use them as pockets for my aprons, and put appliques over the stains! Wonderful idea.

Jean

**baxjul** · 02-10-2008, 05:41 PM

I use my stained ones for everyday use. With small children here everyday, they get used quite often.

**Rosebush3** · 02-10-2008, 07:52 PM

Would they be soft enough to make handkerchiefs out of?
A time consuming use for them, but could be a fun project, make paper with them, and all the scraps of paper that come into your life. I've seen paper made with old, torn jeans... could work.