Save Money and Aggravation: Why This $5 Kmart Must-Have Is a Complete Waste!

As we all know, finding a good bargain can be quite the thrill, especially when it comes to household essentials that we use every day. However, not all bargains are created equal, and sometimes a low price can be indicative of poor quality. This seems to be the case with a particular $5 item from Kmart that has recently come under fire from disappointed shoppers.

The item in question is Kmart's 10 Pack Cotton Tea Towels, which, despite their 4.4-star rating online, have been the subject of some scathing reviews from customers who have put them to the test in their own homes. These tea towels, which are marketed as being able to handle wet utensils and hot pots with ease, have been described by some as being utterly ineffective when it comes to their primary purpose: drying dishes.



A recent discussion in a popular Facebook group saw a flurry of responses to a query about the effectiveness of these towels. While a few users claimed they had 'never had an issue' with the towels, the overwhelming majority of comments were negative. Shoppers described the towels as 'hopeless,' 'terrible,' and 'absolutely horrible' for drying dishes. Complaints ranged from the towels simply smearing water around without absorbing it, to leaving behind lint and fibers on freshly washed items.


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Kmart shoppers have called out these tea towels as ineffective for drying dishes. Credit: Kmart


One frustrated user commented, 'Nope wouldn't waste money on these for wiping dishes. They don't dry the dishes and even after washing before use they leave little fabric hairs and different fibres over the dishes.' Another added, 'They smear the water around, they don’t absorb anything. They’re pretty useless.'



In the face of such criticism, some shoppers have shared a simple 'hack' to improve the performance of the tea towels: washing them in vinegar before use. Vinegar, known for its disinfectant properties and ability to break down detergent residue, can also make towels feel softer and more absorbent. 'I just add vinegar to the ‘fabric softener’ section of my wash drawer, with wash powder in the ‘wash’ section then put it on a normal 60-minute wash. Vinegar works so well!' shared one hopeful customer.

Despite this potential fix, it seems that many customers have given up on these tea towels for drying dishes and have turned to an alternative product from Kmart: the cotton hand towels designed for bathroom use. These towels, which range in price from $2.50 to $5, have received praise for their thickness and absorbency, even becoming a hit on TikTok. 'Girls, can we talk about Kmart having a major slay in the towels? Like, how cute is this!' exclaimed content creator @jasmyn.gif in her video review. 'They’re actually thick. These are thicker than the ones that I paid like $50 for on Temple & Webster.'

So, what's the takeaway for our savvy seniors looking to save a penny without sacrificing quality? It's a reminder that sometimes, it pays to spend a little more on certain items, or at least to do some research and read reviews before making a purchase. And if you do find yourself with a product that doesn't meet your expectations, don't be afraid to get creative with solutions like the vinegar wash, or to repurpose the item for another use – even if it's just for flicking flies!



Key Takeaways
  • Kmart shoppers have expressed discontent with the store's Cotton Tea Towels, labelling them ineffective for drying dishes.
  • Some customers report that the tea towels smear water around rather than absorbing it, and leave fabric hairs and fibres on the dishes.
  • A common tip shared by shoppers is to wash the tea towels in vinegar before use, which reportedly helps improve their performance.
  • Alternatives like using hand towels designed for the bathroom have been suggested by some Kmart customers, with these products receiving positive feedback on social media platforms like TikTok.

We'd love to hear from you, our dear members of the Seniors Discount Club. Have you had any similar experiences with bargain buys that turned out to be duds? Or perhaps you've discovered your own household hacks for turning a disappointing product into a useful one? Share your stories and tips in the comments below, and let's help each other make the most of our household budgets!
 

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News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

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