What To Do With Old Sheets: 13 Awesome Ideas
Published March 25, 2021
If you’re having a hard time thinking about what to do with old sheets, you’re not alone. In fact, this question gets a decent amount of queries in search engines.
But according to a 2017 survey, bed linen waste accounts for more than 10 million tons of landfill waste in the US each year. That’s because about 72% of bed linens ultimately end up in the dumpster. They don’t only pose an environmental hazard, but it’s also a lot of waste when they can still be recycled and repurposed.
So if you have some old sheets you’re looking to get rid of, do Mother Earth a favor and don’t throw them right away. Here are some awesome things you can do with your old sheets:
1. Donate Them to Charity
You may not have a need for those old sheets but some people will be more than happy to have them. So if you don’t have the time or the patience to turn them into something new, you can always donate them to charity. Soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and thrift stores usually accept bed linen donations. Just make sure they’re still usable and don’t have holes in them.
2. Keep One In Your Car for Emergency Purposes
There will be days when you need an extra bed sheet in your car. Whether you’re taking a long road trip or just need to lay down in your car, keeping an extra sheet will come in handy. You can also bundle it up with that emergency kit you keep in the trunk of your car.
3. Cut Them Up Into Reusable Cleaning Sheets
Instead of buying cleaning towels and sheets, just cut up some old sheets. This is perfect for sheets that have holes or permanent stains on them. You don’t even need to sew the edges. Just cut them up in whatever size you prefer and clean away.
4. Turn Them Into Pet Bed Covers
Why buy expensive pet beds when you can make one from your old sheets? You can check out this article to get some ideas. Both the planet and your furry friend will surely thank you for it.
5. Use It As Fort or Tent For a Child’s Playroom
DIY blanket forts and tents are a staple in children’s playrooms. If you don’t have blankets to spare, that old sheet will do. You can even make it a competition as to who can make the most beautiful fort or tent.
6. Repurpose as Picnic Blankets
This is one of the easiest recycling projects you can do with your old sheet. You don’t need to cut or sew or any crafting skills whatsoever. You can just take an old sheet from your storage and use them as picnic blankets. Just make sure they still look fine and don’t have any holes in them.
7. Upcycle Them as Curtains
You probably never thought of turning your old sheet into curtains. Well, this DIY guide will show you how. The best thing is you don’t need sewing skills so you can make them even if you’re not handy with a needle. Plus, they’re an inexpensive way to match your windows with your bedroom decorations.
8. Use Them as a Drop Cloth
Got a messy DIY project? Planning to repaint the room? Your old sheets can make a cheap and excellent drop cloth. If your sheet is on the thin side, don’t forget to put a plastic backing so the paint won’t seep to the floor or carpet.
9. Use as Garden Cover
If you want to keep critters out of your garden or protect your precious plants from marauding animals, using your old sheet as a garden cover is the cheapest way. Check out this quick guide for more ideas on how to do it.
10. Recycle Them Into Bags and Pouches
If you’ve got some decent sewing skills, then turning your old sheet into bags and pouches will be easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out. You can even turn this into a community project to raise funds for charity.
11. Use Them to Make Accessories
From scrunchies to coin purses and belts, there’s just so much you can do with old sheets. If you have a knack for crafts, the sky’s the limit. Though most of these projects only need beginner-level sewing skills. You may not even need a sewing machine, just a simple thread, needle, and a whole lot of creativity.
12. Knot Up a Cloth Dog Toy
Dogs like to chew on almost everything. So to save your furniture and footwear, just knot up a cloth dog toy from your old sheets. Check out this guide if you have no idea how to go about it. It’s very easy and there’ no sewing involved.
13. Make DIY Fabric Gift Wraps
Furoshiki or the art of wrapping gifts with fabric has taken the gift wrapping industry by storm. And why not? It’s not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also reduces paper consumption and the need to cut down trees. But instead of buying expensive fabric gift wraps, just make one yourself using your old sheets. Check out this tutorial for ideas.
Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida
Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has fed the poor and homeless in South Florida over 900,000 hot meals since 1993. Our tax deductible non profit organization also accepts and distributes donations such as clothing, toiletries, shoes, bicycles, and more. You can donate to help the poor and homeless through our website.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer and devoted Christian. She has a passion for writing about topics related to morality and helping the poor and homeless. She is the lead author for the Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen blog.
Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.
