I gave each of my kids a new set of soft, high-quality bed sheets for Christmas last year, despite the fact that they didn’t actually ask for them. I decided to do it anyway, because A) my kids aren’t the type to regularly treat themselves to nice new sheets, so I figured they could probably use some, and B) because it was a convenient excuse to get an extra set for myself. (This ain’t my first rodeo!)
But once you replace your bed sheets, what do you do with the old ones? We’ve been asking ourselves the same question lately, so I thought I’d put together a list of ideas of ways we (and by “we” I mean me, my family, and all of you reading this) can put those old bed sheets to good use.
If you have some old bed sheets that you’re just not sure what to do with, you’ve come to just the right place. :-)
17 Ways to Use Old Bed Sheets
1. Build a Fort
Keep a stash of old bed sheets in a closet for building forts! Challenge your kids to make the best blanket fort they can using a couple of those old sheets. Your little ones can also use those sheets as curtains for puppet shows.
2. Protect Your Garden
You can keep your garden growing longer in the fall by covering it up on nights that are supposed to be especially chilly. An old bed sheet would work perfectly to insulate your plants from the cold!
3. Keep One in Your Car
Keep a spare bed sheet in your car for emergencies! If you have to change a flat tire, you can spread it out on the ground to keep yourself clean while you work. You can also use it to absorb those unavoidable spills that only seem to happen when you don’t have any napkins handy. ;-)
4. Make a Crafting Smock
Use an old sheet to make a tunic that will keep you clean while you’re crafting! Just cut a hole for your head somewhere in the middle of the sheet, and wear it while you’re doing messier crafts to keep your clothes clean.
5. Cover a Table
Save your old bed sheets to use as picnic blankets, or just as a barrier between you and the ground for outdoor concerts and sporting events! You can also use them as tablecloths while camping or at the park to cover those picnic tables. Bonus if you have an old fitted sheet! The elastic keeps the sheet from blowing around.
6. Make a Reusable Bag
Turn your old sheets into DIY grocery tote bags. Learn how from Sew4Home.
7. Make Cleaning Rags
Cut an old bed sheet up into smaller squares and use them as cleaning rags. I love to keep a stash of bed-sheet rags in the house for those messes that you know will stain your kitchen towels. I just use my sheet rags to clean it up, and then I don’t have to feel bad if I have to throw them away afterwards.
8. Make a Bath Mat
Turn your old sheets into a braided bath mat. Learn how from A Beautiful Mess.
9. Give to a Pet
Give an old bed sheet to your pet! Your dog or cat will love having something to cuddle up on that smells like their favorite human. This can be especially helpful for anxious animals.
10. Use Them for Quilting
If your sheets are a cute color and are still in fairly good condition, you can give them a new life by using them as backing material for a quilt!
11. Make a Heating Pad
Use the fabric of your old bed sheet to make an easy heating pad. Just cut out a rectangle of cloth and sew it closed on two side. Fill the pouch with dry rice or dry beans, then stitch the open edge closed. Microwave for 60 to 90 seconds until it’s warm. Bonus: you can also put it in the freezer or fridge to use as an icepack or cooling pad.
More Ideas You'll Love
12. Make a Shower Curtain
Turn your old sheets into a pleated shower curtain. Learn how from Click and Love.
13. Make a Sleeping Bag Liner
Use an old sheet to make a sleeping bag liner. Sleeping bag liners are thin fabric bags that are great take to hotels, hostels, or other places where you may want an extra layer between yourself and the bed. (They’re also good for keeping the inside of your sleeping bag clean, if you’re a camper.) To make your own sleeping bag liner, just fold your old bed sheet in half, sew the long edge shut, as well as one of the shorter edges.
14. Make Curtains
Turn your old sheets into inexpensive long curtains. Learn how from The Frugal Homemaker.
15. Use as a Drop Cloth
Use your old bed sheet as a drop cloth for a painting project! It’s easier to manipulate than a plastic sheet, and much less likely to tear accidentally.
16. Donate Them
If your bed sheets are still in pretty good shape, consider donating them to Goodwill or your local thrift store.
17. Turn Them into Napkins
Turn your old sheets into cloth napkins. Learn how from Apple Green Cottage.
Do you know of any other ways to use old sheets?
One on the living room carpet made a great picnic cloth when I had small kids and the power went out.
I put one over the summer furniture when I stow away for the winter.
I put a pretty one over the bed in the guest bedroom. And I use one over the bed when I am cleaning closets, etc. The bed makes a good work surface for sorting,, and I don’t have to worry about soiling the bedding.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Old sheets are also great for the beach. Put one down on the sand and place your beach towels on top of the sheet. The towels won’t get as sandy.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I never seem to have enough pillowcases, old sheets work great for that! I only use jersey sheets, cause I haven’t found anything more comfy :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Some good ideas here. The first one I”m going to try is the rug. ;-) Thanks.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I often buy them in garage sales and make myself or the kids, pajama bottoms. Very comfortable.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.WOW…I love that idea! Gonna try it out – thanks!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Agree, old sheets make an excellent cloth resource!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The sheet for a drop cloth is a good idea, but be careful. If you have more than a light smear or small splatter it may get on whatever is beneath it. I know someone whose teenager ruined her bedroom carpet doing this. It is still a very useful idea just don’t expect to be able to be too sloppy.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I make those rice bags bigger for hot/cold pads for sore muscles and aches. You can use clean feed corn or lentils. Also add a drop of essential oil if you want a nice soothing scent. I suggest the sheet for the inner cover with an outer cover that can be washed.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Your local animal shelter is always in need of old sheets, blankets , & towels
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Before tossing, please consider donating to the orphaned animals .They love something to snuggle up into, as much as you do!
I’ve also used old flannel sheets that are worn out as hankies for the winter sniffles! Lots softer than kleenex, and reusable. Just cut to the right size and serge or zigzag the edges.
When making shopping nags, it’s helps to use an old grocery sack for a pattern.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use old sheets and pillow cases to make kennel liners for rescue organizations. Dogs being rescued from a life in a puppy mill (Google puppy mills) have never had anything soft and this is their first experience with comfort. I actually snatch up pillowcases at garage sales to make liners for rescues.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for these ideas. I have been holding on to some old sheets for several months and now I have ideas to reuse them.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Already did this and gave my two little boys (both Chihauhau mixes) a comforting bed and they love it! Soft old flannel sheets. What else say’s love?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The curtain idea really works out nicely. I’ve used mine for some time now. The top hem fits right over a rod and gathers beautifully.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I was just going to donate. Now, I have 16 more options!
Thank you, Jillee.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The width of sheets make them perfect for sewing clothing, especially plus sizes.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Flannel sheets make fantastic p.j.’s.
Great ideas! A found a couple new projects.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Another good thing to do with old bed sheets-or blankets-is to donate them to your local animal shelter. They will be very much appreciated!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.True! Animal shelters love old sheets, blankets, and even bathmats for their shelter animals. Makes me feel good just thinking about it!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Bathmats? I never thought about those. I imagine they would be great. Thanks for sharing that!