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If you’re like me, you probably have about a half-dozen old bed sheets that haven’t seen the light of day for years.
I’ve been trying to find some creative (and practical) ways to reuse those sheets — some of which have a few small holes and tears, or the occasional bleach stain or two.
Sure, you may wonder why I don’t just toss out those old sheets. But, the “waste not, want not” adage that rang through my ears during my youth from dear grandma and mom has dissuaded me in my adulthood from tossing out those old sheets as if they were yesterday’s newspaper.
Besides, I am always keen on recycling clothes, and old toys, and just about anything else that is taking up valuable space in my (cramped) closet.
So, what are some good ways to reuse bed sheets?
Here are 4 ideas:
#1 – Reuse Sheets As Protective Blankets For Plants
Even in Central Florida, we experience several frosty, freezing nights during the winter months. (No, summer doesn’t really last all year long here, no matter what the tourist brochures want to have you believe.)
So, what do I do when Jack Frost starts nipping at my subtropical exotic plants’ noses? Break out the recycled sheets, because a single layer of 200-thread count sheets is often just enough to protect plants from the pith-chilling effects of a long, wintry night.
While you want ample protection to keep your plants safe from chilly temperatures, be sure the sheets you use aren’t so heavy that they will break the stems and buds of your more sensitive plants.
#2 – Old Sheets Make Fun Tie Dye Projects
If you have any old sheets that are still basically intact (no holes or tears), why not give them new life by making them the subject of a tie-dye project?
Not only is this a great way to add a little jazz to your array of bedding, but you’ll be able to have some groovy sheets that are uniquely yours.
A tie-dye project is very cheap — but not necessarily the cleanest of DIY activities — so be sure you lay down plenty of plastic drip cloths on any surfaces that might get inadvertently stained.
#3 – Use As Bedding When You Or A Loved One Is Sick
There’s nothing worse than feeling sick. But do you really have to get the beautiful sheets on your bed involved with your ailment?
Sometimes, being sick can be a little messy, so instead of having to worry about removing less-than-desirable stains from your favorite bedding, why not reuse old sheets as temporary bedding while you’re sick?
You will avoid the possibility of permanently ruining your good bedding, and if your old sheets do get stained, you can simply discard them.
#4 – Old Sheets Make Cozy Bedding For Pets
You may not want anything less than the newest Chanel sheets in your boudoir, but chances are your four-legged family members have less discriminating tastes when it comes to what they sleep on.
In fact, as long as your old bedding is warm, Rover or Mr. Snuggles probably won’t care if your old sheets have any rips or tears — so long as they can curl up and catch a spontaneous nap on it.
So, before you toss out your old bedding, reuse those sheets in your pet carrier, dog bed or cat bed, or anywhere else a pet blanket may be appreciated by your beloved, furry friend.
Don’t have a pet? Then donate your old sheets to the nearest animal shelter — because old bedding almost always appears on the wish list of animal shelters.
More (Bonus!) Ways To Reuse Sheets
There are plenty of other creative, fun, or practical ways to reuse your old bed sheets in addition to the ideas I list above.
Here are a few more ideas:
- Paint canvas
- Camping bedding
- Cargo cover (for items stored in the back of a pick-up truck, camper, etc.)
- Dust rags
- Furniture covering
As you can see, the great thing about old sheets is that they are really ideal for all types of uses – and with a little imagination, the number of ways to reuse old bed sheets is virtually endless.
As an advocate for good health, I usually try to choose the 'greener' option over other more dangerous and/or wasteful options. Generally speaking, if it's bad for your health or the planet, I try to avoid it. In my effort to live green, I like to find new (healthier) budget-friendly ways to do things — from cleaning to recycling to home decorating. My goal is to help you take the chore out of living green by sharing fun new ecofriendly ideas that you can try today… or <em>any</em> day! My all-time favorite way to live green is to repurpose items and give them a new use — I've written a lot of useful DIY articles.
