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 CraftStylish.
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 Common Thread.
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.
12. Make A Shower Curtain
Turn your old sheets into a striped shower curtain. Learn how from Welcome to Heardmont.
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 Design Sponge.
Do you know of any other ways to put old sheets to good use?
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