What to Do With Old Bedding? 7 Clever Ideas You’ll Love!

Wondering what to do with old bedding piling up in your closet? Most households collect extra sheets, pillowcases, and comforters over the years. This article shares 7 clever ideas to recycle, donate, or repurpose used bed linens easily.

Read on for smart solutions you’ll love!

Donate Old Bedding

Your old sheets and blankets can give comfort to those in need. Homeless shelters and animal rescue groups always need clean bedding for their residents.

Local shelters and charities

I recently upgraded my bedding from my favorite brand, Miracle Made, and looked into donating my old sets. Here are some quick tips on places that accept old bedding—and help others at the same time:

• Local animal shelters take sheets, blankets, and bedding items. Soft materials keep waiting pets cozy and comfortable.
• Homeless shelters usually welcome gently used sheets, pillows, and blankets for people who need them. The American Red Cross accepts these items too, helping families facing tough times.
• Salvation Army even picks up blankets and bedspreads right from home, for free—making donations simple.
• Churches often accept bedding donations that other places might not take, using them directly in local outreach programs.
• Goodwill gladly accepts clean sheets and blankets in decent condition for resale, but no mattresses or heavily worn items.
• Small local thrift stores often resell donated bedding, using sales to fund community activities. Just call ahead to confirm what they accept.
• Women’s shelters especially need fresh, clean sheets and blankets—this helps moms and kids feel safe, warm, and comfortable as they begin again.

Animal shelters and rescue centers

Your old sheets and blankets can make a big difference to animal shelters and rescue groups needing clean bedding for their pets.

• Shelters run on tight budgets, so donated bedding helps animals stay warm and comfy.
• The Humane Society welcomes sheets and towels, but no down comforters—they’re too tricky to clean.
• Local wildlife centers reuse old bedding as soft nests to comfort injured and orphaned animals.
• Animal welfare specialist Elizabeth Colley fully supports giving old sheets and linens to shelters.
• Cotton fabrics hold up best in shelters, since staff wash bedding often.
• Colder months fill shelters with more stray animals—which means more bedding is needed.
• Even old pillow cases help—perfect size beds for small pets like guinea pigs or rabbits.
• Shelters place donated blankets over carriers, keeping pets calm during trips to the vet.
• Animal care groups usually accept bedding items with small tears or slight pilling, even if they’re not good enough for home use.
• Before you donate, call your local shelter and find out exactly what they need.

Recycle Your Bedding

Old sheets and blankets don’t need to end up in the trash. Many stores and towns now offer places to drop off worn bedding for proper recycling.

Textile recycling programs

Recycling programs let you give worn sheets new purpose and keep them from landfills. Here’s how you can easily recycle bedding that’s past donating:

• TerraCycle offers Zero Waste Boxes just for fabric recycling—taking things like pillowcases and tired sheets.
• Cities often have textile recycling bins in parking lots or at community centers.
• Stores like H&M take bedding for recycling and might give you a discount in return.
• Earth911.com finds nearby places to recycle textiles—just type in your zip code.
• Fabscrap turns scrap fabric into brand-new material rather than trashing it.
• Some recycling centers reuse bed linens for insulation, carpet padding, or industrial rags.
• Goodwill and Salvation Army recycle textiles that are too worn-out to sell.
• Local waste management often has curbside pickup for fabric recycling—check with them directly.
• Making recycled bedding uses less water and cuts pollution compared with creating new fabric.

Next time you pick up new bedding, send your used linens to these recycling spots—not to the bin.

In-store recycling drop-offs

You can easily drop off your old bedding for reuse at many popular stores—easy, quick, and great for the planet. Here are some handy options:

1. H&M takes any fabric—sheets, blankets, whatever—and they’ll give you a discount voucher for your next buy.
2. IKEA has bins set up in-store for textile recycling, even if you bought your bedding elsewhere.
3. Bed Bath & Beyond holds seasonal recycling drives to collect old bedding and dispose of it properly.
4. Target provides special drop-off bins near entrances at select locations for discarded sheets, pillowcases, and duvets.
5. The North Face welcomes clean, used bedding for their Clothes The Loop program—they turn your textiles into insulation for buildings.
6. JoAnn Fabrics often gathers old bedding and fabric scraps, using them in community-based projects.
7. Crate & Barrel works with textile recyclers, making sure your microfiber sheets don’t end up in a landfill.
8. Patagonia accepts bedding made from natural fibers like wool or down, recycling them into new materials.
9. Some neighborhood mattress shops offer to take old bedding off your hands if you’re buying replacements.

Here’s how you can reuse old bedding creatively at home.

Repurpose Old Bedding

Old bedding can find new life around your home with some creative thinking. Your worn sheets and pillowcases make perfect cleaning cloths for dusting or washing cars.

Turn sheets into cleaning rags

Your worn-out bedsheets are actually perfect cleaning rags. I usually cut my old cotton sheets into smaller squares—about 12 inches across. Homemade cloths soak up spills, handle dust, and polish windows better than paper towels.

Plus, they’re budget-friendly: a single bedsheet makes around 20-30 reusable rags, and each rag can last several months.

The most sustainable cleaning tool is the one you already own.

Cotton fabric picks up moisture quickly and won’t leave lint on windows or mirrors. After cleaning, just toss the cloths into your washer, cutting down on paper waste. At our monthly neighborhood coffee gatherings, several of us often trade clever homemade rag tips.

Beyond cleaning, old sheets even double as protective wraps for furniture during moves or storage….

Use as protective covers for furniture

Old bed sheets are great furniture protectors for messy home chores. I toss worn-out sheets over sofas, tables, and chairs—to shield them from dust, paint drips, or scratches. The fabric catches all the mess, sparing nice furniture from ugly stains.

Cotton covers beat plastic sheets; they stay put easily and don’t make those annoying crinkle sounds.

Even stained or slightly torn sheets still do a fine job. For instance, just last month, I spread an old coverlet across my couch before painting the walls. All the paint splashes landed on the sheet, leaving the sofa spotless.

This easy hack saves money you’d spend on store-bought drop cloths or plastic covers.

Create pet bedding or blankets

Those worn sheets and comforters you have lying around can become cozy beds for your pets! Last month, I saved over $40 by turning my fitted sheet—with its faded colors and tiny holes—into a comfy spot for my cat, skipping the pet store entirely.

Cats and dogs really don’t mind minor rips or worn-out fabric—they just love a soft place to curl up. Just fold old sheets into thick, comfy pads or fill extra pillowcases with leftover fabric scraps, and you’ve got instant pet cushions.

Have some basic sewing skills? You can easily refill flattened pet beds by stuffing them with older bedding material. Cotton sheets feel nice against fur, and they’re super easy to toss into the wash.

These homemade pet beds work great indoors or even for outdoor animal shelters.

Next, we’ll find more easy ways your old bedding can become handy household items.

Upcycle for New Uses

Old sheets and blankets can get new life as cute shopping bags or pillow covers with basic sewing skills. Your worn-out bedding has endless craft uses – from making yarn for rugs to creating patchwork quilts that tell a story.

Sew reusable shopping bags

Got some basic sewing skills? You can easily turn your used sheets into reliable shopping bags. Jill started doing this four years ago—she still takes those same bags on every grocery run.

All it takes is measuring and cutting your fabric to size (main bag piece and handles), folding and stitching edges, and then attaching the handles firmly. Cotton sheets work great—they’re washable, durable, and strong enough for heavy items like canned soup or fresh produce.

Homemade bags mean less plastic in landfills, plus your old bedding gets another chance to shine. Mix up the sizes—from small produce bags to larger totes perfect for bulky packages.

Inside pockets can hold your wallet or grocery list, making the bags even more handy. Using bright patterns creates playful, standout designs at the store, maybe even prompting conversations about creative recycling.

Make cushion covers or quilts

Old sheets or pillowcases can become fresh, new cushion covers. Last summer, I reused my faded blue sheets, turning them into three cheerful cushion covers for the porch swing. Cut the fabric to size, sew up the edges, and finish with a zipper or buttons—simple and quick.

Or if sewing isn’t your thing, just wrap the fabric around the cushions and secure the edges with fabric glue or safety pins.

You can also turn old bedding into a cozy memory quilt. Pick out sheets with special patterns, or maybe your kids’ favorite—but outgrown—bedding. Cut these sheets into squares, sew them into rows, then stitch the rows together.

You can even add nylon backing from an old sleeping bag—this gives the quilt extra warmth and durability.

Old bedding works great for reusable shopping bags too.

Use for DIY craft projects

Used sheets have loads of crafting potential, way beyond cushion covers. You can turn fabric strips into charcloth—great fire starters for your next camping trip. Old pillowcases easily become adorable stuffed toys, with just a little sewing and embroidery.

Last month, I turned a worn-out bedsheet set into three cute teddy bears!

Gardening tip—your aging bedding can help control weeds. Just put sheets down between garden rows as mulch, and weeds won’t come through. Worn-out sheets also help protect your workspace during messy crafts or serve as unique gift wrap.

Fabric from old bedskirts is ideal for appliqué projects, adding decoration to household items.

Dispose of Responsibly

Learn how to toss old bedding the right way by checking your local waste rules and keeping worn-out sheets out of dumps – read on for smart ways to make your bedroom items last longer!

Check for municipal waste guidelines

Throwing out old bedding can get tricky—rules change a lot from town to town. Here are some quick tips to clear things up:

• Many cities have special rules for big stuff like old mattresses, comforters, or bulky pillows filled with goose down, since these won’t fit in regular trash bins.
• Call your local waste management office or check their website for clear details on your area’s bedding disposal rules.
• A lot of towns schedule special pick-up days just for bulky household items like mattresses and fluffy bedding—easy, quick, and hassle-free.
• Some spots might ask you to wrap your bedding in plastic before putting it outside, keeping things neat and dry on collection day.
• Local recycling centers often accept textile items that are clean yet worn out—even sheets or blankets with tears.
• See if there are local textile drop-off bins around—these make donating worn pillowcases or bedsheets super convenient.
• Cities with compost programs sometimes accept bedding made from pure cotton or linen, but double-check their rules first.
• Many towns work with local charities that happily accept bedding donations for shelters or needy families.
• Mattress disposal fees can pop up at waste facilities—so call ahead and see what it’ll cost before you drive over.
• Burning old bedding in a campfire can be tempting, but lots of places have rules against it—so always check local fire safety guidelines first.

Avoid sending to landfills if possible

Old bedding fills landfills quickly—and breaks down very slowly. Most dumps overflow with fabrics that still have good uses. But local recycling programs can give sheets and pillowcases new life.

Lots of cities have special spots just for dropping off old fabrics. Those worn sheets, believe it or not, can become carpet padding, insulation—or even fresh clothing.

Check local rules for fabric disposal before throwing stuff away. Some towns ban specific textiles from regular trash bins. Animal shelters regularly take old blankets and sheets to use as cozy pet bedding—a nice second life for worn items.

Bedding marked with Oeko-tex certification breaks down easier than synthetic fabrics, making them gentler on the environment. Old bedding can even help control weeds in your garden—one final job before it becomes part of the soil again.

Tips for Prolonging Bedding Lifespan

Learn how to make your sheets and blankets last longer with smart care tips that save you money – click through to find out how proper washing, drying, and rotating your bedding sets can add years to their life!

Proper washing and care

Wash your sheets weekly—it’s an easy way to keep them fresh and clean. Weekly washing removes dirt, sweat, and dead skin from bedding. Hot water cleans best by killing germs, but always check the fabric’s care tags first.

Some delicate fabrics, like silk or linen, need cooler water to protect them. Dry them on the lowest heat—this stops shrinking and prevents early fabric wear. Finally, fold your sheets right after drying to avoid wrinkles, which can make bedding look messy or dirty.

It’s helpful to have two or three sheet sets to switch regularly. Rotating sheets gives fibers a chance to breathe, and it protects seams from early wear. Use mild laundry detergents—heavy chemicals can weaken fabric over time.

Pick detergents labeled with Oeko-tex standard certification, as they’re gentler on fabrics and safer on your skin. These simple care routines help bedding stay comfortable and last longer.

Rotating bedding sets

Changing sheets each week helps them hold up better over time. You won’t wear one set down, while others collect dust in the closet. Every Sunday, I put fresh sheets on my bed, and toss the used ones into the dryer—adding a couple drops of essential oil to freshen things up a bit.

Doing this keeps my bedding in great shape for years.

Rotating your bedding regularly also improves your sleep. Different sheets add variety to your bedroom style and feel. A good routine: have three sets—one on the bed, one in laundry, and one waiting in storage.

With this simple habit, no single set gets washed and used too often. Your pillowcases stay bright, and your fitted sheets hold their shape longer.

How Will Bedding Disposal and Repurposing Evolve in 2025?

By 2025, getting rid of old bedding will become much simpler—and greener. Smart recycling stations will start appearing across more towns, letting you easily drop off those ragged sheets and pillowcases.

These places quickly sort fabrics and remake them into brand-new products.

Stores will jump in, too—noticing this trend, they’ll offer trade-in deals. Imagine trading in your worn-out comforter and snagging a $15 discount on the next one you buy! Animal shelters plan to expand their networks, collecting donated bedding through handy apps.

With these apps, you’ll know exactly what items shelters need and where to drop them off.

DIY projects will take off even more. Online classes will show you how to repurpose old sheets into handy shopping bags or gardening fabric that helps keep weeds away. Some clever campers already use worn cotton sheets as perfect fire-starting tinder—talk about multi-purpose!

You’ll find more drop-off bins popping up at shopping centers, giving used bedding a second chance instead of clogging landfills. Even hard-to-clean bedding will become easier to reuse, thanks to improved sanitizing methods.

And if you’re ready to spruce up your whole room—not just your bedding—take a look at these pointers on bedroom design.

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