Tote Bags or Reusable Shopping Bags

Reusable tote bags are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic. Make yours even more sustainable by fashioning it out of old bed sheets. Cotton and linen sheets are ideal for this project because they are strong, but soft enough to fold and store, says Ethan Hynes, textile expert at You Comfort. “Whether you stow it in your car or wear it as an accessory, you will never again have to use a wasteful plastic shopping bag thanks to your up-cycled sheets,” says Hynes.

Pet Beds

Pet beds are a popular way to repurpose bed sheets. “One of my favorite projects is making pet beds,” says May Wang, founder of Linens n Love. For a quick no-sew solution, she suggests layering the sheets several times and securing the ends with clips. You can add old towels or foam for extra padding.

For a more permanent solution, Wang recommends sewing the edges of the sheets together and leaving an opening to stuff the bed with fabric scraps or old clothes. This method creates a durable, washable bed that pets love. 

Furniture Protector

Have a couch that your pets just can’t resist? Old bed sheets are the perfect textile protectors and will keep your couch looking and smelling fresh for longer. Drape the bed sheet over your piece of furniture and tuck it into the creases. It can be removed, laundered, and stowed away as needed.

Pantry Shelf Liners

Consider converting your old bed sheets into pantry shelf liners, serving as a catch-all for food debris. “Simply cut the fabric to size and place it underneath canned goods, dry food containers, or other pantry items to prevent spills and dust buildup,” says Tina Priestly, home organizer at Ready, Set, REFRESH. The liners are easy to clean and replace and don’t cost you a thing.

Car Covers

Whether you park outdoors or in a garage, your car’s exterior is a magnet for dust, dirt, and debris. Fitted bed sheets are an excellent alternative to store-bought car covers, says Wang. Drape the sheet over your car to protect it from dirt, dust, leaves, water spots, and more. If the sheet doesn’t fully cover the car, Wang recommends using clips to hold it in place.

Closet and Drawer Organizers

Organization is key when it comes to maximizing closet space, and old bed sheets can help with this. “Old sheets can be turned into hanging closet organizers or dividers to keep clothing separated or prevent them from getting mixed up,” says Priestly.

Similarly, old sheets can be cut into strips and used to create soft dividers in drawers. The fabric can be easily folded or adjusted to fit various drawer sizes, says Priestly.

Picnic or Beach Blankets

Old bed sheets are the perfect size for setting up a picnic in the park, lounging at an outdoor concert, or sunbathing on the beach. They provide a soft and clean surface for you and your company, protecting your clothing, food, drinks, and belongings from sand or dirt. “Because of their huge size and lightness, they will serve perfectly,” says Hynes. “And you won’t mind getting them dirty.” He recommends doubling two sheets together and adding some stitching for extra padding and durability.

Fabric for Quilting Projects

No matter how intricate the design and masterful the stitch, quilts are best when soft on the skin, and repurposed cotton bed sheets can be a quilter’s best friend. “As a researcher into the lifecycle of fabrics, I always encourage people to think of sheets not as something to be discarded, but as a versatile textile that can add value in unexpected ways,” says Hynes. Old cotton bed sheets are a perfect fabric for quilting, as the soft texture and charming designs work beautifully in creating cozy, handmade pieces. 

Protective Covers

When storing breakables or delicate pieces, consider using your old bed sheets as wrapping or padding to prevent any damage. “If you’re storing fragile items, you can cut up old bed sheets and use them as protective covers or padding inside storage boxes, making sure your valuables stay safe and organized,” says Priestly. This is a far more sustainable method than using bubble wrap, and it can provide the same amount of protection if you wrap with care and adequate layers of fabric.

Polishing Silver

Cut old sheets into swathes of fabric and use them to polish household silver. The thin cotton material is flexible and easy to work into beveled areas and crevices. From monogrammed silverware to your grandmother’s jewelry, old sheets-turned-rags are ideal for cleaning various silver pieces. Plus, they can be thrown in the wash and reused afterward. 

Laundry and Storage Bags

Even a novice sewer can manage the cutting and stitching involved to create a laundry bag out of discarded bed sheets. “You can simply sew the sides together, adding a drawstring or Velcro closure,” says Priestly. These bags can be made to your specifications and needs, whether you’re using them for trips to the laundromat or storing out-of-season clothes. 

Homemade Costumes

Old bed sheets offer an affordable way to make various costumes for children. Make quick work of a ghost costume by cutting out holes for eyes and draping the sheet over your trick-or-treater’s body. Or cut a white bedsheet into strips to make a mummy-inspired ensemble.

Fabric Baskets

Give an old wicker basket from the thrift store a makeover by lining it with a cut-to-size bed sheet, says Priestly. For example, a basket lined with a floral or plaid flannel bed sheet filled with books or magazines can elevate a bedroom or office, whereas kids’ sheets might spruce up a toy basket for the playroom. 

When in Doubt, Donate

If you have a surplus of linens and your storage is at a maximum, consider donating your old sheets to an animal shelter. “One of the easiest and most impactful uses for old bed sheets is donating them to animal shelters,” says Wang. “Shelters often need bedding for their animals and use sheets to provide comfort and warmth. They can also repurpose them for cleaning.”

She recommends calling your local shelter or checking its website first to confirm if it accepts such donations, and to find out if there are specific hours allocated to accepting donations.