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Last Updated February 13, 2026
Most of us don't give much thought to old sheets and pillows until they start taking over the linen closet. When bedding isn't quite right for sleeping anymore but still seems too good to toss, it's hard to know what to do with it. This article walks you through all the practical options (and sometimes surprisingly creative things) anyone can do with old bedding. Read on!
Key Takeaways:
Before deciding where anything should go, take a few minutes to look at what you actually have. Not all old bedding falls into the same category, and the best option depends almost entirely on how worn out it is.
Once you know which category your bedding falls into, figuring out the next step gets a whole lot easier.
If your bedding is still in reasonable shape, donating is often the simplest solution. The trick is knowing where to donate, because not every organization takes bedding.
Honestly, this is one of the best options out there. Animal shelters need bedding constantly, and they're not picky. Those sheets with the coffee stain that never quite came out? The ones that are a bit worn but still intact? Shelters absolutely want them.
They use bedding to line kennels, create comfortable spots for dogs and cats, provide warmth for animals recovering from surgery, and just generally make scared, stressed animals feel a little safer.
A quick call to the local shelter will reveal what they need and when they're accepting donations. Make sure to call them beforehand! It'll save you from bringing items they can’t take.
Homeless shelters and housing programs may also accept bedding, especially when it’s in good shape. People moving into stable housing often start with very few belongings, so basic household items can make a big difference. Policies vary from place to place, so it’s always best to check before dropping anything off.
Organizations like Goodwill, The Salvation Army, local churches, and dedicated housing programs (Covenant House, The Bowery Mission, Thrive Arizona, etc.) help furnish these new beginnings, and they rely heavily on donations.
Goodwill, Savers, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, America's Thrift Stores, and local thrift shops are other options for bedding that still look presentable. Their standards vary, so what one store accepts, another might not. But as a general rule, if someone feels comfortable giving it to a friend or family member, it's probably fine to donate. Plus, when people buy donated bedding, the money typically supports job training and community programs.
If donation isn’t the right fit, old bedding can still be useful around the house. In many cases, it ends up being more practical than expected.
One of the simplest uses is turning old sheets into cleaning cloths. Cotton fabric absorbs spills well and doesn’t leave lint behind. Cut the sheet into manageable pieces. Keep them in a small basket or drawer. They work for everything, from wiping counters to cleaning windows, and they can be washed and reused many times.
Old sheets also make reliable drop cloths. When you’re doing some light painting on a wall, just spreading them across the floor and furniture provides decent protection without spending money on new materials.
Keep in mind that they're fine for light drips on flat surfaces, but they may be unreliable for heavy spills.
If you're moving soon or putting furniture in storage, old bedding can be handy. Wrapping furniture in sheets/blankets helps prevent scratches and keeps dust off your stored items. The same idea applies to seasonal storage, especially for delicate décor items (like patio cushions).
Gardeners love old sheets. They can be laid down under mulch as a weed barrier, draped over delicate plants as shade cloth on brutal summer days, or thrown over tomato plants when there's an unexpected frost warning. Flannel sheets are very good for frost protection because they're insulating.
For anyone who can sew, sheets can be cut into napkins, placemats, kitchen towels, etc. This works best with sheets that are still in decent shape but may no longer match the current style. Homemade cloth napkins are great for casual meals, and who cares if they get stained? They were already on their way out.
Old bedding can be used to make comfortable beds for pets. You can also use old bedding to line their crates/carriers, or even create washable, disposable liners for puppy training. Animals don't care if the blanket has a stain on it; they just want something soft and cozy.
If you're moving fragile items, then wrapping them in old sheets and blankets instead of buying bubble wrap cushions is just as good, as they can be reused and don't create plastic waste. Fitted sheets with their elastic edges are especially handy for securing things inside boxes.
With more places ditching plastic bags, having a stash of reusable ones is smart anyway. Old pillowcases can become produce bags with just a drawstring added at the top. Larger pieces of fabric can be sewn into shopping bags, beach bags, or totes. People are often surprised and impressed when they hear that a nice-looking bag started life as a bedsheet.
Old bed sheets can get a second life as new covers for decorative pillows. Switching them out with the seasons refreshes spaces without spending money.
Useful read: How to Make a Pillow Cover
When your old bedding is too worn for any of these options, recycling is still possible. Many people overlook the fact that textiles can be processed into new materials.
Some local waste programs (San Diego Environmental Services, Los Angeles County MRP, Houston Furniture Bank, etc.) accept fabric for recycling. These items are turned into insulation, padding, or industrial cloths. Checking your city/county website usually indicates whether this service is available nearby.
Certain clothing retailers (H&M, Zara, Levi's) also offer take-back programs. They collect old textiles in any condition and send them to recycling facilities. Some even provide small discounts in return.
If local options aren’t available, mail-in programs exist as well (e.g., Trashie and LoadUp). They may involve a small fee, but they’re still better than sending everything to a landfill.
If your bedding is made entirely from natural fibers like cotton or linen, composting is sometimes possible. The fabric needs to be cut into small pieces, and all synthetic parts must be removed.
This method works best for small amounts and should be used only as a last resort after donation, reuse, and recycling.
| Bedding Type | Best Options | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Sheets | Donate (if in good condition); cut into rags; use for crafts | Very versatile and easy to repurpose for cleaning, sewing, household projects |
| Comforters and Duvets | Donate to animal shelters; use for moving or storage padding; textile recycling | Shelters use them for warmth and comfort, and recycling programs can reuse the filling |
| Blankets | Donate to shelters or emergency groups; give to homeless outreach programs | Highly useful for warmth, especially during disasters or for people without stable housing |
| Pillows | Donate to animal shelters; reuse stuffing for crafts; textile recycling; brand take-back programs | Many centers avoid used pillows for hygiene, but shelters and recycling options still accept them |
| Mattress Pads and Mattress Toppers | Donate to homeless shelters; donate to animal shelters; textile recycling | Shelters use the padding to provide comfort, while recycling programs can repurpose the materials |
Here are a few simple things worth keeping in mind before you pass items along or turn them into something else.
Start with a proper wash: No matter where the bedding is headed, clean it first. Donation centers expect it, and even items meant for recycling or crafts are much easier to handle when they’re fresh. A basic wash-and-dry usually does the job.
Be realistic about the condition: It’s easy to think someone else might use something, but badly torn, unsanitary items rarely make good donations. That doesn’t mean they’re useless. Many of those pieces still work well as cleaning rags, pet bedding, or material for textile recycling.
Remove hardware and attachments: Before donating or recycling, take off anything that isn’t fabric. This includes elastic straps, plastic clips, buttons, and metal pieces. It makes items easier to process and prevents damage to sorting equipment.
Keep sets together when you can: If you’re donating matching sheets or bedding sets, fold and bundle them together. It helps the charities hand them out more easily. If things don’t match, that’s fine; most places are simply glad to receive usable bedding.
Save a few pieces for home use: Before clearing everything out, set aside a couple of older sheets and blankets. They come in handy for any situation where you don’t want to risk your nicer linens.
Look, nobody's going to judge anyone for throwing away some old sheets. Sometimes that's just what happens. But you have to understand that textiles make up a shocking amount of landfill waste.
Millions and millions of tons of old bedding are thrown away every year, just in the US. Natural fabrics release methane as they break down, and synthetic ones can linger for decades. On top of that, making new fabric requires large amounts of water and energy. Keeping what we already own in use a little longer reduces waste. It also eases the demand for new production.
Small actions add up. One person's old sheets won't change the world, but thousands of people making slightly more thoughtful choices? Well, that actually does make a difference!
Old bedding isn't a complicated decision anymore. Before you toss it, take a minute to inspect its condition. If it’s still decent, donate it to someone who can use it. If it’s worn out, keep it around for cleaning. And if it’s truly done for, look into recycling.
Related blog posts:
1. How to Recycle or Repurpose Your Old Mattresses and Toppers?
2. What to Do With Old Pillows
3. How to Store Pillows Properly
Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.
