Wondering What to Do with Old Towels and Sheets? Here Are 10 Smart Ideas

We recently took stock of our linen closet and realized that half of the storage space was taken up by sheet sets and towels that we simply don't use. Some are very old and worn out and some just never seem to make it into our weekly linen rotation. Of course we didn't want to throw them out, so it got us thinking about recycling options.

1. Turn an Old Blanket Into an Ironing Board Cover

Use old sheets and blankets to make new ironing board pads and covers, like featured on A Beautiful Mess. Thick blankets make ideal ironing board pads. For the blanket pad, cut just the size of the ironing board top. Then, lay the old ironing cover down on your sheet and cut out, cutting extra to cover the sides of the board. Place the blanket pad underneath the sheet cover and fit to the ironing board.

2. Donate Old Towels and Sheets to Animal Shelters

Donate old sheets and towels to a local animal shelter. Most shelters will accept old blankets, bath towels, hand towels, sheets, pillows, pillowcases, bathroom rugs and t-shirts. Shelters use these for lining pet cages, cleaning up messes, drying off wet dogs, providing warm bedding, and covering kennel doors when pets need a rest from the light. Most shelters are under-served in this area, so any extra help is greatly appreciated.

3. Make a New Toy for Fido with an Old Towel

On that note, if you have a dog, make some thrifty knot toy from your old towels. Cut the towel into strips lengthwise about five inches wide and tie knots along the length of the towel close together. Your dog will love chewing on it.

4. Transform Your Old Sheets Into Curtains

If your sheets are still in good condition (and you still like them!), make them into curtains. A printed cotton topsheet would be an easy and lovely way to cover your windows.

5. Prep for Picnics and Outdoor Outings 

If you have a car, keep an old sheet or towel in the trunk for an impromptu picnic or day at the beach (also good for protecting the car seat after a swim). You could also sew a couple of old sheets together and use as a beach blanket.

6. Donate Gently Used Towels and Sheets to Shelters

7. Test Your Sewing Skills and Make Cloth Bags

Use your old sheets to make gift or shoe bags. Just cut the size you need, sew a one-inch seam for the drawstring, and then sew the bag together.

8. Fashion Old Textiles Into New Dish Towels

Make your own dishtowels by hemming the edges to prevent fraying or take old tea towels and turn them into pieces of hanging art.

9. Create Table Linens Out of Old Sheets

Use your old sheets to make a tablecloth, table runner, placemats and napkins. Sew a few layers of sheets together for added thickness. Also, use either an old towel or sheet to make an apron.

10. Go Green and Create Reusable Cleaning Cloths

Originally published 2009-02-09 – CB

Source: apartmenttherapy.com