We all have those bed sheets - the ones that we no longer use but don’t know what to do with. I mean, why throw them out, right? If you’re using top-quality bedding, which you probably should be since we all deserve to sleep like angels after a hard day at work, you’re likely shelling out a small fortune for bed sheets.
As it turns out, you could be losing hundreds of dollars in savings by not reusing your sheets in the form of cleaning materials, shopping bags, clothes and more. Yes, anything you can think of, you could probably use an old sheet for it.
It’s always nice to freshen up the bedroom from time to time but what could you possibly do with the old ones? Here are 10 ways to reuse your bed sheets when they’re no longer good for sleeping.
1. Cleaning
Old sheets are an eco-friendly and much cheaper alternative to disposable cleaning products. Everything from using the sheet outside during the fall to gather leaves when you’re raking your garden, to using it in your garage for messy shoes or using the sheets to protect areas of your home when you’re painting. You could even turn old sheets into rags for cleaning floors and other surfaces.
Another idea, why not use an old sheet to clean your car. Maybe not for a world-class clean, but you could easily clean bugs and debris off the exterior by simply wetting the sheet, wringing it out and then wiping your car down. Bugs and dirt will slide off, without ruining any of the paint work.
2. DIY Tent/Fort
This is such a fun and creative way to entertain the kids. It could be as simple as building an indoor fort, which would be perfect during bad weather, to building a DIY tent outdoors when the sun is shining. There are some great guides that will show you step by step how to make a DIY Kids Teepee.
If you want to build a DIY tent during the summer, all you need is a hula hoop and an old sheet. Simply hang the hula hoop from a stable tree or another high area in your garden and then drape the sheet across it. Yes, it really is as simple as that.
3. Picnic blanket
You could store old sheets in the trunk of your car and use them for impromptu picnics. Why spend your money on fancy picnic blankets when you practically have some already? If you have bed sheets that are colorful or patterned, even better. Alternatively, if you already own some decent picnic blankets or perhaps a beautiful one that you don’t want to ruin, you can always lay the bed sheet underneath the blanket to protect it from any dirt or dampness.
4. Movie screen
Now here’s a very creative way to use your old bed sheet – create your own cinema-sized movie screen. It might sound outrageous but it’s surprisingly easy. All you need is a projector, which you can pick up for a decent price online, or you could even rent or borrow one. An old sheet is the perfect alternative, if you don’t have white walls. Or for make-shifting a cute outdoor cinema.
Why spend big bucks on an outdoor movie screen if you could just make your own? If you’re fortunate enough to own a woody property, add grommets and use bungee cords to attach it to nearby trees. Alternatively, you could hang it from your porch or construct your own support. You can find out more specifics here.
5. Clothes
If you’ve got an artistic flair, you could turn your old sheet into some pretty stylish clothing. If you enjoy sewing this is a really fun project to take on. If you’re a beginner, old sheets are a great way to learn since you won't be spending your cash on expensive materials. A good garment to start with is pajama pants i.e. something most people won’t see you in. Or if you’re feeling confident a loose summer dress is also one of the easier pieces to sew.
6. Decoration
There are so many amazing things that you could make out of old bed sheets, most of which would never even cross your mind. Some of the crafty ideas that may take you by surprise include; DIY curtains, fabric-covered hangers, fabric gift wrap and fabric dinner napkins. There are some great tutorials on Pinterest that will give you step by step instructions for many of these creative ideas.
7. Shopping Bag
If, like many of us, you like to keep grocery bags on hand then this one is for you. You could refashion old pillowcases into tote bags. Whether you use your grocery bags for shopping, collecting trash, or carrying things out to your car for a long trip, tote bags are not only better quality, but also a lot better for the environment. They could even be very fashionable, and you will avoid the accumulation of plastic bags in your home.
8. Packing material
Whether you’re travelling, moving homes, or storing your belongings, old sheets can come in very handy to protect your goods. Why waste money on bubble wrap and butcher’s paper when you having something perfectly reusable and free already in your possession. You can cut an old sheet into small, medium, and large squares, and cut another sheet into strips. Use the strips to stuff the inside of fragile items such as glasses and use the squares to protect the outside. You could even lay a few extra-large squares on the top and bottom of each box and in between layers to create even more protection. Another option is to fold or crumple the sheets to prevent things from rattling around.
9. Plant Protection
Thinking about winter garden care and frost protection early will make sure that you don't lose your favorite plants. Frost protection for plants with an old bed sheet can prevent damage. This will trap some of the warmth from the ground and keep out a light frost. Fitted sheets are perfect over a raised flower bed. If you have followed a guide to buying bed sheets you most likely have high quality one’s that will work wonders in protecting your plants.
10. Pets
You could quite easily turn an old bed sheet into a cute braided dog toy. Simply cut the sheets into strips and braid several strips together at once. It’s a lot easier than it sounds and you will end up with a fun toy that is strong enough for your furry friend to chew on.
Old bed sheets also make for great pet blankets. You can place old sheet’s in your cat or dog’s basket to lie in for extra comfort. Or even in their favorite spot in your home, to keep the area clean. If your beds are allowed on your bed or the couch, simply drape the sheet over the area to protect it.
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Author Bio
Jade Emily runs a blog by the very same name at www.jadeemily.com.au. Visit her there to find your new source of inspiration for everything around the topics of design, style, health and beauty.
