What to Do With Old Bedding That’s Not Needed?

We all enjoy the feeling of a crisp new duvet cover, luxuriously soft sheets, and plump new pillows. But what happens to your old bedding that needs replacing? Don’t worry, as experts, we’re here to tell you what to do with old bedding. It might be tempting to simply toss it away, but in a world that’s increasingly focused on sustainability and mindful living, there are far better options. 

At Christy, we believe in quality that lasts, which is why our bedding collections have been designed with longevity and durability in mind. But even the most beloved bedding eventually reaches the end of its life cycle. From clever upcycling projects to charitable donations, you might be surprised at the many ways that you can give your pre-loved linen a new lease of life. 

Let’s delve into them… 

What to do with old bed sheets 

If you have recently treated yourself to some new bedding, then it’s no surprise that you might be wondering what to do with your old bed sheets. Whether they’re still in good condition or they’ve seen better days, there are plenty of ways to give your bedsheets a second lease of life. 

1. Donate them 

One of the best things you can do to give your bedding a second chance is to donate it. There are plenty of organisations and charities that would benefit from old bedding, and you can start by researching your local area to see if someone closer to home could use your old bed sheets. If your bedding is still in good enough condition, then we recommend donating it to a charity. Particularly during the winter months, most housing shelters are extremely happy to receive donations of clean bedding, including pillowcases, duvet covers, and sheets, to help someone in need. 

Whether it’s a housing shelter or an animal shelter, there isn’t a better feeling than knowing you’ve made a difference to someone in need. Animal shelters in particular are constantly in need of bedding, towels, blankets, and sheets, and rely on these donations to keep their sheltered pets warm. What can be accepted can differ from shelter to shelter, so make sure to check online before arriving with your donation. 

Charities that could benefit from your old bed sheets include: 

• Salvation Army Trading - Bed linen

• The British Red Cross - Cushions and duvet covers 

• RSPCA - Towels, blankets, bed sheets, and bedding 

• Dogs Trust - Towels and bedding 

2. Recycle them 

If your bedding really is looking and feeling past its best, then recycling is a great option. Bedding, when it isn’t in good enough condition to be handed to someone else, can be recycled and made into new items, such as padding for chairs, cloths for cleaning, or industrial blankets. Your local council might even collect textiles to be recycled, so it is worth looking into this before throwing any old bedding away. 

Many high street stores now run programmes where they will accept home textiles. Your items will be inspected and sorted to find reusable items and everything else will be recycled so that nothing goes to landfill. 

3. Reuse and repurpose them 

Instead of throwing your once-beloved bedding away, there are plenty of great ideas out there for repurposing it. Old bedsheets offer a wealth of possibilities for reuse in your home, and they can become anything from handy cleaning rags to protective coverings for furniture. If your bedding is still in okay condition, and you’ve got scissors and a sewing machine to hand, then we’ve got some great ideas that can transform your old pillows and duvet covers into something creative and functional! 

Curtains - Old bed sheets and duvet covers are a great material to turn into stylish curtains. Flat sheets are best to use as they are already a rectangular shape, and you should also consider the pattern, colour, and thickness. Remember to add extra length if you want your curtains to pool on the floor or have a deep hem! 

Fabric gift wrapping - Instead of buying bows and tags, unleash your creative side by turning your old sheets into fabric ribbon and tags for gift wrapping. This works particularly well if you have bright, patterned sheets, as you can cut them up and reuse the scraps for ties around gifts, bows, or decorative streamers. 

Blanket forts - Another great way to reuse your old sheets is to enjoy building a blanket fort. Particularly great if you have kids, it’s a fun activity to do on a rainy day, or you can snuggle up in it and read a book before bedtime. Make sure to scatter plenty of cosy throws and cushions on the inside for extra comfort and warmth. 

Things to consider before getting rid of your bedsheets 

Before you decide whether you want to donate, reuse, or recycle your old bedsheets, there are some important things to consider. You’ll need to be completely honest about whether your sheets are reusable, recyclable, or good enough for donation, as you need to ensure that your old bed sheets are handled responsibly and find the best new purpose for them. 

Before donating: 

• Check their condition and cleanliness - Make sure you are donating items that are still in good, usable condition. 

• Ensure the set is complete - If you’re donating a duvet set, ensure that all matching pieces are included, if possible. 

• Check the charity needs - Some charities might have specific needs or limitations on the types of bedding that they can accept, so always check before donating. 

Before recycling: 

• Check your local recycling guidelines - Check with your local textile recycling banks to see if they have specific instructions on what types of textiles they accept and how they should be prepared.

• Remove non-textile parts - Take off any buttons, zips, or other non-fabric components that your bed sheets might have. 

• Check for mould or strong odours - Bed sheets or pillowcases with mould or a strong, persistent smell might not be accepted for recycling. 

Before reusing: 

• Consider the material - Think about your bed sheet’s fabric type. Cotton is great for cleaning and crafting, while flannel can be cosy for pet bedding.

• Your needs and skills - Think carefully about what you need around the house and what you are capable of making. If you don’t sew, then stick to no-sew reusable ideas. 

• Assess the condition - Small tears in your bedding or worn areas might be acceptable for some reusable projects, like cleaning rags, but larger damage might limit their usefulness. 

Upgrade your bedding collection with Christy 

Hopefully, you now know what to do with old bedding. At Christy, our 175-year heritage shows how dedicated we are to weaving comfort and quality into each of our products. So, the next time you think about throwing them away, think a bit more creatively, even after they’ve served their time in your bedroom.

For further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. A member of our expert team is always on standby to answer your questions. Our team is truly passionate about the careful craftsmanship of Christy products, ensuring that you experience luxury in your every day. 

Frequently asked questions: 

What to do with old towels? 

There are plenty of ways that you can upcycle and reuse your old towels. You can repurpose them by turning them into cleaning rags, donating them to animal shelters or charities, or using them for DIY projects like bath mats or ironing board covers. For more information, have a read of our blog: 5 Ways to Reuse & Upcycle Your Old Towels. 

When should you replace your duvet? 

On average, you should consider replacing your duvet every 5 years, but pay attention to signs like a lumpy or uneven filling, a bad smell, or if it’s not keeping you warm enough, as these indicate that it’s time for a new one. High-quality duvets with good materials, like down or feathers, can last longer than lower-quality synthetic options. 

How should I dispose of old bedding? 

To responsibly dispose of your old bedding, consider some of the ideas that we have discussed in this blog, such as donating, recycling, and reusing. However, if your bedding is in poor condition and cannot be donated or recycled, you can dispose of it in your general waste bin or take it to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre and put it in the general waste skip.