Old sheets, new life: 10 smart ways to reuse fabric at home and in the garden

Faded or torn sheets may seem useless — but they can become incredibly handy when reused with creativity. Instead of going to the trash, your old bedding can serve new, practical functions.

From storage to gardening, from toys to cleaning, here are ways to give sheets a second life and reduce waste at home.

According to an article by Pravda, reusing fabric is one of the simplest — and most impactful — sustainable habits anyone can adopt.

Ideas for reusing old sheets

• Covers: for furniture, shelves, luggage or off-season clothes.
• Bags: for shoes, dry food like onions, or kids’ toys.
• New items: make curtains, pillowcases or picnic cloths.
• Cleaning: cut into rags for windows, dusting or floors.
• Gardening: use as plant covers or weed barriers.
• Toys: craft dolls, bunting, or sensory books for kids.

How to prepare the fabric

• Wash and iron to sanitize and smooth the surface.
• Cut carefully and sew edges to avoid fraying.
• Heavily worn sheets can be downgraded to cleaning cloths.

Eco-friendly benefits

• Less textile waste in landfills;
• Lower consumption and plastic footprint;
• More creativity and DIY value at home.

By the way, sometimes the best solution is already in your closet. You just need to see it not as waste — but as potential.