Mrs. M loves spring cleaning. And not just in springtime, either. For one whole day every few months, she’s a whirlwind of decluttering and cleaning energy.
I’m certainly not complaining. She does a great job, especially when it comes to finding new homes and uses for items we’ve been sent for testing.
We recently had piles of used organic bedding sheets, that we no longer needed. So, while Mrs. M was busy cleaning, I was tasked with finding where to donate sheets and towels so they could be put to good use by those in need.
It turns out there are loads of places willing to take sheets and towels.
I even discovered some awesomely simple repurposing hacks for when you no longer need them.
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If you have a local animal shelter in your neighborhood, they’ll be delighted to take your donations.
Animal shelters are always looking for old bed sheets and towels to help keep their furry friends warm, comfortable, and safe.
Many local animal shelters have a list of the items they need on their websites.
Established in 1902, Goodwill Industries International is a non-profit organization channeling funds towards beneficial initiatives such as career training and placement services for individuals with disabilities or those facing obstacles to acquiring traditional employment.
Through the thrift stores they run, they provide support programs that help people build better lives.
Donating your unwanted sheets and towels to Goodwill is an excellent way to give back to your community.
The Salvation Army is a Christian charitable organization that dates back to 1865.
They provide services such as homeless shelters and various aid programs for those in need.
And they’ll gladly take your donations of towels, sheets, blankets, pillows, and other household items.
If you’re looking for a worthy place to donate your bedding and towels, why not consider the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)?
The VVA provides various services to veterans and their families, such as medical treatment, job skills training, housing assistance, counseling, and more.
Donating your old bedding and towels to the VVA will help them continue their noble work.
Women’s shelters provide much-needed services and protection for women who have experienced domestic violence, homelessness, or any other type of abuse.
These organizations are always looking for donations of items such as bedding and towels to help make their shelters a safe haven for those in need.
Homeless shelters and soup kitchens often request donations of bedding and towels to provide essential comfort to those who need it most.
Your local homeless shelter might even have drop-off locations for donated items.
If you have a local church or place of worship, they may also be able to take your bedding and towels.
Many churches host events or soup kitchens for the homeless throughout the year. So, donating your unwanted linens to them is a great way to support their work.
LoadUp is a nationwide junk removal service partnered with non-profits across the U.S.
Once you book an appointment, LoadUp will pick up any items you wish to donate, such as bedding and towels, then deliver them to your chosen charity or organization.
It’s a great way to donate without leaving the house.
Hospices are a type of facility that provides palliative care for people who are terminally ill or in end-of-life situations.
These centers often accept donations of linens. So, if you have any to spare, consider donating them to a local hospice care center in your area.
Also, consider taking them to your local veterinary clinic.
They often need additional towels and bed linens for any stray animals they take in.
Before donating your bedding and towels, ensure they are clean and in good condition.
If they have any stains or tears, consider washing and repairing them as best you can.
Also, check that the organization you’re donating to doesn’t have specific requirements, such as only accepting brand-new items.
If you can’t find anyone willing to take your donations, there are still plenty of options that beat simply tossing old linen in the trash.
One of the ways in which some recycling centers make money is by selling some of the items you dump.
Check if your local center takes old towels and sheets.
TerraCycle is a company that specializes in recycling hard-to-recycle items.
They have several programs, so check their website to see if your items qualify for donation or recycling.
American Textile Recycling Service is a company that specializes in collecting and recycling gently used clothing, shoes, toys, and household items.
They accept sheets, towels, and other linens as donations and turn them into insulation, rags, furniture stuffing, and more.
If you’ve got plenty of extra fabric and patience, you can create a beautiful quilt to display in your home or a topper for your mattress.
If you don’t know how to start, this beginner’s video should have you up and running in no time.
You can turn old sheets and towels into cleaning cloths and dish towels.
Cut them up into small pieces and use them to dust, mop, and clean.
Cut them into larger pieces to use as dish towels.
You can also repurpose your old linen into many other DIY projects.
A few examples for inspiration include:
When replacing your old sheets and towels, buy products made with sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton and bamboo.
Respected third-party certifications also give you peace of mind that your new linens are as eco-friendly as they claim to be and the manufacturer is not trying greenwashing tactics.
Certifications to look out for include Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and OEKO-TEX Standard 100.
It’s generally recommended to replace your sheets and towels every two to three years - although good quality organic towels can often last a lot longer.
However, if you notice any wear and tear before then, it may be a good idea to donate them and get new ones. However, be sensible about it and only replace things if/when necessary.
Best not. It’ll probably end up in a landfill.
You can donate used books to libraries, schools, and charities. Some bookstores even accept gently used books for donation or resale.
As mentioned earlier, LoadUp is an excellent option for donating heavy or bulky furniture (and general household goods) because they’ll come and collect it from your home.
Another great option is to sell it on Kaiyo.
You can recycle old electronics such as phones, laptops, and TVs at e-waste facilities.
Alternatively, you might get a few bucks for them by listing them for sale online (Facebook Marketplace, etc.).
Most of the options in this article also apply to clothes.
Donating your old sheets and towels is not only a responsible way to get rid of them without adding to landfill waste, but it’s also an act of kindness that’ll brighten your day.
Whether you donate them directly to an organization or use one of the alternative options listed above, you’ll be helping those in need by giving them the comfort and warmth they deserve.
And if you can’t donate, there are still plenty of ways to reuse and keep them out of landfill.
So what are you waiting for? Put your old sheets and towels to good use today!
What do you do with gently used towels and old blankets that you no longer need?
Towel donations to local charitable organizations or repurpose? What about bed sheets? Drop me a line and let me know.
