Sorting out old bed linen: dispose of or upcycle?
How much bed linen do you need?
Bed linen often waits a long time in the cupboard before being used again. Unlike T-shirts or trousers, we don’t see it all the time and often don’t even know how many duvet covers or fitted sheets are actually sitting in our wardrobes or drawers.
For each bed, you usually only need two or three sets of bed linen, plus two sheets or fitted sheets and possibly one spare set. For toddlers or children who are still learning to stay dry at night, having a bit more is of course useful.
Instead of owning too many pillows and duvet covers, it makes sense to think in terms of seasons. Consider whether you want to use different bed linen in summer than in winter. Some materials, such as jersey, are suitable all year round, while others are better suited to either the cold or warm season.
Organising your linen cupboard
If you store bed linen for the whole family in the same cupboard, try this method of organisation: instead of (only) sorting by type of linen—such as sheets and covers—also sort by bed size or by family member.
This is especially helpful if you have children or smaller or larger guest beds that require different sizes than your own. It makes it easier to stay organised and to quickly find the right bedding when making the bed, without having to search through all the piles.
By the way: freshly washed laundry should always be placed under the existing stack. This ensures that all bed linen is used regularly and prevents items from sitting unused in the cupboard for too long.
Sorting out bed linen: what to do with old bed linen?
If you no longer have space in your cupboard or need to replace old bed linen with a new set, its condition determines what you should do with it. If the bedding is still in good condition but no longer suits your taste, you can donate it to a clothing collection. There, it can be reused, resold, or recycled depending on the organisation. Other options include giving it away within your family or selling it through online marketplaces.
If your bed linen has stains or holes and needs to be discarded, it belongs in the residual waste.
You can safely sort out the following bed linen:
- Bed linen that you no longer like, whether in terms of appearance or material
- Bed linen with holes, stains, or that has become worn and thin
- Bed linen that no longer matches your style or bedroom décor
- Bed linen that you kept out of politeness because it was a gift
- Bed linen that no longer fits any current bed (e.g. children’s bedding)
Bed linen that you enjoy using and sleeping in can stay. Even if you have more than three sets, that’s perfectly fine—as long as you feel comfortable with the amount and your decision.
Giving old bed linen a new life: upcycling
Upcycling—unlike recycling—means upgrading and reusing old or used items. This creates new or transformed products and gives previously loved bed linen a “second life”.
Even bed linen that is no longer in perfect condition can still be used again: if it has a nice pattern, there are usually still usable parts. The fabric can be repurposed into a soft toy or doll clothes, or used to sew cushion covers for sofas or chairs. If you’re not handy with sewing, you can simply cut the fabric into cleaning cloths or tea towels.
If, after sorting, you realise that you don’t have enough bed linen left, take a look at our bed linen collections!