Clutter often builds up because we feel guilty about throwing things away, especially items that were once useful, even essential. We hold onto them, telling ourselves we’ll find a way to use them again… but often, we never do. Towels, bedding and other linens are some of the biggest culprits.
After all, you spent time (and no doubt money) choosing them, used them for years - dare I say, even loved them. And now you’re just supposed to throw them away because of faded colours, a few holes or changing trends? Well, not necessarily. You don’t have to throw them away, but you do have to use them. Otherwise, they really are just clutter.
So, to ease the guilt (and make a dent in that overflowing linen cupboard), I’ve been finding clever new ways to reuse and repurpose old blankets - turning that pile of cosy clutter into something genuinely useful.
Cleaning rags
Pretty much any big sheet of material can secretly be dozens of cleaning rags waiting to be born. But blankets make for especially good ones. They are usually made of absorbent, soft and durable natural fibres like cotton, or thick, versatile materials like fleece or wool. Meaning they can effectively mop up spills, collect dust or even polish silverware and shoes without any fear of abrasion. Simply cut up your old blanket into your desired size and away you go.
Draft excluders
Why buy a draft excluder when you have a perfectly good old blanket lying around. They’re thick, flexible, and insulating, allowing them to mold perfectly into irregular gaps to block cold air, such as under the door or up against particularly poorly glazed windows. Simply roll them up, pop them in place, and thank me later.
Picnic blankets
Summer is on the horizon, which means one thing: picnic season. Save yourself from buying a ridiculous expensive, fancy picnic blanket that will inevitably end up covered in houmous and rosé by the end of the season anyways, and use what you already have.
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Old blankets are perfect cheap and cheerful picnic blankets. They’re soft, cosy and often pretty stylish. Plus because they’re already old and have lived a life, they’re not precious. The inevitable mud, spills and accidents of a picnic will be less harrowing than if on a blanket you just dropped some serious cash for.
Protect furniture
Whether you’re moving houses soon or simply moving something into storage, your old blankets might just be your most handy tool yet. Old blankets are ideal for helping to protect furniture while you transport them. They provide a thick, durable and quilted buffer, providing shock absorption and protection from scratches, dents and scuffs. You can even wrap more fragile pieces like electronics such as your TV or plenty of delicate glassware. Plus it’s cheaper and much more environmentally friendly than bubblewrap.
Pet bedding
One man’s trash could be his dog's treasure. Just because your blanket no longer meets your standards, doesn't mean it can’t be used to keep someone else snuggly and warm. They offer your furry friend durability, warmth as well as scent-based comfort. They’re quick and easy to wash, which considering how mucky our pets can get is simply a must. Plus they’re a little less judgemental than we are about faded colours or out of date trends.
Don’t have any pets of your own? Donate them to cat and dog charities, they’re always looking for extra bedding for all their fluffy residents.
Floor cushions
Perfect for relaxing in the garden this summer, for sprucing up a corner of your living room or making your bedroom reading nook extra cozy, big comfy floor cushions are a great addition to your home- even more so when you get them for free by using your old blankets. They’re durable, provide firm, long-lasting support, and offer a sustainable way to upcycle household items, what’s not to like?
To make them, simply fold the blanket into a square, add filling like old pillows or fabric scraps, then wrap and tie it securely. If you want something more durable, cut two equal pieces, sew them together (leaving a gap), turn inside out, stuff firmly and stitch closed. For a chunkier feel, layer and secure multiple folded blankets together. Add simple touches like buttons, ties or a handle to keep the shape and make it easier to move around.
Clean your car
Due to their soft texture, high absorbency, and ability to safely handle both interior and exterior tasks without damaging surfaces, old blankets make for ideal car cleaning tools. Often made of cotton or polyester fleece, they act similarly to microfibre by trapping dirt rather than just pushing it around.
Cut the old blanket into manageable squares or strips and use them for everything. From wiping down the dashboard to drying the hood after a wash. Use thicker sections of the blanket for the mucky jobs, like cleaning wheels or soaking up spills. Keep a couple of these rags in the boot for on the go cleaning.
Radiator shelf liner
Now, this one will definitely seem random and weird on the surface, but once I explain- you’ll wish you’d done it sooner. Radiator shelf liners are essentially a catch-all that means you have less cleaning to do, once again: what's not to like? And old blankets are perfect for the job.
They're thick, absorbent and durable - ideal for catching the dust and debris that often gathers around radiators. Acting as a barrier, they help prevent dust from circulating back into the room when the heat is on, while also protecting any surface above from grime buildup. Plus, they’re easy to remove and wash, making regular cleaning much simpler.
Cut your blanket to the size of the radiator top or shelf, ensuring it sits flat without overhanging too much. Lay it in place as a liner, and if needed, secure it lightly with double-sided tape or simply tuck the edges in. Remove and wash it regularly to keep dust levels down and your space feeling fresher. This is an especially great trick to help with anyone who particularly suffers from dust-related allergies.
Makeshift duster
Spotted some high up dust or cobwebs and now they're driving you mental? I know the feeling. Make your own last-minute makeshift high-reaching duster by simply wrapping your old blanket tightly to the end of a broom or dry mop. The blanket material’s absorbency is brilliant at trapping dust, dirt and cobwebs- rather than simply redistributing it. While great for dry dusting, wool and cotton blankets can also be used slightly damp to lock in dust, preventing it from being redistributed into the air too.
