Here at Good Housekeeping UK, we love a decluttering tip. There’s nothing more satisfying than creating a home that feels cleaner, calmer and a little more organised. But while we’re big fans of cutting back on clutter, we’re equally passionate about avoiding waste.
We’d never encourage throwing things away for the sake of it. Not only is it bad for the environment, it also means getting less use – and less value – out of the things you’ve already bought. Instead, we’re always looking for clever ways to reuse everyday household items that are quietly cluttering up our homes, giving them a second life that’s both practical and genuinely useful.
And few places attract clutter quite like the linen cupboard. Old bedding sets, mismatched sheets and spare pillowcases have a habit of piling up because they still feel ‘technically useful’, even when they haven’t been touched in years. Pillowcases, in particular, seem to multiply out of nowhere, slowly taking over shelves and drawers.
So, rather than letting them sit there forgotten, I’ve been digging into some genuinely useful, quick and easy ways to reuse old pillowcases – helping you clear space without creating unnecessary waste.
Travel laundry bag
Buying an entire laundry bag just for your holidays is a gross waste of money, but leaving all your dirty laundry to roll around your suitcase is just, er, gross. Enter: the old pillowcase. Its natural sack-like shape means it’s ready to be filled, but its small foldable design allows it to be packed without taking up any space in the case. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to wash: just chuck it in the machine with the rest of the dirty laundry at the end of the trip.
Laptop case
When I first saw people doing this online, I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of it sooner. Pillowcases have the perfect design for a laptop sleeve. The rectangular shape of a laptop slots in and is held in place just like a pillow would be. The soft yet often thick material of the cotton cushions your laptop, keeping it safe from any bumps and scraps. This is a particularly great trick if you have a case with a pattern or colour you particularly love, too.
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Dust bags
Another genius trick I can’t believe I haven’t already tried is using your old pillowcases to help protect precious shoes and handbags. Pillowcases make ideal dust bags: their breathable, soft, yet durable fabric allows for air circulation, which prevents odours while still protecting bags and shoes from dust or even mildew build-up.
Hair towel
As a certified curly girl who has spent the last decade or so trying to perfect my once-hated curly locks, I am well up to date with the best in haircare practices – especially when it comes to drying my hair. Whether you air-dry or blow-dry, you might find it surprising to learn that the secret to frizz-free hair or defined curls could be lying in your linen cupboard.
The smooth, soft texture of pillowcases reduces friction on your hair usually introduced by other towels, therefore preventing the breakage and damage that leads to split ends and frizz. They’re especially effective for curly or wavy hair, as they absorb excess moisture without roughing up the hair cuticle or removing essential oils, leading to less frizz. I used one myself to help my scrunching method for definition and to remove any excess product in order to avoid build-up. Try towel drying, scrunching or simply using a pillowcase as a turban to help dry your hair. Trust me, it works!
Heat pad
Now, this one is going to sound weird, so I’m going to have to ask you to hang in there, but I recently saw someone turn an old pillowcase into a brand-new heat pad to help with back pain and stomach cramps. How on earth do you go from old bedding to pain relief? Valid question, but I’ll tell you…
Pillowcases tend to be 100% cotton, which is durable, breathable and, most importantly, safe for microwave use. Cut the pillowcase in half to a more manageable size, fill with a heat-maintaining material, such as rice or flaxseed, then sew up the sides – essentially creating a little beanbag.
Ensure the pillowcase is 100% cotton – polyester, even in thread, can melt in the microwave. And make sure there are no holes, unless you want hot rice all over your floor. Heat the pad in 30- to 60-second intervals, for a total of 1–3 minutes, to prevent scorching the rice inside, and place a small cup of water in the microwave while heating the pad to help prevent the filling from becoming too dry or burning. Then enjoy the soothing relief of your brand-new – free! – heat pad.
Drawer fresheners
Use your old pillowcases to make some truly thrifty yet sweet-smelling drawer fresheners. Simply cut the case down to your desired size and fill the pouch with dried herbs, such as rosemary or lavender, and fasten with some string or decorative ribbon – incredibly speedy, yet incredibly effective. They’re a great sustainable, eco-friendly way to upcycle textiles while protecting clothes from mustiness. Win-win.
Bread bag
Another random one – I bet you never thought your old pillowcase would ever come in handy in the kitchen. Well, because of its breathable cotton or linen fabric, it makes the perfect bread bag for keeping your carbs fresh all week long.
The material allows moisture to escape, preventing mould, while still protecting it from drying out too much, and keeping crusts crisp, unlike plastic alternatives. You can even use them for added protection when freezing your loaves, too. Just please make sure to wash the cases first!
Gift wrapping
If you’re not yet aware of how bad for the environment wrapping paper can be, I highly suggest you google it, then come back here to find out how your old pillowcase is the perfect sustainable alternative.
Select your pillowcase, making sure you pick one that isn’t faded or riddled with rips and tears. Thanks to the built-in pouch, all you need to do is pop the gift inside and fold over – ideal for those (like me) who hate wrapping. Personally, I love popping in a wine bottle and fastening the top with a decorative ribbon for a bit more of a fancier gift-wrapped look.
