15 Creative Ways to Make Use of Old Pillows

Originally published on ofhsoupkitchen.org

According to the National Sleep Foundation, you should replace your pillows every two years. This might seem like an awful waste of money especially if your pillows aren’t that lumpy yet. But remember that your pillow absorbs dirt, oil, saliva, and whatnots. Over time, it accumulates and becomes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and viruses.

But before you drag your old pillows to the recycling bin, take a good look at it first. Is it still usable? If you’ve only been using it for a few years, chances are it still is. With a good bit of cleaning, it might even look presentable. So why throw it away when you can still repurpose it?

If you’re struggling for ideas on what to do with old pillows, here are some creative suggestions:

1. Pet Bed

You may not be able to use your old pillow anymore but it doesn’t mean your pet can’t. Let your pet bask on the windowsill while comfortably snuggled in those cozy pillows. You can also put them in an old blanket to make it warmer in the winter.

2. Bean Bags

Pillow filling, particularly microbeads, makes great beanbag stuffings. You can also fashion old pillowcases into a beanbag case and stuff it with old pillow fillings.

3. Rags

If your pillow fillings are beyond salvage, just take them out and turn the cases into rags. You can also cut them into strips and weave them into rag rugs. See the step-by-step tutorial here.

4. Winter Puffer Jackets

There are just a lot of things you can do with old pillows. And if you’re creative enough, you can even turn them into puffer jackets. Polyfill and downs make very puffy jackets. If you have a wool-filled pillow, then all the better as it provides more insulation. You’ll not only give life to your old pillows, but you’ll also save up several bucks on a new winter jacket.

5. Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets are good for people with sleep disorders. But they can be really pricey. Worry not. If you have an old poly-fil pillow, you can easily make your own weighted blanket at a fraction of the cost. Check out this tutorial to learn how.

6. Oven Mitts

If your old pillow is too small for a weighted blanket or a puffer jacket, you can always turn them into oven mitts. Most pillow fillings have excellent thermal insulation so they’ll make excellent batting for oven mitts. Learn how you can make DIY oven mitts here.

7. Stuff Another Pillow

Some of your pillows that have just started to sag can certainly benefit from added stuffings. You can also put two old pillows together in one pillowcase to make one firmer pillow.

8. Draft Blockers

Say goodbye to drafty windows and doors by turning your old pillows into DIY draft blockers. You can also wrap it in a garbage bag or any waterproof material and put it on your chimney to block the draft coming from there.

9. Compost

Organic fillings like feathers and downs easily decompose. Just throw them into a compost pit along with other compost materials and you’ll have your very own organic fertilizer in no time.

10. Package Protection

Whether you’re moving or packing stuff up for mailing, old pillows can be very useful. Instead of buying bubble wraps, use your old pillow to wrap delicate objects. You can also put it in between your furniture to keep them from bumping against each other.

11. Insulator

Stressed with your frozen pipes? Worry no more. Just wrap your old pillow in a waterproof material (a garbage bag will do) then wrap it around the pipes.

12. Stuffed Toys

If you’re looking to save on gifts for your little nieces and nephews, homemade stuffed toys are always a great idea. You can buy new fabric for the casing or repurpose old shirts and pillowcases. Use these free patterns to cut them into your desired shape then stuff them with old pillow fillings.

13. Baby Sleeping Bag

Aside from puffer jackets and weighted blankets, certain pillow fillings also make good battings for baby sleeping bags.

14. Cage Stuffing

Create a cozy and warm cage for your hamster or guinea pig by stuffing them with old pillow fillings. Just be careful not to use inorganic materials as they can be difficult to digest and may harm your pet.

15. Donate

Many local animal shelters accept old pillows as donations. But you need to wash them thoroughly before donating. You can also donate them to organizations like American Textile Recycling Service which repurposes old clothes and household items.

If you have the time, you can also repurpose them into other items on this list like blankets and puffer jackets. Then give them to a homeless person you see on the street. It might not be that much but for someone who’s sleeping on a cold pavement, it can be a lifesaver.

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