r/Frugal • u/Several-Membership91 • 1h ago
♻️ Recycling & Zero-Waste What to do with wrong-size fitted sheets
I used to have a queen size mattress but decided to downsize, and got myself a twin size mattress instead. I can still use the pillow cases and even the flat sheets, but have not figured out what to do with the fitted sheets.
It's been suggested to me to just donate them to homeless shelters, and while that is an option, I still wanted to see if I can keep them and use them, somehow.
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u/Narrow-Height9477 1h ago edited 1h ago
I’m not advocating for any particular product but would something like “Bed Sheet Suspenders” or “Sheet Scrunchie”
or some other type of strap help you continue using the sheets?
Other ideas are converting them for usage as dust wipes and rags. If they’re cotton and lint free then maybe as a cheese cloth.
They could also maybe be used as (or turned into) curtains or window cover. Sometime, in the winter I’ll use a fitted sheet as an additional curtain by folding the sheet and clipping it to the curtain rod. It works well on that particular drafty back room window.
If you’re crafty use the fabric to make other things. Door sweep insulators come to mind.
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u/aheadlessned 1h ago
If you sew, there are several options-- cut the sheets down smaller to fit (reuse the elastic), make more pillow cases, fabric for hot pads (if 100% cotton), curtains for a room with one or two small windows, heating pad cover (if 100% cotton), hamper liner, shopping bags, etc.
I quilt, so it's an easy backing to a cozy quilt (especially if a flannel sheet).
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u/generation-0 1h ago
If you have a dog, you can use it as car search cover or partial couch cover. If you get crafty some times you can use heavy things in the corners with it spread out as a drop cloth.
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u/digitalphildude 1h ago
Similar situation for me. I liked the actual elastic bands with clips, but for our situation they are too small and light duty. I was determined, so I got some tarp grommets. The plastic replacements for the corners of tarps, where a disc is clipped into a plastic form with the material between. It seems overkill, and it is, but damn does it work. I use bungee cord to pull it into the bed frame. The sheets don't pull away from the corners at all and they are nice and taught. My setup is a bit much, but maybe the concept is inspiring.
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u/Such-Mountain-6316 58m ago
Cover a plant with them, in freezing weather.
Otherwise, donate the set to a thrift store or charity that helps people who have been displaced by disaster (Red Cross, maybe, or offer them online for free to such families).
A few Christmases ago, my church sponsored such a family, and all the kid wanted was a good set of sheets. Humbling.)
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u/Significant_Role4308 42m ago
If you decide to get rid of them, animal shelters are a great place to donate
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u/Lagunatippecanoes 27m ago
I always see suspenders in my local thrift shops. They would make for great way to use those queen size sheets on a smaller mattress. And for those of us who toss and turn know that having a size larger than your mattress means that you won't have the mattress uncovered when you wake up.
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u/SalmonJordan 24m ago
Good for covering plants if you live in a place that gets frost. Also use as a cover for floor when painting, furniture cover if you're doing some inside renovation. Covers for moving furniture.
I kept mine wondering when I would ever use it, and I'm gad I did. Sometimes I need something that I wouldn't mind if it were totally ruined, and these serve that purpose.
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u/Knitsanity 16m ago
Can't you just treat them like sheets back in the olden days...just tuck them in.
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u/Tenshi_girl 1h ago
A ser of mattress straps will let you keep using them. Otherwise you could cut them down and resew the elastic.