The Creative Way Pet Owners Should Be Reusing Old Pillowcases

Your first instinct might be to toss your old pillowcases away (or hopefully reuse them as rags). But did you know they can also become a game-changing solution for pet parents? Hear us out: no matter how cute and aesthetic a pet bed is, we can all agree it doesn't stay this way for long. It only takes a trip outside for your companion's bed to get dirty. Couple that with shedding fur, chewing, scratches, drools, and the occasional puke — it's almost impossible to keep a pet bed clean. Enter your old pillowcases — just what you need to protect said bed against the unavoidable, everyday wear and tear.

Besides being an eyesore, dirty pet beds make a nice, cozy breeding ground for germs, parasites, and other harmful microorganisms. These nasty microbes spread diseases and infections among pets and their humans. Fortunately, you can avoid this by washing your pet's bed once a week. But, if we're being realistic, this can seem like a lot — especially if the bed is a hassle to clean. Instead, bring out the old pillowcases to keep the bed in good shape and extend time between deep cleans. Once the pillowcase gets soiled or smelly, throw it in the washer for a quick refresh. You'll want to steer clear of toxic scented detergents and fabric softeners when washing any of your furry friend's bedding. These products contain chemicals that can cause your pet allergic reactions, like itching, sneezing, and watery eyes.

Pet beds come in all shapes and sizes, so you can go about this hack in a few ways. If the bed is round or on the larger side, simply lay a pillowcase on top. That said, the biggest challenge with this method is keeping the pillowcase in place. To make it more zoomies-friendly, cut the pillowcase along one of the side seams so it turns into a large piece of fabric. Drape it over the bed, tuck it underneath, and secure the bottom with safety pins.

Another option is to squeeze the bed into the pillowcase if it's small enough. You can even make it more useful by adding buttons or a zipper so it stays on the bed. What if I can't sew, you ask? In this case, fabric glue and a strip of Velcro are your friends. Stick the hook part on one side and the loop part on the other to keep the pillowcase closed.

Saving the best for last: you can also use your old pillowcases to make new beds! If you want, plop one in every room of the house to make your space more pet-friendly. Just add stuffing, like Poly-Fil 16-ounce Polyester Fiberfill, which you can get for around $10 on Amazon. Or, stuff it with old clothes, blankets, and towels. Don't forget to sew the opening of the pillowcase closed (or use waterproof fabric glue) so you can simply toss it in the wash.