6 Clever Ways You Should Be Using Old Pillowcases To Clean Around The House

Did you know that experts suggest replacing your pillowcases after one to two years of use? That means that most adults have probably gone through dozens of pillowcases over the years. But what are you supposed to do with your old pillowcases once their time in your bedroom has run its course? The good news is that instead of sending them directly to the landfill, you can actually give them a new lease on life.

With a little ingenuity, you can transform old pillowcases into perfect cleaning accessories to use around your home. From dusting to wiping up messes, your old pillowcases can do a lot more than you think. Not only will these methods help you save a little money, but they can also be a great alternative for people who are looking to make their house cleaning routine a little more eco-friendly. Here are some clever ways you can use old pillowcases to clean around your home.

Having a good rag is important when cleaning surfaces in your home, and a pillowcase could be the perfect secret weapon. With just a pair of scissors, you can turn an old pillowcase into several cleaning rags. All you have to do is cut it into squares, and voila! If you need different-sized rags, you can cut small and large squares. You can use these rags in a variety of ways to clean your home, such as wiping up small spills in the kitchen or cleaning mirrors in the bathroom.

These are also a great eco- and budget-friendly alternative to paper towels that typically end up in landfills after use. Plus you'll save by not having to buy additional rolls for cleaning each week. After a good cleaning session, you can throw your DIY rags in the washing machine and use them again.

Experts recommend cleaning your ceiling fans at least once a week. But, if you have one in your home, you already know how much of a pain this chore can be. After all, there probably aren't many people who look forward to being hit in the face with dust, especially if it also involves standing on a step ladder. However, this pillowcase hack can significantly improve your ceiling fan cleaning experience.

Simply open your old pillowcase and slide it across each blade of your ceiling fan. Depending on the height of your ceiling fan, you may need to use a ladder. Not only will this clean the fan, but the dust will be trapped inside the pillowcase, which means you won't have to do any additional cleanup. Once you're done, you can put the pillowcase in the wash so that it'll be clean and ready to go for next time.

Next time you're getting ready to throw a pair of shoes into the washing machine, you might want to grab two old pillowcases first. Placing one shoe in each pillowcase before washing adds a soft and protective layer that can help protect your machine (and your shoes). Keep in mind that it's important to balance your load so that your washing machine won't spin unevenly. You can do this by adding towels, blankets, or other soft items.

You can also use a pillowcase to protect your delicate clothing items in the wash. Place your items into an empty, old pillowcase, tie off the open side with a rubber band (or maybe even a hair tie), and put the pillowcase in the washing machine. Not only is this a quick and easy method for washing your delicates, but it can also save you the expense of buying a mesh laundry bag.

Experts suggest cleaning the ceilings in your home at least once a month. However, the average height of adults in the United States is under six feet, and the standard height of ceilings is eight feet with nine-foot ones becoming more popular. So, it goes without saying that cleaning these high surfaces can be challenging. However, that doesn't have to be the case. You can actually use an old pillowcase to clean the corners of your ceilings.

Simply slide the open end of the pillowcase over the head of your broom, close the opening, and seal it with a rubber band, hair tie, or a clip. You can then lift the broom up and rub the pillowcase along your ceiling to remove dust and other debris that may have accumulated, paying special attention to the edges and corners. You can also incorporate a cleaning solution if you want to give your ceilings a little extra TLC. A product like Chomp! Painted Wall Cleaner Spray can be spritzed on the ceiling before wiping it with a pillowcase, leaving a subtle scent behind.

Built-up lint in dryers is responsible for thousands of house fires across the United States every year. So it's important to ensure that you are properly cleaning your dryer's lint trap on a regular basis. Luckily, an old pillowcase and a paint stirrer can help you do just that. Take the paint stirrer and put it inside the pillowcase, making sure you can keep a grip on the stick. Then slide your new cleaning tool into the lint trap and move it around.

This method will help you easily remove lint, hair, and other fibers from your lint trap. If you don't have a paint stirrer you can use a similarly shaped item, such as a ruler or anything that is long and thin enough to slide into the lint trap. You'll want to wash the pillowcase once you're done, but be sure to shake it off outdoors before putting it into the wash to remove excess lint.

Dryer sheets can be a great addition to your laundry routine. They can help remove static from your clothes while also making them smell fresher and feel softer. The downside, however, is that dryer sheets are single-use products and can ultimately be harmful to the environment. Fortunately, an old pillowcase can help you stop using dryer sheets without sacrificing the things you love about your laundry routine. Grab an empty old pillowcase, a couple of cotton balls, your favorite essential oil(s), and a few balls of aluminum foil. Add a few drops of your essential oil to the cotton balls, and place them in an old pillowcase with the foil. Tie off the open end of the pillowcase and put it in the dryer with your clothes.

This method works because the aluminum serves as a conductor by taking in the electrons and neutralizing the static charge. On top of that, the essential oils work to keep your clothes smelling good. Although these DIY pillowcase dryer sheets may not work as well as the store-bought version, it's still worth a try if you're looking for a green alternative or you want to save some cash.