Old pillows are one of the most commonly discarded household items. Once they lose their shape, become lumpy, or no longer provide proper support, most people toss them in the trash without a second thought. But throwing pillows away contributes to landfill waste, and many parts of a pillow—especially the filling—can still be incredibly useful.
Instead of discarding them, repurposing old pillows is a smart, eco-friendly way to reduce waste, save money, and get creative. Whether your pillow is filled with feathers, down, memory foam, or polyester fiber, there are plenty of practical and clever ways to give it a second life.
Here are 9 genius ways to repurpose old pillows instead of throwing them away, turning what seems like trash into something truly useful.
1. Refill and Refresh Other Pillows
One of the simplest ways to reuse an old pillow is to use its stuffing to refresh other pillows that have gone flat.
Over time, decorative pillows, couch cushions, and even bed pillows lose their volume. Old pillow filling can be redistributed to bring them back to life.
How to do it:
- Open the old pillow seam with scissors.
- Remove the filling and fluff it by hand.
- Add it to sagging pillows or cushions.
- Sew or zip the cover closed.
This works especially well for throw pillows, pet beds, and floor cushions.
2. Create a Comfortable Pet Bed
Pets don’t need perfect pillows—they just need something soft and cozy. Old pillows make excellent DIY pet beds for dogs and cats.
How to do it:
- Use one large pillow or combine several smaller ones.
- Place them inside a sturdy fabric cover or old pillowcase.
- For extra durability, sew a simple washable cover.
This is a great solution for older pillows that no longer support human necks but are still comfortable for pets.
3. Make Draft Stoppers for Doors and Windows
If you feel cold air sneaking in under doors or through windows, old pillow stuffing can help you insulate your home.
How to do it:
- Sew or repurpose a long fabric tube.
- Fill it with pillow stuffing.
- Place it along door thresholds or windowsills.
Draft stoppers reduce heating and cooling costs and improve indoor comfort—especially in winter.
4. Stuff Floor Poufs and Ottoman Cushions
Old pillows are perfect for creating or refilling floor poufs, ottomans, and meditation cushions.
Instead of buying new stuffing, reuse pillow filling to make durable and comfortable seating.
Ideas include:
- Floor pillows for kids’ play areas
- Meditation cushions
- Extra seating for guests
- Reading nook cushions
This is an excellent way to reuse multiple old pillows at once.
5. Turn Them Into Cleaning Pads and Rags
If the pillow filling is no longer suitable for comfort, the fabric covers still have plenty of value.
Cotton pillowcases and covers can be cut into:
- Cleaning cloths
- Dusting rags
- Polishing pads
- Car-cleaning towels
The padding itself can be used for:
- Scrubbing delicate surfaces
- Cushioning fragile items during storage or moving
This reduces paper towel use and saves money over time.
6. Use as Packing and Storage Material
Old pillow stuffing is excellent for protecting fragile items during moving or storage.
Instead of bubble wrap or foam peanuts, use pillow filling to cushion:
- Glassware
- Holiday decorations
- Electronics
- Picture frames
Stuffing can be placed in boxes, wrapped around items, or used to fill gaps, making it a sustainable alternative to disposable packing materials.
7. Create Garden Kneeling Pads and Outdoor Cushions
Gardening can be hard on the knees, but old pillows can be transformed into garden kneeling pads or outdoor cushions.
How to repurpose:
- Wrap pillow stuffing in waterproof or durable outdoor fabric.
- Sew tightly or use Velcro closures.
- Use while gardening, cleaning, or doing DIY projects.
These pads provide comfort and protection while working outdoors or on hard surfaces.
8. Make DIY Toys and Craft Projects
Pillow stuffing is incredibly useful for crafting and DIY projects, especially for kids.
You can use it to:
- Stuff handmade dolls or plush toys
- Create sensory toys
- Make decorative pillows
- Fill holiday decorations like snowmen or pumpkins
This is a great way to repurpose pillows while encouraging creativity and hands-on activities.
9. Donate or Recycle Responsibly
If your pillow is still in decent condition, consider donation or recycling options before throwing it away.
Possible options include:
- Animal shelters (many accept old pillows for bedding)
- Wildlife rehabilitation centers
- Textile recycling programs
- Homeless shelters (depending on condition)
Always check donation guidelines first, as some organizations have specific requirements for hygiene and materials.
What Types of Pillows Can Be Repurposed?
Different pillow fillings offer different reuse possibilities:
- Polyester fiberfill: Easy to reuse, washable, great for crafts and refilling
- Feather and down: Excellent for cushioning and insulation
- Memory foam: Can be shredded and reused for cushions or pet beds
- Latex foam: Durable and ideal for seating pads
Even heavily worn pillows can still serve a purpose when broken down and reused thoughtfully.
Environmental Benefits of Repurposing Old Pillows
Repurposing pillows isn’t just practical—it’s environmentally responsible.
Benefits include:
- Reducing landfill waste
- Lowering demand for new synthetic materials
- Saving money on household items
- Encouraging sustainable living habits
Textile waste is a growing environmental problem, and keeping pillows out of landfills helps reduce pollution and resource consumption.
When Should You Not Reuse a Pillow?
While many pillows can be repurposed, some should be discarded responsibly if they:
- Are heavily moldy
- Have persistent odors that won’t wash out
- Contain pests
- Are severely contaminated
In these cases, check for textile recycling programs rather than throwing them directly in the trash.
Final Thoughts
Old pillows don’t have to be useless once they lose their original purpose. With a little creativity, they can be transformed into pet beds, cleaning tools, insulation, craft supplies, and more. Repurposing pillows is an easy way to live more sustainably while getting extra value from items you already own.
The next time you’re tempted to throw away an old pillow, consider one of these 9 genius ways to repurpose it instead. You’ll save money, reduce waste, and maybe even discover a fun new DIY project along the way.