Clever Ways To Repurpose Those Extra Dust Bags Around Your Home

Before you think about throwing that fabric bag from the packaging of your shoes and purses into the back of your closet — or worse, into the trash can — take a second look at how versatile those fabric pouches can be. Tossing out dust bags when decluttering is a big mistake. Most often made from durable synthetic or natural fibers that are meant to be breathable given the items they usually house, it's a shame to relegate these bags into the garbage since they can be incredibly useful in other clever ways. With a little imagination, dust bags can be repurposed for many different things around your home, whether it's DIYing a new farmers market tote, crafting a throw pillow, or making freshly scented sachets for your closet. 

With sustainability at top of mind, reusing dust bags in all of these different ways is a small but mindful step toward reducing additional waste. Instead of buying new totes, home decor, or cleaning remedies, you're extending the life of something you already have. Best of all, many of these upcycles don't require expensive materials or expert sewing skills, so you're both building a collection of useful, sustainable items and having fun doing it!

Crafting new home decor is one of the most creative ways to upcycle the fabric of an old dust bag. And since many bags are made from durable cotton, they can work perfectly as a throw pillow cover. Simply fill the dust bag with Poly-fil pillow stuffing you can find at a local craft store, and either sew or fold shut. If you're a lover of an elevated logo, it's the perfect way to class up casual spaces. For some additional pizazz, consider dyeing the fabric or adding trim for a truly one-of-a-kind creation.

An incredibly clever and extremely easy way to repurpose dust bags is to use them as covers for countertop appliances to protect them against dust and moisture in the kitchen. It's a great way to elongate the cleanliness and overall life of a small appliance, but it can also serve as a smart way to conceal these appliances so that they don't stand out and keep kitchen counters looking clutter-free without forgoing the appliances that you use the most.

If you're a frequent traveler who hates when your clean clothes and your dirty clothes get mixed up, then reach for those spare dust bags to pack and solve the problem. Bring a few dust bags with you on your next trip, and fill them with your laundry as needed throughout your travels. Dedicate one to lights, one to darks, and one to delicates so that they're presorted for when you're back at home to wash them. It's an easy to way to reuse your dust bags and an even easier way organize laundry.

Transforming a dust bag into your next farmers market tote is the perfect way to reuse any sturdy cotton or canvas dust bags for carrying around your produce or pantry finds. There are a couple of ways you can achieve this upcycle. Patch an existing tote with pieces of the dust bag to save two pieces and give them more life. Another method is by reinforcing the seams of the dust bag, then sewing on straps so you have a lightweight, reusable bag that also cinches at the top to close.

Another way to reuse a dust bag is to cut it down to size and add a zipper to craft a sturdy toiletry bag for your cosmetics. Whether you use this to travel, tidily store your cosmetics in the bathroom, or keep all of your items together in a viral purse bowl fixture, it's an easy method to reimagine and extend the life of the dust bag. These also make cute gifts, particularly if you have a dust bag with a company or logo the recipient is known to love.

If you have any dust bags made of more structured material like felt or velvet, then upcycling them into a laptop cover is a budget-friendly way to protect your electronics from scratches or dust. Measure your laptop, trim the bag to size, then sew the sides closed. Add a flap and button or Velcro closure for extra security. You can also slip in a layer of extra padding for additional protection. It's an eco-friendly and wallet-friendly solution to look after your pricey possessions.

If you have a favorite brand or designer, or have a dust bag that you particularly love the print, you can easily transform it into a piece of art. Simply press or lightly iron the fabric, mount it on acid-free backing, and place it in a frame that works with the rest of your art on the walls. The result feels modern and chic, without being cheesy, and is the perfect way to jazz up a dressing room, walk-in closet, or bathroom for a thematic flair.

Your old dust bags also provide the perfect amount of fabric, and the right breathable material, to create DIY scented sachets to keep your closet smelling fresher than ever. Cut out several pieces, and sew little pouches with an open top. Then fill the sachet with lavender or your other favorite scents like rose petals or mint, then secure it closed. Leave your scented sachets in your closet, drawers, or linen closet so they smell fresh every time you open them.