Give Your Old Mattress New Life With These Repurposing Tips - Home & Texture
Bedroom Mattress Tips

Give Your Old Mattress New Life With These Repurposing Tips

Your old mattress deserves a second chance—these environmentally friendly and creative repurposing tips can help.

January 24, 2024 at 7:18 AM PST

We all love a good night’s sleep, and a high-quality mattress can take your slumber from subpar to incredible. But, like all good things, mattresses don’t last forever. Experts at the Sleep Foundation suggest that you should consider changing your mattress every 6-8 years, depending on its type and quality. Aside from the obvious wear and tear, an old mattress can become ridden with dust mites and allergens, not to mention the sagging that inevitably happens, leaving your back begging for mercy.

Once you’ve made the decision to switch to a newer, more comfortable mattress, you may wonder what you should do with the old one (besides throwing it away). We’ve got you—here are some environmentally friendly and creative options for your mattress’s next chapter.

mattress
Photo Credit: Max Rahubovskiy

Donate and share the comfort.

If your mattress is still in pretty good shape, give it a second life by donating it. Many local charities, shelters, and nonprofit organizations welcome gently used mattresses. In addition to decluttering your space, donating your mattress is a chance to make a meaningful difference in someone else’s life. Before you donate it, make sure to check the organization’s guidelines, as they often have specific standards for accepting used items.

Go green and recycle.

Did you know that up to 90% of your old mattress can be recycled? The springs, foams, and fibers can be reborn as carpet padding, insulation, and even new bedding materials. By choosing to recycle, you’ll be contributing to a greener planet. Check with your local recycling center or a specialized mattress recycling service to see how you can turn your old mattress into something new.

test your matress
Photo credit: Kathyryn Tripp

Tap into your creativity with DIY projects.

If you want to get crafty, an old mattress can be a treasure trove of DIY opportunities. The springs can be transformed into quirky art pieces or practical items like wine racks. You can also use the foam of your mattress for pet beds or cushioning for outdoor seating.




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