What Can We Do With Old Mattress?

Have you got an old mattress that is taking up space and you are wondering what to do with it? Dumping it in front of the house, hoping someone picks it up? Not an option. Leaving it in the garage to collect dust? Nope. We believe in repurposing old mattresses rather than contributing to a wasteful, toxic landfill.

But does this mean that you should not replace your old mattress despite the fact that it is falling apart? Not at all. If you're in the market for a new mattress, consider trying the Duo Mattress. Meanwhile, let’s find some creative (and sometimes fun) ways to keep your old one out of landfills.

How Can You Get Your Old Mattress Ready for Repurposing?

To repurpose your old mattress, you need to prepare them. You cannot just wake up one day and suddenly decide to do DIY tricks and reuse an old mattress. Here are some steps you should take to recycle your old mattress:

1. Assess the Condition: Make sure to thoroughly examine your mattress for any signs of damage, wear, or stains. Check for tears, holes, or broken springs that could make them unsafe to use. Look for any unpleasant odors and mold. Because if the structural integrity is compromised, there is no use in repurposing them.

2. Sanitize the Mattress: If the condition proves to be suitable for repurposing, the next step is cleaning. Mattresses that are regularly used tend to collect germs and dust mites that require thorough cleaning and disinfecting. 

3. Cut or Resize: To resize or reshape the mattresses, you need to cut through the fabric and foam. You can use any sharp scissors, carving knife, or serrated blade depending on your repurposing idea. Make sure to wear protective gear for safety. 

8 Ways To Reuse Your Old Mattresses

Recycle Old Mattress

Did you know that up to 90% of a mattress can be recycled? Yeah, that lumpy foam and springs are not as useless as you might think. Here’s what can happen:

• Foam and Fabric: These things get shredded and reused for carpet padding and insulation.
• teel Springs: They are melted down and repurposed into new metal products.

But how do you even do it? Just look up mattress recycling programs in your area. Many cities even offer free-of-cost pickup services for these programs. 

Outdoor Furniture

The best way to recycle an old mattress is to reshape it into unique outdoor furniture pieces.  Cut up the mattress and keep the foam aside. Now, sew some covers for seat pads, cushions for chairs, and loungers and fill up that foam inside. 

You can even cover it with a waterproof layer during rain to make it last longer. This way, you can repurpose the mattress padding while giving you custom outdoor seating options.

Pet Furniture

Needless to say, pets love familiar surroundings and smells. This is why, making your pet some furniture out of an old mattress is a good idea. Sure, it might take some time and effort but you can easily sew the mattress fabric into any shape or size of a pet bed.

The best part is that you can reuse the foam from the mattress to create scratch pads, play cubes, or chew toys for small pets. Moreover, the foam padding provides warmth and cushiness for comfort to your pets.

Home Workout Gear

You can transform your mattress into home workout gear as well. Cut it into shapes to create yoga mats or landing pads for gymnastics. The foam provides the perfect amount of padding and support. 

Soundproofing Material

If you’ve got a home studio (or just noisy neighbors in general), the foam from your mattress can help absorb sound and give you that sound sleep you deserve.

Keep it in your Kid’s Playroom 

If you have young kids, you can keep the mattress in the play area. It will become the perfect base for jumping, lounging, or building forts. (now, your kids can practice their WWE moves safely without injuring themselves.) You can even cover it with a colorful sheet and throw some pillows to make it extra comfy. It is a great way to keep your kids safe and entertained.

Donate It

If none of the above-mentioned things work for you, try donating it. Unless your mattress is not in terrible shape, someone else can get a good night’s sleep. Many shelters, charities, pet adoption centers, and thrift stores accept gently used mattresses. Call ahead before dropping it off. Some places have strict donation guidelines, and the last thing you want is to drag your mattress there only to be turned away.

Buy Smart Next Time

Mattresses do not last forever, but you can make smarter choices so that you end up in the same situation as now five years down the line.

• Buy a high-quality mattress: The better the quality, the longer it will last, saving you money on repairs and replacing.
• Consider a Mattress with Recyclable Materials: Some brands design their mattresses to be easily repurposed.
• Use a mattress protector: Spills, stains, and dirt ruin a mattress fast. Cover it with a protector to make it last longer.

Bottom Line

Don’t be that person who leaves their old mattress outside, hoping it magically disappears. It is not the way to go. Instead, recycle old mattresses, donate them, sell them, or even keep them in your kid’s playroom. If all else fails, dispose of it responsibly. The planet will be a much better place if you just take these little steps. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1 Can I still use an old, used mattress?

Yes, you can totally use an old mattress. Just make sure it is thoroughly cleaned first. A good cleaning will get rid of dust, allergens, odors, and any leftover body fluids, making it fresh and ready for use.

Q2. How long does a mattress last?

On average, a mattress will stick with you for 8 to 12 years, depending on the type. After that, it’s time to recycle it or repurpose it for something new.

Q3. Are cheap mattresses safe?

Not really! Going for a budget mattress might seem tempting, but they can lead to posture problems and cause back and neck pain after a while. It’s better to invest in quality mattresses.