Are you looking forward to donating your mattress in 2021? If yes, we have the best tips for you. There are numerous ways in which you can reuse and recycle your old mattress. But, if you are looking to donate them to those who accepts mattress donations, we will help you.
You’ve made the exciting decision to upgrade your mattress, but now comes the challenging part: figuring out what to do with your old one. While recycling or sending it to the landfill are common options, it’s worth considering donation if your mattress is still in good condition. Donating your mattress can give it a second life and provide comfort to someone in need.
Donating a Mattress: Tips to Consider
Mattresses can be a significant expense, so upgrading to a new one presents a great opportunity to do a good deed by donating your old mattress. Many charitable organizations are willing to accept your mattress and may even offer pickup services directly from your home.
By choosing to donate, you not only provide an essential item to someone in need but also help keep your old mattress out of the landfill. Since recycling programs aren’t always perfect, reusing your mattress through donation is often a better option whenever possible.
Much of the value of the mattress will depend on the condition of the mattress. The primary reason to donate your bed can be because of the following reasons:
- Some little thing may be wrong with your old mattress
- Or, you may be changing the look of your house with a new one
- Or, you may be unhappy with the old foam!
For any of the above reasons, you need to consider who accepts mattress donations. Here are the potential users who accept mattress donations. Yes, they can be used as shelters, or sometimes, simply as bedding for many.
Who Accepts mattress donations: Organization’s to Charities
Many charities love to donate a mattress, and the only condition is it should be in usable form. Remember that a lumpy mattress may not be an excellent option to donate as well! Nevertheless, most people require a bed, which is at least in usable condition. It should never be a health hazard for younger people.
Mattress donation to the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an active international body that mainly operates to serve people in need globally. Indeed, it runs many charity shops around the US, UK, and Europe. So yes, it operates in around 1328 countries worldwide.
So, if you are living in proximity or close to the Salvation Army shop or charity, donating your mattress to them is a good option. The mattress should be usable and free of damage. Usually, the Salvation Army collects your mattress donation free of charge.
Goodwill
Goodwill is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing job training, employment placement services, and community-based programs for individuals facing employment barriers. In addition to these services, Goodwill operates retail stores where they sell donated clothing and household items at affordable prices.
Historically, some Goodwill locations accepted mattress donations. However, current policies may vary, and it appears that many locations no longer accept mattresses. It is a good idea to contact your local Goodwill directly to inquire about their current donation policies. If they do accept mattresses, many locations offer pickup services, though some may charge a fee for this convenience.
Facebook Marketplace
If you’re having trouble locating a local charity that accepts or picks up mattresses, Facebook Marketplace offers a practical alternative. You can list your mattress for free, attracting individuals who might be in need of it. This platform allows you to reach out to a broader audience and find someone interested in taking the mattress off your hands.
To ensure a safe and smooth transaction on Facebook Marketplace, follow these guidelines: Share only your neighborhood or a nearby intersection instead of your exact home address. If you can transport the mattress yourself, arrange to meet the buyer in a public, well-lit area.
If the buyer needs to pick up the mattress from your home, provide your address only when they are on their way. Move the mattress outside yourself to prevent letting a stranger into your home. It’s also wise to have someone with you during the pickup or to leave the mattress outside for a contactless exchange. Although no money is changing hands, always safeguard your personal information by avoiding the sharing of sensitive details and steering clear of unfamiliar links sent by strangers.
Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI)
It is one such organization that works and serves sustainable and affordable solutions for people worldwide. HFHI actively responds to the pressing need of some who lacks cheap household items. Some people can’t sleep, because they don’t have a place to live!
In such a case, your old mattress can be a great help to the organization. Sometimes, they may not be using the mattress you provide but will be sold to collect money. With this money, they offer the luxury to a family to sleep on a comfortable surface.
Furniture Bank Association of America Mattress Donations
The FBA is an association that provides essential household items of home furnishings to poverty-ridden people. Interestingly, the FBA has around 80 furniture banks around North America. It collects your old mattress from your home if your location is a maximum of 15-20 miles from their “furniture banks.”
Yes, it is one of the easiest ways to donate a mattress to people who value it.
· Other Local Charities
You can also go ahead with many local charities that will accept your mattress donation. They may be providing shelters for the homeless or poverty-ridden children and women. Your one mattress can give them a comfortable sleep and also the happiness to own it!
Apart from the above charities, others accept mattress donations.
Other Places to Give Mattress for Donations
Here are other alternative options to give mattress for donations:
Local shelters
You can help a bettered-women or a homeless child the happiness to sleep comfortably. Sometimes, the local shelters may ask you about the condition, or they are willing to see it. It is because they want to know the state of the mattress. Primarily, it should be reusable and free of bed bugs. In such cases, the local shelters will accept your used mattress as a donation. Indeed, you should not expect any payment in return for it!
Local Furniture Banks
Indeed, local furniture banks are there in many parts of the world, not only in the US. To donate your used mattress to the local furniture, you can take the help of the local search engine. But, mainly, there are local furniture banks that accept them and gift them to homeless people.
Now, knowing the right ways through which you can donate your mattress, we have something more for you!
Craigslist on Facebook
You can take all mattresses in your hand with Craigslist Facebook
The only thing you need to do is list your mattress/bedding under the free section of Craigslist on Facebook. After that, you can meet the right person in need, face-to-face, or even send your bed to a specific location with utmost ease.
Tips Before Donating Mattress
Once you’ve found a place related to who accepts mattress donations, it’s important to ensure it’s ready for donation to avoid any inconvenience. Start by checking the condition of your mattress. Charities generally have specific expectations for donated mattresses. For instance, while minor stains might be acceptable, significant discoloration or large stains from spills usually make a mattress unsuitable for donation. Although a mattress doesn’t need to be pristine, it should be relatively clean.
Next, ensure that your mattress is odor-free. If you’re dealing with a persistent smell, try sprinkling baking soda over the mattress and letting it sit for 24 hours before vacuuming it up. This method can help neutralize less severe odors. Additionally, inspect your mattress for any rips or tears. Charities typically refuse items that are damaged, so it’s crucial to check for and repair any significant issues before donation.
Lastly, confirm that your mattress is free of infestations. This is essential not only for the recipient’s safety but also to prevent potential infestations in the charity’s facilities. If your mattress has issues with bed bugs or other pests, it’s best to dispose of it rather than risk spreading the problem.
Cleaning Before Donating
Before donating your mattress, it’s essential to clean it thoroughly, as most charities lack the resources to do so themselves. Start by vacuuming all sides of the mattress—top, bottom, and edges—to remove dust and debris. If you notice any lingering odors, sprinkle baking soda evenly over the entire surface, let it sit overnight, and then vacuum again the next day to neutralize the smell.
Next, address any stains by spot-cleaning them. While no mattress needs to be spotless, removing visible stains is a considerate step, as it will make the mattress more comfortable for its future owner. Even though imperfections are expected, taking the time to clean and freshen up the mattress shows thoughtfulness and respect for those who will use it.
Conclusion
Follow the above tips to find who accepts mattress donations with the right know-how. Sometimes people in need may directly contact you through Facebook and other social media channels. Otherwise, it is an excellent option to donate your mattress to charities or organizations.
