Options to Consider if You Want to Donate a Mattress

You have a few options for your old mattress if you're upgrading to a new one, and donating the old mattress is a common approach here. What are your options if you want to donate a mattress, and what should you be thinking about in terms of preparation?

At Sunset Bedding, we're here to offer a huge range of mattress products for any mattress replacement need, including everything from full size memory foam mattresses to queen hybrid mattresses, pillow top king mattresses and more - and also tips on what to do with old mattresses. Here are some of the different organizations or general options you might have for donating a mattress, plus some preparation tips and other considerations.

There are several good options if you're looking for donation locations for any mattress, including:

One of the most well-known options for donating goods of all kinds is the Salvation Army. They accept mattress donations in good and decent condition, though there may be some restrictions on mattress age. The SA even offers pickup services in certain locations, which makes it easy to work with them.

And with this option, you know you're donating to important groups like disaster victims, domestic abuse victims, and those in need.

Another great option for donating your mattress is Habitat for Humanity's ReStore locations. These retail outlets take donations of furniture, building supplies, appliances, and more. And many accept mattresses as well. Just be sure to check with your local ReStore location to see if they have any specific guidelines or restrictions before dropping off your donation.

Sticking with well-known, national organizations, Goodwill also accepts mattress donations at select locations. As with any donation, it's always best to call ahead and confirm that they are able to accept your mattress.

In addition to larger organizations like those mentioned above, there may be smaller local shelters or non-profit organizations in your area that accept mattress donations. These could include homeless shelters, women's shelters, transitional housing programs, or other charities focused on helping those in need. A quick internet search or a call to your city government office can help you locate these options.

In many cities, religious organizations like churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples may also accept mattress donations. These organizations often have programs or partnerships in place to help those in need within their communities. Contact local religious institutions to inquire about their donation policies and if they accept mattresses.

If you are unable to find a physical location to donate your mattress, there are also online donation platforms available. These websites connect donors with charities or individuals in need who can pick up the mattress directly from your home. Some popular options include Freecycle, The Salvation Army's "Donate Goods" program, and Goodwill's "Donate Stuff" program.

If you've decided to donate a mattress to one of those or any other organization, there are a few basic forms of preparation you should be thinking about:

While many organizations will accept mattresses that aren't in perfect condition, it's impractical to donate something that nobody will actually be able to use. Checking for cleanliness and any major damage is a good idea.

You should also check a few basic areas of simple mattress operation, including:

• Springs: Ensure that all of the springs are intact, and still have a reasonable measure of tension.
• Frame integrity: If there's anything wrong with the frame, it can't be donated. Make sure the frame is structurally sound.
• Stains: Minor stains may be acceptable to some charities, but if you're not sure, simply clean them off before donation.
• Tears, rips or infestations: Confirm that there are no tears or rips in the fabric, and that there are no signs of infestation by bed bugs or other pests.

Be sure to strip the sheets, pillowcases and any other bedding items from the mattress before donation.

To ensure that your donated mattress is clean and hygienic for its new owner, it's important to properly sanitize it before donation. This can be done by thoroughly vacuuming the mattress and then using a disinfectant spray or solution to clean the surface. Make sure to also let the mattress air out and dry completely before donating.

Because mattresses are bulky, it's important to plan ahead when donating one. Here are a few tips to help make the donation process as smooth as possible:

• Check with local charities: Not all charities accept mattress donations, so it's best to check with them in advance. Some may have specific requirements or guidelines for accepting mattresses.
• Schedule a pickup: Many charities offer free pickup services for donated items, including mattresses. Contact the charity in advance and schedule a date and time for pickup.
• Consider alternative options: If no charities in your area are able to accept your mattress donation, consider other options such as selling it or giving it away for free on online platforms or social media groups.

Donating a mattress can be a great way to help others in need if you're upgrading. For more on this, or to learn about any of our mattress upgrade options, speak to our team at Sunset Bedding today!