Getting a comfortable sleep has to do with different things. For some, it might be the existence of a quiet environment. For others, it might just be having good meals and hearing the voice of their loved ones before falling asleep. While all these are important to different people, one thing that seems central to everyone is good sleeping material. One of such is having a pillow in your bed.
For years, pillows have helped us get sound sleep as it helps to support the head and prevent the neck from aching. This is necessary if you desire a productive day free from nursing the pain of neck and body aches. This state of things explains why many people have pillows in their bedroom and other places in their homes- some, more than they would ever need. As much as this is desired, there is the angle we need to focus on. This has to do with the aftermath of the pillows.
So, to settle all doubts, we have decided to make this post entirely about your pillows. What, for instance, can you use your old pillows for? Can you recycle pillows or put them in the recycling bin? How often should you replace your pillows, and also, can you donate your pillows?
There’s a whole lot to learn from this post, so don’t get distracted. Relax and enjoy the ride.
Can You Recycle Pillows?
There are as many pillows as there are people in the United States. And since they don’t last forever, it means something must be done about them when they have worn out.
In this instance, one of the first things that come to mind is recycling your pillows. But, like you might have found out, you cannot recycle everything. So, there’s the utmost need to find out if pillows are recyclable. Well, that’s why we are here. Let’s find out together.
The answer to whether you can recycle pillows may be a little tricky, but we will do our best to ensure clarity.
If you have held a pillow before, you would have noticed that it has more than one material. Though the material may be similar, it still does not change the fact that they are different. It is this state of things that has caused the confusion.
But one thing to note is that you can always recycle your pillows if your recycling station is willing to go the extra mile. Going the extra mile means your recycling station is willing to separate the textile cover from the inner materials.
Often, the textile cover is useful for making other textile products. What you only have to ensure is that your pillow textile cover has not been stained. If it is stained by blood, chemical, ink, or other substances; it might not be useful.
Aside from this, you would have no problem with recycling your pillows. The process is like recycling your everyday textile materials into other textile products.
Can You Put Pillows In The Recycling Bin?
Getting an answer to this may not be easy. True, you can recycle pillows if your recycling station is willing to go the extra miles of separating the textile cover from the inner material. The problem here is that this is often not disclosed publicly, and you will have to make inquiries to find out.
For this reason, it is impossible to make assumptions and just put your pillows in your recycling bin. If you haven’t confirmed that your local recycling company would separate the material, you should not put your pillows in the recycling bin. Doing this would only cause more problems for the recycling station.
In another way, you can go the extra mile yourself. This will require that you cut open the pillow and empty the inner materials. Depending on your kind of pillows, you may find foam or feathers, textile, or other materials. Also, ensure that you take out all other materials like pins or small metal or plastic that might have been attached to the pillows.
Once you do this, you can then package them and put them in your recycling bin. In all, ensure that your pillow has not been stained by anything that would make its recycling impossible or difficult. Some of those things include grease, blood, ink.
How Often Should You Replace Pillows?
Like every other thing in your home, there would always be a time for replacing them. The particular time for each item might be what would cause the difference. For pillows, there seems to be a consensus about when to replace them. The consensus is between every 1 and 2 years.
Depending on your outlook, this might look like a short time, but then, there are reasons for it. Let’s quickly consider some of these reasons.
Using your pillows every night comes with some issues. For instance, the pillows absorb your body oil. It also comes in contact with dead cells on your skin and also your hair. This has many consequences for you. One of such is that it can create a suitable ground for dust mites. Another consequence is that it will start producing some awful smell that may make you uncomfortable in your bed.
Aside from this, it would be best if you replaced your pillows because, after some time, they would be no longer as comfortable as they were. This means that they might not be able to support your head and neck the way you want. Without a doubt, this will disrupt your sleep. Hence, it would be best if you replaced your pillows within the recommended time frame.
Can You Donate Pillows?
There’s a general rule about donating things. And it is that once what you want to donate is still in a usable condition, you can always donate it. This is because you want to donate not just to get rid of that thing but to allow others to use it. So, it would be best if you kept it in the right condition.
Whether or not you can donate your pillows, the answer would be in the affirmative if your pillows are in good condition. Once you can ensure this, there is little or nothing to worry about.
But then, let’s go a little bit further. Where are the places you can donate your pillows? Or, who can you donate your pillows too? We have found that out for you, so let’s quickly get to it.
1. Charity Homes
If you think of donating something and you aren’t thinking of charity homes, you haven’t done an excellent job. Charity homes exist to give help to the less opportune, and they need every help they can get from the public to sustain this.
This implies that they would be willing to accept your pillows provided they are in the right conditions.
2. Textile Factories
There are many textile factories out there that accept old pillows from users. You only have to find out whether the textile factories near you accept it. The chances are that if the textile factory produces pillows, it will accept your old pillows. Some textile factories with strict policies may require that you commit some processing fee. But then, the majority will accept the donation of your pillows.
3. Animal Farms
Donating your old pillows to animal farms is another way to help your community. Many animal farms are always in need of beddings for small animals and pets in their custody. Your old pillows may be what they need. So, don’t be afraid to send your pillows to animal farms.
In all, always remember the rule of donation. Don’t donate whatever would not be in proper use for the donee.
7 Surprising Ways To Reuse Old Pillows
Having old things may be a problem and a blessing. A problem if you don’t know how to use it to make other things. And a blessing if you know how to repurpose your old things. For us, we are out to solve the problem; that is why we have brought you seven easy ways to reuse your old pillows. We know you are excited, so let’s get to it.
1. Make Your Pet A Bed
If the prices of pet beds at the pet stores scare you, well, we might have another option that doesn’t require you to spend a dime. What you need are your fluffy pillows. If you have a pet house, you only have to lay the pillows down side by side. This would serve as a pet bed, and your pet would enjoy it.
Nonetheless, since you are using an old pillow, you will have to ensure its hygiene before converting it to pet beddings. What you have to do is wash it in warm water and allow it to dry out entirely. After this, you are good to go.
2. Fluff Up Your Pillow
If you have pillows that need a little support to make them more comfortable, you can use your old pillows. You can also use the stuffing from the old pillows to support your new pillows.
3. Create Floor Pillows
If you love the idea of reading or watching tv while on the floor, your old pillows may be able to make you floor pillows. Using your old pillows to create floor pillows would also cushion the effect of fall on your kids.
4. Make A Kneepad
Does it hurt if you have to work on your knees in the garden? Well, you can stop that knee pain by using your old pillows as kneepads. You don’t have to do anything other than placing your pillow on the floor and kneeling on it. Problem solved.
5. Use As Protection
Your old pillows are fluffy and may serve as a good thing to use to protect your fragile materials. This is important if you are transporting fragile materials.
6. Make Compost
It might sound strange, but it is possible if you have been using a feather pillow. All you have to do is cut open the pillow and empty the content in the compost bin. Your plants would love it.
7. Make A Napkin
Instead of spending money on a napkin, why not use your pillow to make one? How do you go about this? You will need to cut open your pillow and empty the container. You can then cut out the pillow cover in different sizes. After this, you will need to wash it in warm water and dry it. There you have your napkins.
Conclusion
Pillows serve a lot of good to us. Due to this, we can’t afford to mistreat them because of the environment. Above you have seen that you can recycle them. You have also seen the different things you can use them for. So, what are you waiting for? Set the ball rolling now.
References:
https://amerisleep.com/blog/how-often-should-you-replace-your-pillows/
