What To Do With Old Comforters (Here's What You Can Do)
Comforters help to keep us warm and cozy in bed, giving us a soft place to rest. Not only can comforters be functional, but their patterns and textures can help transform a room, adding to your overall room decor. If your comforter is old, or you simply want to update your room decor, you may be left with old comforters and wondering what uses you can find for them.
Old comforters are great for household projects like moving and painting. Additionally, old comforters can quickly transform into fun DIY crafts and projects, further extending their use. It may be possible to donate blankets to local charities, but if not, animal shelters will willingly accept old comforters.
If you cannot use your old comforter and cannot find a place to donate the comforter, it may be possible to recycle your comforter. Special textile recycling centers can help recycle the all-natural material. If all else fails and you cannot find a new use for your old comforter, you can put your old comforter in the trash with the regular garbage. Comforters do not contain any hazardous or toxic material, so trash is a perfectly acceptable option.
Of course, it is always best to find a new use to avoid filling a landfill with the trash that could otherwise be repurposed or donated.
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Can I Donate Old Comforters?
Depending on your charity organization or donation center, it may be possible to donate an old comforter. Common household linens like towels, sheets, and old comforters may be accepted at places like Goodwill or The Salvation Army.
However, some charity organizations have specific policies regarding lines and may not be able to accept them. Linens can carry pests and bacteria that can easily transfer into a new household. Transferring pests or bacteria to a different home could severely impact the people you are trying to help.
Always call before dropping linens off at a charity organization. If your local organization cannot take your old comforter, consider donating your comforter to an animal shelter. Many shelters will gladly accept used comforters to use as soft bedding for animals they bring into the shelter.
Can I Throw Away Old Comforters?
There is nothing toxic or hazardous in a comforter, so it is entirely possible to simply throw away an old comforter you are no longer using. Putting your comforter out with the standard trash is perfectly acceptable. Before committing to trashing your comforter, though, consider other options and uses for your comforter around the house. You may be able to use the comforter as a drop cloth or might transform your comforter into something new with an easy and fun DIY project.
Is it Possible to Recycle Old Comforters?
Because comforters are made of fabric and are mostly natural materials, it may be possible to recycle an old comforter. You won’t be able to throw your comforter into the recycling bin with your plastics and cardboard, but you will be able to recycle it with specialized textile recycling.
Search your local area for specific textile and fabric recycling to find a center to take your old comforter. Be sure to call ahead of time to ensure they have the ability and space to take your old comforter.
Can I Update an Old Comforter?
If you have a comforter that is still in good shape, it may be possible to update your old comforter with a new fabric. You can do this one of two ways. The first method is to simply sew new material to the top of your comforter, creating one conjoined topper for your bed.
The second method is to use your old comforter as a duvet insert. Then, you’ll make a duvet cover with new, updated fabric and stuff the old comforter inside. The old comforter will still provide you the same amount of warmth and comfort but have an updated material or print to liven up your room.
What Can I Do With an Old Comforter?
Just because you no longer want to use your comforter on your bed, you can still keep it around the house for valuable projects. Some great ways to use an old comforter around the home include:
- Picnic Blanket – Saving your old comforter to use as a picnic blanket is a wonderful way to still get use out of an outdated or worn comforter. Not only will you stay comfortable with the light padding, but you’ll be warm still sitting on the ground.
- Moving Protection – Because comforters have a little bit of cushion, they make wonderful tools to move delicate furniture. The comforter can help protect corners and surfaces from dings, dents, and scratches.
- Play Mat – If you have little ones at home, a comforter can make a nice and soft play mat for your baby to play on. The comforter is the perfect place to crawl around and play with some fun toys.
- Cover Plants – Living in a colder climate means that frost and snow are inevitable. When those first frosts come around, use an old comforter to drape over your flowers and plants, protecting them from damage. The frost will cling to the comforter, allowing you to keep your flowers blooming for longer.
- Drop Cloth – For those taking on some big painting projects, an old comforter makes the perfect drop cloth. Spread the comforter out under what you plan to paint to catch any errant drips from the paintbrush.
What Can I Make With Old Comforters?
Your old comforter can easily be transformed into a new, fun project. There are many DIY ideas for your old comforter that allow you to breathe new life into something that would typically end up in the trash. Some great projects to try with an old comforter include:
- Sleeping Bag – With a few quick stitches, you can transform an old comforter into a DIY sleeping bag. Add a zipper, and you’ll be ready for the great outdoors with a thick, warm, and repurposed sleeping bag.
- Pet Bed – Your pet will appreciate having a warm and comfortable place to rest. Making your old comforter a new pet bed not only gives your dog some warmth, but your dog will be so happy sleeping on a bed that smells like you.
- Throw Pillows – Comforters have wonderful, rich textures and fabrics and easily turn into decorative throw pillows. Use the fabric on the comforter and make a pillowcase that can be stuffed with purchased stuffing. Your throw pillows will look great anywhere in the home.
- Apron – Using the fabric from your comforter, you’ll be able to fashion a quick apron or crafting smock. Add a few pockets to help keep you organized, and you’ll be ready to take on any new DIY craft.
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Related Questions
Is a duvet cover the same as a comforter?
Although both a duvet cover and a comforter perform the same job for your bed, keeping you warm and comfortable, they are, in fact, different types of bed linens. A comforter is a single cover that includes the fabric and insert sewn together. A duvet cover comparatively, is a single large layer of fabric that has a duvet insert. The two pieces are separate, and the duvet cover can be removed separately for laundering.
What is the warmest comforter option for winter?
If you are looking for something to keep you toasty warm through the cold winter months, look for a comforter that is made with goose-down or synthetic down feathers. The feathers are light enough to rest gently on your bed but do a phenomenal job at trapping and retaining heat, keeping you warm all night.
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