Old duvets

[noviceveggrower]

Hi,
We are going to have a sort out this coming week and the bedding in one department that is being blitz.
I know we have a few duvets that are not needed anymore.
I was wondering if I could use them down the garden or allotment, but not wanting to encourage any furry visitors. Or does anyone know any charities that might except them?
Thanks

[Nicos]

Freecycle?
Preloved?

Someone might even want to make cushions out of them!
Maybe neighbours/ friends might be able to use them/ know youngsters setting up home?

Glad to see you aren't just going to chuck them out!

[SammieB]

You don't say what condition they are in but a local homeless shelter may be grateful for them. If not suitable for them then how about an animal rescue charity - I know that they sometimes have volunteers who make them in to beds for dogs?

[Alison]

I took one of ours to the local hospice charity shop, asked first as I wasn't sure and was told that they're always getting asked for them and had a waiting list of people who wanted to have them. A real demand.

[Two_Sheds]

does anyone know any charities that might except [sic] them?

animal charities often need bedding for their animals
Brighton RSPCA's urgent appeal for bedding and food as new kittens put charity under strain (From The Argus)

you could g00gle "charity bedding Redditch"

[Guest]

I know our local RSPCA is after towels but they normally make use of bedding and other bits and pieces.

[mothhawk]

My local animal charity takes them gladly if they are fibre filled, but not down or feather duvets because if they get torn the feathers go everywhere and are hard to clear up.

Duvets should be washed at least every 6 months and changed after 5 years max, so if they are approaching this age, animal charities only, or if they are down or feather, slash a few holes in them and put them on the compost heap, they will disappear in no time.

[arpoet]

If they are feather and old I would just lay them on the compost heap and cover with leaves and let em rot down.

[roitelet]

They make good covers for compost heaps, keeps the heat in!

[sparrow100]

Duvets should be washed at least every 6 months and changed after 5 years max.

Not true - it depends on what they are made of. Down/feather duvets last for many many years if you treat 'em right. Mine came with a minimum 10 year guarantee but was told that yearly cleaning (I don't use the same duvet all year round) and proper storage will mean it lasts a lot longer. Synthetic ones don't last as long but again, if you treat them well will last 10 years or so.

I work with homeless charities and know that they would be really glad of duvets.

[Alison]

Duvets should be washed at least every 6 months and changed after 5 years max, so if they are approaching this age, animal charities only

Many types of duvet recommend that you shouldn't wash them at all and that they should just be aired on a regular basis with the occasional hanging on the washing line to freshen up. A good quality one which has been treated correctly should last far longer than years too.

[mothhawk]

Not true - it depends on what they are made of. Down/feather duvets last for many many years if you treat 'em right. Mine came with a minimum 10 year guarantee but was told that yearly cleaning (I don't use the same duvet all year round) and proper storage will mean it lasts a lot longer. Synthetic ones don't last as long but again, if you treat them well will last 10 years or so.

I work with homeless charities and know that they would be really glad of duvets.

Well, if you're happy to sleep with dust mites and their droppings, they are happy to sleep with you, and not fussy whether you have synthetic or down......

[Alison]

Well, if you're happy to sleep with dust mites and their droppings, they are happy to sleep with you, and not fussy whether you have synthetic or down......

That's why you give them a darned good airing

[Jeanied]

I always parcel mine up in thick black plastic, duct tape round the edges and use them on the compost bins to keep them hot. I find the slow worms love them too, they seem to tuck themselves in at the top of the heap just under the cover The plastic needs replacing every few years but they remain effective - the compost rots down extra fast especially if I mix in horse poo.

[Nicos]

Dust mites?
I once read that you should wrap your feather duvet/ pillow in a plastic bin bag and leave in the freezer for a couple of days to kill off the mites!
Never tried it myself...but I like the logic.