How to Recycle Cushions

Old cushions can be reuse in many creative and useful ways, instead of throwing them away, thus avoiding a double waste: a bulky and useless waste, the purchase of a new object which is instead made with creative recycling. Moreover, the padding of the cushions usually, if the quality is good, is very resistant and this allows for easy reuse, to make, for example, new pillows, but also sweater containers, sofa covers and even small mattresses for the beach or for trips to picnic.

Index of topics

French cushions

Take four old pillows, wash them, and dry them thoroughly. Then, roll them up lengthwise and sew them closed with a needle and thread. At this point, get some cloth In your favorite color and pattern, cut out four triangles and sew them lengthwise to form tubes into which you can insert your previously rolled-up pillows. From the same scraps of fabric, you'll also need to cut eight discs to form the tube caps. This will create beautiful French-style pillows to place on your bed or sofa.

Dog house

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With an old pillow, placed comfortably in a fruit boxYou can create a comfortable bed for your pet. All you have to do is thoroughly clean the first one, line it if you like, and then insert the cushion precisely.

Picnic or beach mat

With slightly misshapen cushions that are no longer usable on the bed or sofa, you can create mats for picnics or even the beach. They're easy to make using old pillowcases or scraps of fabric, which you'll need to sew together lengthwise, leaving an opening on one side so you can insert the old cushions.

Garment bag

Even worn-out pillowcases can be creatively recycled. For example, they can be turned into garment bags for items you want to protect. Poke a hole in the pillowcase at the top and then insert a hanger onto which you've hung your garment: your garment bag is ready.

Sweater container

You can put your sweaters in an old pillowcase when you want to machine wash them, to prevent damage and unsightly pilling. Remember to tie the pillowcase with an elastic band to keep the sweater from falling out.

High chair padding

Using old cushions, washed and thoroughly dried, you can make side padding for your child's high chair to cushion their uncontrolled movements or bumpers for the front of the walker.

Seat covers

The recycling of old cushions continues: they can become beautiful seat covers for your indoor or outdoor benches, all you need to do is choose the right fabric. For the latter, opt for waterproof fabric.

Cover

If you think that the cushions that stand out on your sofa are too few, use the old ones, which you usually have on the bed, to make new and beautiful, comfortable and colorful ones, to give your living room or dining room a whole new mood.

Quilt

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Furthermore, you could sew together several cushions, after having slightly (but not completely) emptied them of their stuffing, to create quilts or mattresses for children to use in their bedroom or in living room, perhaps to watch TV more comfortably or to play games.

Table

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With thicker cushions, whether round, square, or rectangular, you can create an unusual coffee table. Its advantage is its originality; you can place it in front of the sofa and use it to rest your remote control, smartphone, and keys.

Where do you throw away pillows?

Given that, from what we've said, throwing away a pillow, even a fairly shabby one, is pure waste, if we decide to throw it away, we must be careful how we dispose of it. If it's made from recyclable materials, then it can go in the unsorted bin. Otherwise, it must be disposed of at a collection center, following the instructions and procedures established by your municipality. Foam or latex pillows should also be disposed of at the nearest recycling center.

What can you do with old cushions?