Household Linen

Household Linen

Sheets, pillowcases, pillows, blankets, quilts, duvets, bedspreads, curtains, cushions, towels, tea towels, tray-cloths, tablecloths, napkins – obviously with regards to the latter two we are talking about fabric ones (not paper). Some of these things are all very nice, but if you have too many that you don’t use, they can end up taking up a lot of space. The larger charity shops may well be happy to accept a lot of these items, if they are in good condition. Smaller charity shops are generally not a good idea for these sort of items because they don’t have enough room to display them; likewise except for smaller items, stalls at fairs are also not such a great idea (because of the display space problem). If the items are still useable, but not in good enough condition for a charity shop, then community organisations such as Freegle or Freecycle may be a good way of rehoming them.

Categories

Antique Linen – If in good condition it is sometimes possible to find a buyer on an internet auction site, although these do not sell for much money.

Bedspreads – If in good condition one of the larger charity shops may take them (although it could be advisable to check first). However, there is usually a demand on community groups such as Freegle Freecycle for these things, so it may be easier and more efficient to rehome them that way; and of course such groups are also a possibility if the items are not in perfect condition as long as they are useable. If in too poor a condition to use as originally intended, then an inventive Freegler or Freecycler may be able to come up with something to do with them, otherwise textiles recycling.

Blankets – If in very good condition (with no stains) these can be sent to one of the larger charity shops. If in a useable condition a reputable charity shop, such as the Red Cross may be able to take them to distribute to people in need, or, a community group such as Freegle or Freecycle is a possibility. If in poor condition it is possible an inventive Freegler or Freecyler might have a use for them (such as using for a pet animal’s bed, or for making bedshoes), otherwise put them in textiles recycling.

Curtains - If in good condition one of the larger charity shops may take them (although it could be advisable to check first). However, there is usually a demand on community groups such as Freegle or Freecycle for these things, so it may be easier and more efficient to rehome them that way; and of course such groups are also a possibility if the items are not in perfect condition as long as they are useable. If in too poor a condition to use as originally intended, then an inventive Freegler or Freecycler may be able to come up with something to do with them, otherwise textiles recycling.

Cushions – If in good condition a charity shop, or a stall at a fair will probably take them. However, if they do not have covers, then to make them more attractive, it may be worth using some scrap fabric (such as worn out curtains or duvet covers) and a sewing machine to run up some simple covers for them. If in a useable condition, whether or not they have covers then Freegle or Freecycle are possibilities, as is a Give-And-Take day.

Loose-Covers For Furniture – If in reasonable condition then Freegle or Freecycle may be a possibility, although a Give And Take Day might be a better bet (as then a possible taker can see exactly what they are getting). If in poor condition then it is possible an innovative Freegler or Freecycler or taker at a Give And Take Day, may be able to make use if them; but in reality textile recycling is probably the quickest way of disposing of them.

Napkins/Serviettes If in very good condition (with no stains) these can be sent to a charity shop. If in a useable condition a community group such as Freegle or Freecycle or a Give And Take Day is a distinct possibility. If in poor condition it is possible an inventive Freegler or Freecyler might have a use for them, or a heritage organisation (such as a preserved steam railway) might be able to use them as rags. Otherwise put them in textiles recycling.

Pillows – If in very good condition a charity shop might take them, though it may be advisable to check first. As long as they are in a useable condition a community group such as Freegle or Freecycle, though, if possible, do state in your posting whether they are made of feathers or man-made fibre (as some people are allergic to feathers, while other people may prefer feather pillows). If in too poor condition to be used at all, then ones made of man-made fibre may possible be disposed of as textile recycling, but generally the only thing to do with them is the dump.

Quilts & Duvets - If in very good condition (with no stains) these can be sent to one of the larger charity shops. If in a useable condition a reputable charity shop, such as the Red Cross may be able to take them to distribute to people in need, or, a community group such as Freegle or Freecycle is a possibility, though, if possible, do state in your posting whether they are made of feathers or man-made fibre (as some people are allergic to feathers, while other people may prefer feather bedding). If in poor condition it is possible an inventive Freegler or Freecyler might have a use for them (such as using for a pet animal’s bed), otherwise put them in textiles recycling.

Sheets and Pillowcases – If in good condition (with no stains) these can be sent to one of the larger charity shops. If in a useable condition a reputable charity shop, such as the Red Cross may be able to take them to distribute to people in need, or, a community group such as Freegle or Freecycle is a possibility. If in poor condition it is possible an inventive Freegler or Freecyler might have a use for them, or a heritage organisation (such as a preserved steam railway) might be able to use them as rags. Otherwise put them in textiles recycling.

Tablecloths – If in good condition (with no stains) these can be sent to one of the larger charity shops. If in a useable condition then Freegle or Freecyle are possibilities. If in poor condition it is possible an inventive Freegler or Freecyler might have a use for them, or a heritage organisation (such as a preserved steam railway) might be able to use them as rags. Otherwise put them in textiles recycling

Tea Towels – If in very good condition (with no stains) these can be sent to a charity shop. If in a useable condition a community group such as Freegle or Freecycle or a Give And Take Day is a distinct possibility. If in poor condition it is possible an inventive Freegler or Freecyler might have a use for them, or a heritage organisation (such as a preserved steam railway) might be able to use them as rags. Otherwise put them in textiles recycling.

Towels - If in very good condition (with no stains) these can be sent to one of the larger charity shops, who would welcome them. If in a useable condition a reputable charity shop, such as the Red Cross may be able to take them to distribute to people in need, or, a community group such as Freegle or Freecycle is a possibility. If in poor condition it is possible an inventive Freegler or Freecyler might have a use for them (such as using for a pet animal’s bed, keeping in case of floods, or possibly some other interesting use, for example as covering during a home-birth), or a heritage or a heritage organisation (such as a preserved steam railway) might be able to use them as rags. Otherwise put them in textiles recycling.

Tray-Cloths – If in good condition (with no stains) these can be sent to a charity shop. If in a reasonable condition (even if slightly stained) a stall at a fair may accept them; Freegle or Freecycle, or a Give And Take day is also a possibility. If in a poor condition then textiles recycling.