Can You Sell Used Mattresses? Everything You Need to Know in 2024

Did you know most mattresses last only 7 to 10 years? After that, they are often sold for just 20% to 30% of their original price.

But you are confused and wondering, “Can You Sell Used Mattresses?”

It is a common practice when we are either getting a new mattress or moving to a place where the old one just won’t fit.

Selling used mattresses can be a green choice, helping the planet and saving money for buyers. 

But, the legal rules are tricky, with different laws in each state and at the federal level.

In this blog, we are going to discuss: Is it actually possible, okay by the law, and honestly, does it make sense to sell a used mattress?

So, if you are thinking about selling or even buying a used mattress, stick to this page

Can You Sell Used Mattresses?

Yes, you can sell used mattresses, but there are important legal and practical considerations to keep in mind.

Is It Legal to Sell a Used Mattress?

Yes, it’s generally legal to sell a used mattress in the United States. However, state laws and regulations can vary from state to state, and there are also federal laws to consider.

In what states is it illegal to sell used mattresses?

Federally, it’s not illegal at the federal level to sell a used mattress, as long as it meets the Consumer Products Safety Commission Standards and the Federal Flammability Standard, this is to ensure that the mattress is safe and won’t easily catch fire.

Individual states have their own sets of rules that you need to follow.

Federal and State Regulations

Some states have specific requirements for sanitizing and labeling used mattresses before they can be sold. For example:

• California: It is legal to sell a used mattress as long as it doesn’t have visible stains and meets the federal flammability standard.
• Texas: You can sell a used mattress if it’s been cleaned and sanitized, and it must have a yellow tag indicating it’s used.
• New York: Individuals can buy a used mattress. Also, the retailers must have a special license to sell used mattresses. So it is best to check with the local health Department.
• Kansas: This is the only state where it’s completely illegal to sell used mattresses.
• Indiana, Maryland, Louisiana, and Washington: Retailers cannot sell used mattresses, but individuals can sell them.
• Massachusetts: Requires clear labeling for resold mattresses and has banned the disposal of mattresses to encourage recycling.
• Colorado: Legal to sell used mattresses, but they must be sanitized before sale.
• Oklahoma: It’s legal to sell used mattresses, but there are specific sanitation and labeling requirements.
• Pennsylvania (PA): It’s not illegal to sell used mattresses, but claiming a used mattress as new is unlawful.
• Florida, New Jersey, and Other States: Generally, selling a used mattress is legal, but it must be sanitized and properly labeled.

Condition	Pricing Range	Recommended Age for Resale
Like New	50-75% of original price	Less than 3 years
Good	20-50% of original price	3-5 years
Fair or Below	Below 20% of original price or free	More than 5 years

What You Need to Do?

If you’re thinking about selling your used mattress, here’s what you generally need to do:

• Sanitize Properly: Many states require that the mattress be properly sanitized before sale to ensure it’s safe for the next user.

• Label the Mattress: Federal law requires that used mattresses be labeled as such. Some states may also require a color-coded tag to indicate if the mattress contains used materials or has been sanitized.

• Check Local Laws: Since regulations can change and vary by location, it’s always a good idea to contact your local state authorities or Department of Health for the most current information on selling used mattresses in your area.

Federal Laws and Regulations

• Federal Flammability Standard: Federally, used mattresses must meet the flammability standard to be sold.
• Labeling: Federal law requires that any mattress containing reused or recycled stuffing must have a tag indicating this.

What to Consider When Selling Used Mattresses?

When selling used mattresses, you must think about cleanliness, safety, and condition. Selling mattresses is more than just a deal. It’s about making sure buyers get a safe and clean product.

Let’s look at how you can keep things ethical by focusing on cleanliness and safety, and checking the mattress’s condition before selling.

Ethical Considerations

Before selling your mattress, make sure it’s in good condition and safe to use. It should be clean, free of bed bugs, and still retain its supportive capabilities.

If your mattress materials sag excessively or have damaged components, such as split foam or broken springs, consider recycling them instead of selling them.

Legal Considerations

In most US states, selling used mattresses is legal, but only if they’re sanitized properly and labeled correctly.

That means you must sanitize them before selling them and label them as “used” in your ad. 

• Some states don’t have any regulations concerning the sale of used mattresses, while some of them don’t allow it at all. 

• Always double-check your state’s health department to find out what’s allowed in your area.

Ensure Cleanliness and Safety

First, you need to make sure the mattress is clean and safe. You should check for bed bugs and other pests.

Buyers should know about the risks of used mattresses, like sweat, bacteria, and infestations.

Cleaning the mattress well helps keep buyers safe. Since 2007, mattresses must not get too hot in tests, which helps prevent fires

Assess Mattress Condition Before Selling

Before selling your mattress, it’s important to check its condition. Take a close look for any sagging, damage, or wear that might affect its usability.

Keep in mind that mattresses should typically be replaced after about 10 years.

Understanding its condition will not only help you set a fair price but also ensure you’re being ethical in your sale.

Pricing a used mattress at 20 to 30 percent of its original cost is a good idea.

However, if the mattress is in poor condition or isn’t clean, recycling might be a better option than selling it.

Factor	Best Practices
Cleanliness	Ensure mattress is free from stains, odors, and pests.
Safety Standards	Adhere to federal flammability standards.
Condition Assessment	Check for sagging or damage before sale.
Pricing	List at 20-30% of retail price for fair sales.

Environmental Impact of Discarding Mattresses

When we discard mattresses, they often end up in landfills, taking up a lot of space because of their bulky nature. Here’s why:

Landfill Space: It’s estimated that around 20 million mattresses are thrown into landfills each year, which is equivalent to filling up about 132,000 square miles of space.

Slow Decomposition: The materials in a mattress can take up to 100 years to decompose. This slow breakdown not only hogs valuable landfill space but also poses environmental risks, as these materials can seep into the soil and cause pollution.

Illegal Dumping: Mattresses are one of the most commonly illegally dumped items. This adds to environmental problems and leads to costly clean-up efforts.

Carbon Footprint: The production and disposal of mattresses contribute to carbon emissions, which play a role in climate change.

What are the Benefits of Selling or Donating Used Mattresses?

Selling or donating your used mattress can be a great way to give it a second life while benefiting both yourself and others.

Selling or donating used mattresses is a beneficial practice. Here’s why:

Financial Benefits

• Recoup Investment: Selling your used mattress allows you to recoup some of the initial investment you made.
• Cost-Effective for Buyers: By selling your mattress, you offer someone the chance to own a mattress at a reduced price, making it a budget-friendly option for them.

Environmental Impact

• Reduce Waste: Donating or selling your mattress keeps it out of landfills, contributing to waste reduction and environmental sustainability.
• Recycling Opportunities: If your mattress is not in a condition to be sold or donated, recycling it can still prevent harmful environmental impacts. Mattress materials such as metal springs and foam can be recycled and repurposed, reducing the need for new resources.

Social Benefits

• Support Charitable Organizations: Donating your mattress can support charitable organizations and non-profits that provide essential items to those in need, such as shelters or thrift stores.
• Help Individuals in Need: Your donated mattress can significantly impact someone’s life by providing them with a comfortable place to sleep, especially if they cannot afford a new mattress.

Convenience and Space

• Clear Space: Selling or donating your mattress frees up space in your home for a new one or other uses.
• Convenient Disposal: Many organizations offer pick-up services for donated mattresses, making it a hassle-free process for you.

How to Sell a Used Mattress Online?

Online marketplaces are a popular option for selling mattresses. They offer a range of platforms, each with its own advantages.

Understanding these options helps us choose the one that best fits our needs.

There are several factors to consider, including setting a fair price, choosing the right platform for your ad, and ensuring you’re following all necessary mattress resale laws and regulations.

Set a Fair Price

When setting a price for your used mattress, consider its original price, age, and overall physical condition.

A good rule of thumb is that secondhand mattresses are typically worth about one-tenth of their original value.

For example, if you originally paid $2,000 for your mattress, you might be able to sell it for around $200. However, it depends on mattress size, condition and the market in your area.

Writing an Effective Listing

When it comes to writing an effective mattress listing, it’s all about giving buyers the information they’re looking for.

Start with high-quality photos—these are your first chance to catch someone’s eye and make them curious about the mattress.

Make sure to highlight key details like the brand, size, and condition, as well as any special features that set the mattress apart.

Sharing this information helps build trust with potential buyers. If you’ve cleaned or sanitized the mattress, be sure to mention that too—it adds an extra layer of appeal.

Where to Post Classified Ads?

There are several platforms where you can post classified ads to connect with potential buyer and successfully sell your used mattress—all you have to do is provide detailed descriptions of your old mattress. Here are some popular platforms:

• Craigslist: This is a popular online classifieds website that allows users to post ads for items they want to sell, including used mattresses. It’s free to post an ad on Craigslist, and it can be a great way to reach local buyers.

• Facebook Marketplace: This platform is another excellent option for selling used items. It’s easy to use and allows you to reach a wide audience. You can also join local buy/sell Facebook groups specific to your area to reach potential buyers.

• OfferUp: This mobile app allows users to buy and sell items online. It’s a good option if you want to reach a local audience of potential buyers.

• eBay: While shipping a mattress can be expensive and complicated, if you have a particularly valuable or unique mattress, eBay classifieds might be a good option. You can set a fixed price or use the auction-style format to attract bids from potential buyers.

Platform	Features	User Demographics
Facebook Marketplace	Community-focused, easy messaging	Local buyers
eBay	Auction style, wide reach	National audience
Craigslist	Simple listings, local focus	Varied demographics
OfferUp	User-friendly app, secure payments	Mobile users

How to Prepare Your Mattress for Sale?

Before selling a used mattress, it’s essential to ensure it’s in top-notch condition.

Not only does this increase your chances of a successful sale, but it also ensures the safety and satisfaction of your buyers.

Sanitize the Used Mattress Before Selling

Effective cleaning is a must if you want to make a good impression.

Sanitizing the mattress helps eliminate allergens, germs, and unpleasant odors. Here are some of the best techniques:

Vacuum Your Mattress: Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove dust, dead skin, and hair.

This won’t sanitize your mattress, but it will remove any loose debris.

Steam Clean Your Mattress: You can use a steam cleaner to sanitize your mattress.

The high heat from the steam can kill off bacteria, viruses, and other germs, including bed bugs and dust mites.

Use a Hand-Held Steamer: The steamer’s heat can kill more germs and eliminate dust mites, dirt, and debris.

Sanitize with Hydrogen Peroxide: You can sanitize a mattress with peroxide, which will kill off most germs and bacteria at a concentration of at least 3%.

Use Baking Soda: Baking soda can be used to deodorize the mattress and remove stains from sweat, blood, and other body fluids.

Clean the Spots: Use appropriate stain removers to tackle any spots or spills.

Dry the mattress Properly: Make sure the mattress is completely dry before listing it for sale.

Importance of Proper Documentation

Cleaning alone is not enough; having proper documentation is just as important.

• Collect any hygiene records, receipts, and warranties you have for the mattress. This documentation helps build trust with potential buyers.

• Clear and accessible documentation is important for maintaining a good resale value. For instance, mattresses that are less than three years old can often sell for up to 75% of their original price, provided they look like new.

• A well-crafted listing that includes details on the mattress’s age, condition, and special features can help you set a fair price and attract serious buyers.

Condition	Age	Resale Price Range
Like New	< 3 years	50-75% of original price
Good	3-5 years	20-50% of original price
Fair	> 5 years	Below 20% or free

Mattress Recycling: An Eco-Friendly Alternative

Recycling your old mattress is an eco-friendly and ethical way to dispose of it. Many states have local mattress recycling schemes.

Benefits of Mattress Recycling

Mattress recycling is another eco-friendly alternative to disposal. Here’s how it helps:

• Diverts from Landfills: Mattress recycling is an environmentally friendly alternative to disposal in landfills which reduces the burden on these waste management systems.

• Recovers Materials: Valuable materials like metal, foam, and wood can be recovered and repurposed, lessening the demand for virgin resources.

• Creates Jobs: The process of recycling mattresses can create new jobs in the recycling industry.

Recycling mattresses, metal, foam, wood and other recycled materials can be reused to make new products, reducing waste in landfills and promoting a circular economy.

• According to the Bye Bye mattress recycling scheme, more than 75% of a mattress are recyclable.

• These recycling programs ensure that mattresses are properly dismantled and their components are reused, supporting a more sustainable future.

Final Thoughts

So, to sum it up we can say that selling a used mattress is generally legal, but it’s crucial to check your state’s specific regulations and ensure that the mattress meets federal standards. Always clean and properly label the mattress before selling it.

When it comes to health concerns, it’s important to sanitize the mattress properly to ensure the buyer’s health and safety.

For effective cleaning, utilize methods such as vacuuming, steam cleaning, and using sanitizing agents like hydrogen peroxide or baking soda.

Selling or donating used mattresses can actually reduce environmental impact, but recycling offers a comprehensive solution for those that are no longer suitable for use.

So, the next time you’re staring at an old mattress and wondering what to do with it, consider the information we’ve shared here.

Share this article with your friends and family who might find it useful. Let us spread the word about the benefits and considerations of selling used mattresses.

FAQs

Is it illegal to sell mattresses in MN?

No, it is not illegal to sell a used mattress in Minnesota. However, the mattress must be sanitized before the sale and labeled appropriately according to state law.

Is it illegal to sell used mattresses in California?

In California, it is illegal to sell used mattresses with visible stains. Retailers are prohibited from selling used mattresses unless they are sanitized and properly labeled.

Are returned mattresses resold?

Yes, returned mattresses can be resold in some states after they have been cleaned, refurbished, and relabeled. Some companies may donate returned mattresses to charity or recycle them if they cannot be resold.

Is it legal to sell a used mattress in New York State?

Selling a used mattress in New York State is restricted. The New York State Bedding Law limits the refurbishment and resale of used mattresses and box springs. Establishments must adhere to certain sanitary standards before selling used mattresses.

How profitable is selling mattresses?

Selling mattresses can be profitable, especially if you are able to sell them for about 20 to 30% of their original retail value. The profitability depends on the condition of the mattress and the market demand.

Can you make a lot of money selling mattresses?

It is possible to make money selling mattresses, particularly if you engage in mattress flipping or if you have a mattress in good condition that you can sell for a fraction of its original price. However, the amount of money you can make varies widely based on several factors, including the quality of the mattresses you’re selling and your ability to find willing buyers.