Maybe you’re getting a brand new, comfy bed. That’s great! But now you have an old mattress taking up space. You might be thinking about giving it away to someone who needs it, like the Salvation Army. That’s a kind thought! The big question is, will the Salvation Army take your old mattress1?
Well, the answer is yes, the Salvation Army can take mattresses1. But it’s not quite that simple. Whether they will take your mattress depends on a few things. The most important things are the rules at your local Salvation Army and how good of shape your mattress is in1. Think of it like this: each Salvation Army store is a little bit different, and they have their own rules about what they can and cannot accept1.
What Kind of Mattresses Does Salvation Army Usually Take?
If you’re hoping to donate your mattress, it needs to be in pretty good condition. Here’s what the Salvation Army usually looks for:
- They like mattresses that have been used gently and don’t look too worn out1. If it looks like it’s been slept on a lot and is falling apart, they probably won’t take it.
- The mattress needs to be clean1. That means no big spills or dirt marks on it. Nobody wants to sleep on a dirty mattress!
- It also needs to be free of any stains1. Even small stains might make them say no.
- This is a big one: your mattress must not have any bed bugs or other little critters living in it1. Bed bugs can spread easily, and no one wants that problem.
- They will also check to make sure the mattress is still in good working order1. That means no broken or bent springs that you can feel, and the mattress shouldn’t be all saggy or lumpy. If it doesn’t offer good support anymore, it’s not a good donation1.
For example, if you live in Austin, Texas, the Salvation Army there has specific rules. They say that mattresses and the matching box springs cannot have any rips, stains, or tears if you want to donate them4. This gives you a good idea of the kind of condition they expect.
Here’s a quick look at the general rules:
| Condition | Description |
| Clean | Free from dirt, spills, and general soiling |
| Stain-Free | No visible stains of any kind |
| Good Condition | Gently used with minimal wear and tear |
| Pest-Free | Absolutely no evidence of bed bugs or other pests |
| Structural Integrity | No sagging, lumps, broken springs, or significant damage |
How Can You Check if Your Local Salvation Army Takes Mattresses?
Because every Salvation Army location can have slightly different rules, the best thing to do is to check with the one closest to you before you try to donate your mattress1.
Here are a few easy ways to find out if your local Salvation Army will take your mattress:
- Visit their website: Most Salvation Army locations have their own websites. Look for a page about donations or a way to contact them1.
- Call their donation hotline: There’s a special phone number you can call to ask about donations. It’s 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825)1. Someone on the phone can tell you the rules for your area.
- Use their zip code finder: The Salvation Army often has a tool on their website where you can put in your zip code to find the nearest donation center and see what they accept9.
- Call the local store directly: If you know the phone number of your local Salvation Army thrift store, you can give them a call and ask about their mattress donation policy10. This is a quick way to get a direct answer.
It’s always a good idea to call before you load up your mattress and drive it over there. That way, you won’t waste your time if they can’t accept it10.
Common Questions About Donating Mattresses to Salvation Army (FAQ)
Here are some common questions people have about donating mattresses to the Salvation Army:
Q: Does Salvation Army take old mattresses?
They might! If your old mattress is still in good shape – meaning it’s clean, has no stains, isn’t falling apart, and doesn’t have any bed bugs – then some Salvation Army locations will be happy to take it1. The age of the mattress isn’t the main thing they look at; it’s more about the condition it’s in.
Q: Will Salvation Army pick up my mattress?
Yes, in many areas, the Salvation Army offers a free service where they will come to your house and pick up big items like mattresses1. You can usually schedule this pickup online at satruck.org or by calling 1-800-SA-TRUCK. Just make sure to check if this service is available in your neighborhood.
Q: Does the Salvation Army accept box springs?
Sometimes they do! If your box spring is also in good condition – no rips, stains, or anything broken – then it might be accepted along with your mattress4. It’s always a good idea to ask your local Salvation Army to be sure.
Q: Does Salvation Army take used mattresses?
Yes, a used mattress is usually fine to donate as long as it meets all the rules about being clean and in good condition1. They understand that most donated items are used.
Q: Does the Salvation Army take mattresses and box springs?
Yes, if both your mattress and box spring are in good shape, some Salvation Army locations will take both4. But like with just a mattress, it’s best to check with your local branch first.
Q: Does the Salvation Army accept bedding items like pillows?
Usually, no. Things like pillows, and sometimes even mattresses, are not taken by many Salvation Army locations because of concerns about bed bugs and allergies3. However, the rules can be different depending on where you are, so it doesn’t hurt to ask your local store.
Q: What items does the Salvation Army not take?
Besides mattresses that aren’t in good condition, the Salvation Army often doesn’t accept items that are broken, dirty, or unsafe3. This can include things like old, big TVs, car parts, paint, and furniture that has rips or stains. Their main goal is to give items to people who need them, so they need to be in usable condition.
Q: How do I get my mattress ready to donate?
If you’re planning to donate your mattress, it’s a good idea to get it as clean as possible1. Vacuum it really well to get rid of any dust or dirt. If you see any stains, try to clean them. You can even sprinkle some baking soda on it to help with any smells, let it sit for a bit, and then vacuum it again. If you can, wrapping the mattress in a plastic cover will help keep it clean during transport.
What If Salvation Army Can’t Take Your Mattress?
If your local Salvation Army can’t accept your mattress, or if you’d rather not go through the hassle of checking, don’t worry! Ex-Mattress is here to help you out1.
We know that getting rid of an old mattress can be a pain. That’s why we offer a super easy and reliable mattress removal service1. We’ll come right to your home, pick up your old mattress, and take it away for you1. No need to worry about hauling it yourself or figuring out where to take it.
Plus, we believe in taking care of our planet1. That’s why we try to recycle as many mattresses as possible1. Recycling your old mattress is a great way to reduce waste and help the environment1. It saves space in landfills, helps prevent pollution, and even saves valuable resources1. It can also help create jobs in our communities1!
Scheduling a mattress removal with Ex-Mattress is simple. You can book a pickup online through our website or give us a call1. We’ll even let you know when to expect us so you’re not waiting around all day1. We aim to make the whole process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you.
In Short
So, can you donate your mattress to the Salvation Army? The answer is maybe. They might take it if it’s in excellent condition and if your local branch has the space and resources to accept it. It’s always best to call them first to find out their specific rules1.
But if the Salvation Army can’t take your mattress, or if you just want a quick and easy way to get rid of it, Ex-Mattress is your go-to solution. We’ll handle all the heavy lifting and make sure your old mattress is disposed of responsibly, often through recycling1.
Need to Get Rid of Your Old Mattress? We Can Help!
If you’d like to try donating your mattress to the Salvation Army, you can find more information on their website at satruck.org or call them at 1-800-SA-TRUCK13.
Ready for a super easy mattress removal? Visit our website at exmattress.com or call us at (512) 537-9270. We’re here to help you get that old mattress out of your way quickly and responsibly!
Works cited
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- What to Donate to the Salvation Army | Budget Dumpster, accessed March 18, 2025, https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/what-to-donate-to-salvation-army
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- Charities That Will Pick Up Furniture for Free (2025 Guide) – This Old House, accessed March 18, 2025, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/moving/charities-that-will-pick-up-furniture-for-free
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