Many people might find purchasing a used mattress inconceivable since they believe these mattresses are unhealthy and dirty. But for others, buying a second-hand mattress seems to be okay.
Purchasing a mattress that contains used fillings or has been used by someone else is an environmentally-friendly option that can help you save money.
Mattresses are one of the more challenging products in a home to sell, especially when it is second-hand. If you are interested in selling your second-hand mattress, here is a guide that provides information about resale regulations.
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Sell Your Mattress Legally
Before selling an old mattress, it is essential to be mindful that reselling a used mattress is often subjected to a lot more regulations when compared to trading other household items. You can sell used mattresses in many states in the U.S., but they have to satisfy specific processing and/or labeling criteria.
While it isn’t unlawful to sell second-hand mattresses in the U.S., some jurisdictions and states have regulations and rules that you must follow before you can sell an old mattress.
If you want to buy a new mattress, you may be thinking about what to do about your old one. Some people sell their old mattresses to assist in covering some of the costs involved in buying a new one.
The laws surrounding selling a used mattress vary from state to state. Some states have outright banned the sale of used mattresses, while others permit it on strict conditions that the mattresses have to be sanitized before they are sold.
Federal laws require that the mattress reseller must label that the mattress has been used. That will ensure you are purchasing a hygienic used mattress that will be comfortable and healthy.
| State Laws On Selling A Used Mattress
Is selling a used mattress illegal? The sale standards for used mattresses will be governed at local and state levels, which is why it is advisable to verify any legal restrictions that may be in place in your area. Mattresses need to be carefully sanitized before they are sold in many states.
Many laws mandate that a used mattress be labeled clearly as “used.” Others prohibit selling used mattresses, but they allow mattresses that contain recycled materials to be sold. Some states don’t have any restrictions at all or very few regulations.
Find out if you have any shops in your area selling second-hand mattresses and if the state you live in permits merchants or resellers to sell second-hand mattresses (most will not).
It will probably be best to resell your mattress to one of these stores if there are stores. You might not get the same amount you would have selling directly to someone else, but the effort will be dramatically less.
California prohibits selling it if it has visible stains. A used mattress needs to be cleaned and marked as used in Texas. Individuals based in New York are permitted to buy used mattresses.
State laws differ in each state, so it is best to contact the department of health in your local area for the details about the regulations associated with selling a used mattress.
Many people regard purchasing used mattresses to be unhygienic, but when a mattress is removed from its packaging and has not been slept on, it is still considered used.
| The Regulations
The regulations surrounding selling used mattresses generally only apply to retailers, and retailers selling mattresses containing recycled materials must clearly label them.
Individuals are generally allowed to purchase used mattresses from other individuals. However, it is still advisable to make sure the mattress has been sanitized before the sale to ensure a hygienic sleeping space.
The regulations and laws for buying and selling used mattresses vary from state to state. The legal considerations to keep in mind before you buy a mattress that has been used include:
◉ Cleaning
Certain states will allow the sale of used mattresses if they have been disinfected or sanitized before being sold.
◉ Tagging
Federal law in certain states will require that a used mattress display color-coded tags that highlight its condition, was it made with recycled materials, or when it has been properly sanitized.
However, that doesn’t apply to individuals that sell used mattresses to other individuals. Some states will have certain labeling requirements for selling a used mattress (sometimes yellow or red).
- Yellow Tag: A yellow tag means that the mattress is sanitized.
- Red Tag: A red tag means a mattress contains used materials such as a filling.
- Retailers Or Business Only: Not required for sales between individuals.
◉ Filling
Specific mattress parts, like the springs, can be sold or reused in some states.
◉ Federal Flammability Standard
The Federal Flammability Standards came into effect in July 2007 to ensure mattresses are made from materials that aren’t as flammable. The mattress is not allowed to exceed 200 kW (peak heat) within the first 30 minutes of a safety test.
That lowers the likelihood of mattress fires and makes sure the fire doesn’t spread as fast if it does occur. Used mattresses are also required to meet federal flammability standards.
| Other Possible Restrictions
When selling a used mattress, the regulations and rules will differ from state to state, so check on yours before deciding to sell.
A commercial supplier must maintain the right documentation on how the mattress was cleaned and make it available for examination by the state when required. Every used mattress hired, rented, or sold must be treated.
Some mattresses may have a second-hand slipcover that is used for concealing stains. Recycling these types of covers is prohibited according to Texas law.
Regardless of the cleaning solution, you must throw these away before selling. A new cover that is washed cant is used as a substitute for a second-hand covering.
Texas also expressly prohibits using unclean substances to refurbish or restore a mattress or any other type of bedding, even when these components have been cleaned with antimicrobial treatments.
Until a used mattress has been appropriately cleaned, retailers must keep used mattresses separate from new ones.
According to state regulations, resale mattresses aren’t permitted on a sale floor until they are properly disinfected.
The Best Way to Sell Your Used Mattress
To begin with, you need to ensure the mattress is clean since nobody wants to buy another person’s stained possessions.
Again, when it comes to the requirements in your local area, you might be required to have the mattress properly sanitized and cleaned (this is probably the best option, regardless). But when your bed is really filthy, we suggest that it is ethical to discard it rather than try to sell it.
When selling a used mattress, you can use many websites. Some notable sites include:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist
- eBay
- OfferUp
When buying a new bed, the retailer might offer the option of trading your old mattress in for a new one.
At the same time, you may want to ask if any of your family members or friends might be interested in purchasing it. That could save you a lot of effort and time regarding advertising.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are You Allowed To Sell A Mattress?
The regulations surrounding selling used mattresses for retailers are usually pretty stringent, and the mattress must be sanitized and clearly labeled.
When it comes to an individual selling a second-hand mattress to someone else, these transactions are usually not regulated, and the consumer must decide whether buying a second-hand mattress is the right option for them.
Are Retailers Allowed to Sell Used Mattresses?
Individuals are permitted to sell a second-hand mattress to someone else (another individual). However, retailers must mark a mattress if any materials were previously used.
A mattress should be labeled as used once it has been taken out of its packaging, regardless of whether it has been used or not. A second-hand mattress provided it has been professionally sanitized, might be very comfortable and help you save a lot of money.
Can You Sell a Used Mattress In California?
California does not permit selling mattresses with any visible stains. When purchasing a second mattress from someone, try to make sure it is sanitized before you buy it.
Used mattresses can provide a very comfortable sleeping space and help you to save a bit of money. However, many retailers offer fantastic options on a range of new mattresses that could also be a good option.
Can You Sell a Used Mattress In Texas?
Not all states have restrictions when selling old mattresses. One of the states that do is Texas, where a resale mattress must be sanitized and cleaned according to the Texas Administrative Code Rule 205.8. The government will allow various treatment procedures such as steaming, industrial laundry, and chemical sprays.
Steam cleaning will require at least 20 minutes. While dry heat and washing are also allowed, the law mandates that a dry heat tank must be used that can deliver a temperature average of 230 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Final Words
In most states, there are laws regarding how retailers sell used mattresses, and these laws expect a used mattress to be labeled clearly.
Contact the health department in your local area for the latest legislation associated with selling a used mattress, as this can change from time to time.
Many people consider buying a used mattress unhygienic, but once it is taken out of the packaging and hasn’t been used or slept on, it is still regarded as used.
A professionally sanitized mattress that is labeled clearly might provide a comfortable and clean sleeping space if you want to save a bit of money.
Please be mindful that you should not sell any mattress over 5 to 6 years old since the lifespan of most mattresses is around seven years.