When sorting glass, plastic, and paper for recycling, you might wonder how to discard used clothes and home textiles responsibly. To give these items a new life, take them to a thrift shop or center  specializing in recycling fabric. The fabrics are modified to make new goods, which are often donated to the less fortunate. Textiles are also kept out of landfills, so they aren’t left to decompose and create greenhouse gases. When combing through belongings, below are common household textiles that are recycled.  

What Are Some Types of Household Textiles to Recycle?

1. Bed Linens

Old bed linens taking up space in storage areas can be recycled. This includes sheets, bed skirts, bedspreads, and pillowcases. These textiles will be sorted at the recycling center or thrift store by fabric type.

Bed linens are typically made of cotton, acrylic, polyester blends, nylon, wool, linen, or silk. Fabric details should be listed on the tags. Whittle down your assortment of bed linens to a few sets for each bed in the house. Recycle textiles that are dingy or made to fit mattresses you no longer have.

2. Floor Coverings

If you recently pulled up carpets during a remodel, the floor coverings can be recycled. The same goes for rugs that are frayed, stained, and worn.

Older carpets are generally made of wool, while polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fibers are also used to make new carpeting. Rugs are also made from wool, chenille, and other natural fibers as well as synthetic materials.

3. Drapery

Even with routine washing, drapes and curtains will lose their luster over time. The fabrics are prone to fading with prolonged exposure to UV rays through windows.

Just like with used clothes, the silk, linen, and other curtain fabrics can be modified to make new garments. Fibers are also broken down to make new drapery, insulation, and other household goods. 

If you want to give used clothes a new life, contact the professionals at Amclex in Miami, FL. The company specializes in finding secondhand clothing for upcycling. The restructured garments are given to people in low-income communities. Find company details online and call (305) 634-1757 to learn more about recycling your used clothes.