what do to with carpet bits?

silly_moo

We just had new carpets put in and hubby wants to take the old carpet and the leftover bits of the new carpet to the dump.

I'm wondering if I could somehow sell these but not sure if anyone would actually want something like that. It just seems such a waste to throw good quality stuff out.

The old carpet is still in good condition and we only had to change it as we wanted a matching carpet for the stairs and the hallway (previously no carpet in the hallway, the carpet was on the stairs only).

The new carpet leftovers are all different sizes but big enough to be used as rugs or bedside mats. They are, however, going to fray on the edges if left as they are and I'm useless at manual work so wouldn't even attempt to operate a sewing machine. I'm not even sure if a sewing machine would be any use here.

Can you please advise if I should keep them and somehow try to sell them or should I let hubby go to the dump? I don't want them to sit in the house for months so will only be willing to keep them if they could be sold relatively quickly.

rosie383

Don't know what you would do with lots of bits, but I have used a few big squares of our new carpet as mats for the porch. It's made a huge difference to the amount of cleaning there especially over the winter, and any scruffy bits that are fraying around the edges just get trimmed off every now and again. I have a big roll of it too, which is hidden along behind the sofa in case I need it for something.

kitschkitty

If the old carpet is a good size and in good condition you might get a few quid for it on eBay, the small carpet offcuts won't sell though, but you could give them away on freecycle etc as -people use them to suppress weeds on allotments.

crumblepie

I did the same as rosie383. Got a piece by the back door and I'm using another longish piece as a runner in the hallway. Not too bothered about it fraying at the edges. I've also got a small piece for the cat to play with!

The piece by the back door I replace when it gets really scruffy, with another off cut. Saves having to buy new mats all the time.

saverholic

When we get a new carpet we always ask that the off cuts be 'whipped' to give us some new rugs as part of the price of the carpet.

If you ask where you got your carpets (or ask around because you may get it cheaper) they should be sort the edges out for you quite cheaply.

I would definately keep at least a couple of pieces. We keep one by the door etc which reduces the wear and tear on heavy use areas and helps keep the carpet underneath nice for a bit longer. When the rugs are looking trashed then they can be thrown out and the carpet still looks in good shape.

lmp0507

Try putting it on freecyle? I know bits of carpet are used to cover rabbits hutches, put in the pantry etc, Someone would take it for free and it wouldn't be wasted

Ilona

No dont dump them :eek: Small pieces can be used inside your car, makes it cosy and muffles external noise. Chuck them when they get too filthy. Use them in sheds, porches, passageways, Wendy House, kids bedrooms, any small space. You could offer them to a cat or dog rescue to use in the kennels or cat pens.
Ilona

Casati

As saverholic suggested, the shop you got them can probably 'whip' them, they use a special hand held machine that goes round the edges & binds them. If they can't do it I'm sure another carpet shop would do it for you. Don't know about prices though but probably worth enquiring.

silly_moo

Thanks everyone. I'll speak to hubby and see what he thinks. I'm so glad you agree with me they shouldn't just be thrown out!

OberonSH

OMG it shows how long I've been off the MSE wagon! Landlord put in a new carpet, and I've been thinking about getting the offcuts into the bin for ages - never occurred to me to use them as mats! Sigh....time to get my MSE head back on again!

Don;t forget you can use them as kneelers, and someone I know once used a bit to cover the underneath of a lap tray - gave it a bit of grip. I suppose you could line a drawer or cupboard with it as well. Or how about using the bits to stand the heavy furniture on to stop it denting the carpet/marking the hard floor?

tru

Whipping's not cheap - expect to pay anything between £3-£5 per linear metre.