Do you know how to store your mattress properly? Read on and find out all about it!
Just imagine that after a long day, it is finally time to lay in bed, but wait! Sagging? Lumps? Dust mites? What is happening here?
Nightmares aren’t just dreams anymore if you don’t know how to store your mattress properly. This is the reality, and after investing a fortune in a new mattress, it would be a shame to destroy it because you don’t know how to take care of it.
Since we are talking about money, a survey by Sleep Judge shows us that the average price people pay for a new mattress is around $1,000!
This type of comfort needs to be protected, and this is why we want to tell you more about the correct storage techniques so you will be able to keep your mattress in good condition for many years to come.
Let’s see what you have to do to store your mattress properly. Is this going to be a difficult task? Let’s find out!
1. Storage unit or home?
Any mattress will take up an incredible amount of space. Maybe you already know that, but in case you don’t, just believe us. Even a twin-sized mattress occupies a lot of space, so you need to have a spacious storage space prepared.
So the first step when you want to store your mattress properly is to take some measuring tape and note down your mattress’s dimensions. It will be helpful to imagine the footprint it will occupy in the storage space.
The first storage option that many people prefer because it offers a lot of space without occupying your home is renting a storage unit. Nowadays, these storage units can be quite fancy, and some of them are climate- and/or humidity-controlled. Perfect to store furniture and mattresses, if you ask us.
When it comes to transportation, never cram your mattress into a small vehicle. You better rent a moving truck. Even if you have an SUV or pickup, the space might still not be enough. Also, never strap it to your car’s roof. It is not a good idea. It is dangerous and even prohibited in some areas.
If you want to store your mattress properly but want to do it at home, keep the space and temperature conditions in mind. Thinking about it, the only places where you can keep the mattress are inside your garage or in the basement. If the space doesn’t have climate control, a dehumidifier is going to be your best friend. In this way, there will be no dampness, and your mattress will not be affected by mold or mildew.
2. Make sure the mattress is clean
Before you tuck your mattress away, there is one important thing to consider: always make sure that your mattress is clean. If you want to store your mattress properly and keep it as fresh as possible, you should know how to keep it clean the right way.
Start by stripping off all the bedding. Now it is time to inspect and see if there are any stains. Check both sides of the mattress. If you find any blemishes, grab a mattress stain remover and try to clean them. Never use other chemicals that aren’t specifically made for cleaning mattresses because they might damage them. Also, always gently dab with a damp cloth, and never use aggressive scrubbing.
After all the stains are removed, you will also want to eliminate all the unwanted odors. For this, you can use baking soda. Sprinkle it over the entire surface of the mattress and leave it there for an hour or overnight. Then take out the vacuum and clean the mattress. Afterward, you can repeat the process on the other side. Done! Nope, you have a clean and fresh mattress ready to be stored.
3. Keep the mattress flat
When you want to store your mattress properly, it might be helpful to know all the secrets, and we are here to tell you about a truly important one: Your mattress is happiest when it lays horizontally on a flat surface.
This is one of the golden rules if you want to store your mattress properly, and it is especially true for the ones that have natural fillings like cotton or wool. The delicate natural fibers and innerspring coils are designed to offer you a good night’s sleep. When you lean a mattress on one side, you can cause the fillings to shift, which can lead to unevenness and sagging.
If you have memory foam or latex mattresses, we have some good news: they are more resilient, which means less filling migration. So you can store them on their side, and not much will happen.
But even with these more flexible mattresses, the golden standard is flat. Never risk the condition of your mattress!
4. The importance of a mattress cover
Ok, let’s say that you have cleaned your mattress and found the perfect spot to store it. What now? To store your mattress properly, there is one more step you need to take, and that is covering it.
Many people wonder: to wrap or not to wrap? We are here to ask. If you only want to store your mattress for a couple of days, you don’t need to wrap it in a plastic bag. You can use a simple cotton sheet, and everything will be fine. This is a measure to keep the dust away.
But if you plan to store the mattress for longer, you will need a special cocoon. You need to find something that keeps the dirt and dust away but also lets the mattress breathe. Mattress bags are easy to find at any Home Depot or similar store, and they are generally made from woven material. This means the air will circulate freely, and it will also offer much-needed protection.
5. Temperature matters for the mattress
Let’s say that it is finally time to take out your mattress from the storage unit, only to find out it is musty, damp, and full of mold spores. Not the ideal scenario, right? If you want to avoid this and have a good mattress that can offer you restful sleep, keep in mind that temperature plays a crucial role.
Extreme temperature and humidity can destroy a mattress in no time, and when you want to store your mattress properly, you should try to avoid creating a little damp greenhouse out of it. Excess moisture will lead to mildew and mold growth.
So place the mattress in a cool, dry place. The optimal temperature is somewhere between 64°F and 66°F, according to most studies. This is the perfect temperature that will keep the mold away.
We hope that these simple tips will help you store your mattress properly. You don’t need to be afraid to let it have a vacation because respecting these simple tips will ensure your mattress will come back refreshed and ready to provide years of comfortable nights with amazing sleep. So go forth and store with confidence!
If you need a mattress bag, you don’t need to go to Home Depot because you can easily buy one from Amazon: Nordic Elk Mattress Bags for Moving and Storage
You should also read: Experts Say You’re Not Cleaning These 12 Areas in Your Bathroom
