What is the right way to store a mattress to maintain its condition during storage or transport? Reasons for mattress storage can be many. You wish to turn the guest room into a gym or you are an empty nester and cleaning your kid’s bedroom or you bought a new mattress but the old one is still in decent shape.
Storing a mattress properly for the future needs care. Your kid may visit again or may need it for his new home. You may even change your mind after some months and decide to replace the mattress in the guestroom. You have already invested a lot in the top-rated mattress, so it is crucial to protect this investment. If stored appropriately, you can retrieve it in good condition even after a long term.
Few storage tips to help keep mattress in good condition for future needs
Clean your mattress
Obviously, a dirty mattress placed in storage will cause fungus, mold, and bugs or you will retrieve a dirty mattress from the storage. To get a virtually ready-to-use mattress on retrieval, it is necessary to conduct a detailed cleaning.
• First vacuum the mattress thoroughly
• Apply upholstery cleaner
How to use upholstery cleaner?
Using upholstery cleaner can be tricky, so use it lightly. Read manufacturer’s directions. Never soak the mattress up to a point where it will not dry. Use a brush to work with an upholstery cleaner. Allow the mattress to dry for a couple of days. Open the windows or switch on the fans to increase the drying process speed. If there is sun then put the mattress outside to dry.
Upholstery cleaner can also be applied using a steam killer rather than brush [by hand]. Steam cleaners are a special kind of vacuum cleaners very effective in upholstery and carpet cleaning. For mattress cleaning, you will need a model having handheld attachment, which gets into each seam and crevice of the mattress. These steam cleaners can be rented from hardware or grocery stores. Worth the cost if you are about to store several pieces of furniture along with the mattress.
If you are concerned about lingering odors then mix a few drops of lavender oil along with baking soda and sprinkle it across the entire mattress. Vacuum the baking soda powder, after half an hour. Repeat the sprinkling and vacuuming on the other side, too.
Wrap the mattress
If you are tight on budget then consider using towels, blankets or other fabrics to store the mattress. It offers some level of protection from dirt, dust, and other pests. However, it is recommended to seal the mattress in plastic covers that offer a more reliable protection level from dust that finds its way inside the micro-fibers of the mattress.
The most crucial aspect to consider is balance of breathability and protection. Plastic cover must offer protection against accumulation of dust and unintentional damage. Simultaneously, it needs to offer sufficient air flow to dampen moisture formation.
Avoid thick vinyl covers as they are capable of trap moisture. Look for transparent, lightweight, durable, and highly efficient heavy-duty sealable mattress bags. Heavy duty opaque mattress is designed to prevent water, dirt, bed bugs or other nuisances from affecting the mattress. It includes an innovative double adhesive enclosure intended to inhibit bacteria growth. This storage bag is cost-effective and non-vented. Before purchasing a storage bag, it is essential to measure the mattress.
How to wrap a mattress?
Before the mattress is prepared for transport to the warehouse or to be stored at home, cover it with a high-quality mattress bag. It will help to protect from damages during transit. Actual mattress wrapping process is straightforward. The aim is to cover the mattress from top to bottom and back to front. Eliminate residual air pockets by applying minimal pressure on the mattress before sealing.
Remember the mattress needs to be clean and totally dry prior to covering it. Otherwise, you may be sealing moisture inside, which can deteriorate mattress condition very soon.
Lay mattress flat
People place a mattress on its side, which is a great error. Obviously, storing mattress on sides can save valuable floor space but leaving this for 12 hours in this position increases the risk of damaging internal spring structure. Inner structure can shift and fabric of the mattress can sag. Even if the mattress does not have coils, it is designed to maintain shape under normal weight distribution patterns.
Therefore, if you desire to store a mattress for more than 12 hours or long term then the number one rule is to lay it flat. Mattress stored in its natural resting position may not be feasible for many homeowners because of space issues. Fortunately, they can opt for a storage warehouse to ensure their mattress maintains its comfort level, during the storage term.
Lay a tarp on the floor prior placing the mattress on top. In case there are flat furniture or large boxes then a mattress can be laid on top. Make sure that no other item is placed on the mattress. It is not a steady surface and can possibly dent or cut the mattress. Memory foam is susceptible to warping. It will conform to the shape of things placed on top.
Choose climatized storage environment
Damp or moist areas need to be avoided for storing mattress. Humid and damp conditions are ideal for development of mold, which can damage the mattress gravely. Storing mattress roof space, garages, and basements is a serious mistake because these are dampest regions in every home. In addition, these areas have sharp objects, which can damage the mattress. You have already invested a considerable amount in the mattress already, so it is wise to invest in the best available warehouse to store it.
Professional storage facility offers space to store the mattress correctly as well as an ideal atmosphere. Climatized storage environment allows to maintain right air temperature and low humid levels, which mattresses prefer. Make sure the storage space is clean without any dirt and oily stains. You can have it cleaned prior to storing your furniture and mattress.
If for any reason you have to store in your attic, cellar or garage then use a dehumidifier to regulate humidity level.
Transporting mattress
Never tie your valuable mattress on car tops. Tying too tightly can warp the mattress. If you tie it a little loose then it can fly off the car top causing some grave damages to cars following behind or pedestrians on the road.
It is recommended to transport the mattress by truck. However, remember to cover it with plastic sealed bags to protect from dust. In this way, it will reach the warehouse safely protected from elements.
Retrieving mattress from storage
Even after all the efforts made wrapping the mattress in a plastic sealed bag and stored, it can come out from the plastic smelling mushy, after a long term. No worries, you can freshen it up. Sprinkle baking soda on both sides; it will absorb the mushy smell.
Allow the baking soda to sit for 10 to 15 minutes and then vacuum the mattress thoroughly on both sides. Spray the mattress with natural deodorizer. Allow it to dry totally and breathe in fresh air. Make sure to remove the mattress from storage a couple of days before you want to use it.
It is useless to toss a good mattress. Follow the above steps to keep it in good condition for future usage.
How to make your mattress last longer?
A good mattress can offer comfortable sleep for several years. An average mattress lifespan is between 5 – 10 years. However, the way you maintain it can lengthen or shorten the bed’s lifespan. Visit Newsweek to understand more about mattress types and maintenance.
• Mattress needs to have proper support. It helps to preserve material integrity and avoid early wear.
• Use a premium mattress protector right from the start. They protect against accidental spills and even decrease the amount of dirt, dust, and debris. Body fluids are kept off from entering the mattress. Wash mattress protector as per manufacturer’s instructions.
• Wash the bed sheets regularly. They should be changed at least once a week.
• Keep pets in separate beds.
• Rotate the mattress periodically because it promotes even wear. Not rotating will make depression and most probably soften the area.
• Avoid jumping on the mattress because foams can wear down or springs can get damaged.
• Never sit on a mattress’s edge.
• Air your mattress between linen changes.
• Vacuum mattress in seams and crevices to eliminate dead skin, which attracts bed bugs.
From cleaning to avoidance, a little upkeep and maintenance goes a long way to keep mattress shape good for long years.
