Step-By-Step Guide On How to Store a Mattress

Step-By-Step Guide On How to Store a Mattress

Whether you’re moving or you want to keep your mattress for later use for whatever reason, storing it correctly is essential to keep it in top shape. Proper storage will not only ensure that it's shape stays intact, but it’ll also prevent mould, mildew, and other damage. Unfortunately, mattresses are bulky, burdensome, and take up a lot of space, which is why they’re quite tricky to store.

But, don’t sweat it! With our advice and helpful tips below, you’ll learn how to store a mattress so that you preserve its original shape.

Step-By-Step Guide: Storing a Mattress

To prevent mattress damage, follow the steps below. 

Clean Your Mattress Properly

First things first, you should thoroughly clean your mattress before storing it within a mattress bag to prevent pest infestation and bacteria growth. Here are some steps to follow:

  • Sprinkle a layer of baking soda and let it stay for a few hours to absorb odors and moisture. 
  • Use an upholstery cleaner to penetrate deeply into the mattress’ layers, breaking down dirt particles. Make sure your mattress is completely dry before moving towards the next step to prevent mould growth. 
  • Use your vacuum cleaner’s upholstery attachment to remove dead skin cells, dust, or dirt from the entire surface of your mattress. Give high priority to mattress seams to reach the darkest bed bugs hideouts.

Always Keep Your Mattress in a Mattress Storage Bag

Place the mattress in a plastic bag to prevent dust mites from getting inside its layers. Make sure to safely and securely seal off all sides of the mattress bag before you move towards the next step. 

Move and Transport Your Mattress Safely

The best way to move your mattress is in a covered truck, but when not possible, make sure to follow our guidelines for a safe mattress’ transport.

Store Your Mattress Within a Climate Controlled Storage Unit

What do you think is the perfect place for storing a mattress - an attic, a storage facility, a storage container, or a communal space? Well, the best option would be to store it in a temperature-controlled storage unit which will further prevent rusting of innerspring coils or memory foam mattresses from breaking down due to heat. If, however, the only option is storing it inside your new home, fight shy of humid places to prevent your mattress from catching mildew or mold. Another way to prevent mold growth is by using a dehumidifier to keep the moisture in your storage room at bay. 

Position the Mattress Safely

Once the mattress is safely transported to your storage location, use your floor space to lay it flat on other objects, like blocks or a wood pallet. Never store your mattress on the side for an extended period of time as you may damage its support cores from pressure by leaning the inner structure towards one side. If, however, this is the only way, make sure not to exceed the maximum time allowed of two months to prevent damage, and flip it every few weeks.

Things to Consider About Your Mattress Type

Depending on your mattress type, these are the most important things to pay close attention to when storing. 

Hybrid Mattress

Due to their heaviness, hybrid mattresses shouldn’t be placed on the side as their coils could shift over time. 

Memory Foam Mattress

Contouring to the sleeper’s body is perhaps the most prominent characteristic of memory foam mattresses. This is why when it comes to storing these types of mattresses, be careful not to put heavy objects on top as they may compress the mattress.

Spring Mattress

Due to their coil mechanism, consisting of metal coils that are interconnected to form a single unit, spring mattresses tend to break down when leaned on the side.

Latex Mattress

Latex mattresses tend to be quite heavy which makes them easily bendable when positioned on the side. The longer you leave a latex mattress on its side, the more distorted its form would get.

Final Takeaway

Don’t let your mattress die a slow, agonizing death in storage. 

Instead, follow our comprehensive guide that helps you store your mattress safely without risking damaging its structure. Put it in a secure plastic wrapping within a garage or storage unit with optimal climate control, which will prevent dust mites, mold, mildew, and other damage. Also, remember that a mattress is designed to lie flat, and storing it on its side can disfigure its entire internal structure. 

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