Mattresses aren’t exactly cheap, and storing them isn’t either. But you don’t need to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars to keep a mattress correctly. Mattresses are a significant investment, both financially and in time; taking care of them means being prepared for when they aren’t used. Whether you’re getting a new mattress or simply keeping an old one around, here are some ways to properly store it for maximum performance. With these tips, you can keep your mattress safe for many years to come.
How To Store A Mattress For A Long Period
While your mattress is the most important aspect of storing a mattress, there are a few things you should also be doing to prevent damage and extend the life of your investment. One of these includes regularly dusting and vacuuming the mattress. Don’t forget to spot clean spills and stains immediately, as they can accelerate the wearing down of your mattress. Remember that the mattress will lose shape over time, and vacuuming and dusting will help restore it to its original condition.
- The biggest enemy to a mattress, other than wear and tear, is moisture. Moisture causes the most damage to a mattress, whether from spills, humidity, blood, or mold. No matter your regular sleep habits, ensuring you have the correct mattress for storage in damp conditions is critical.
- For mildew and mold problems, dampness is usually the culprit. A small plastic garbage bag or shower cap can be an excellent solution for the temporary storage of your mattress. Hang it over a ventilated area, but be careful as mildew and mold may evaporate or become trapped inside. Given the storage area is near a bathroom, be sure to close off the door until you’re ready to put the mattress back in.
- If your mattress isn’t in direct sunlight, the next best thing is to store it in a cool, dry place. You must store your mattress out of direct sunlight and away from any source of moisture, including water heaters, saunas, and even the dishwasher. It will still get damaged if placed in these areas but at a minimal level.
- When storing a mattress, remember that heavier items will exert extra force on it, causing more damage. For example, keeping a full-sized bed in a narrow trunk or sideboard won’t do much good, especially if the springs are made out of steel. In addition, placing heavy items on top of the bed will bend or break any springs or metal support system within. Be sure to use the proper tools to lift and place items on top of the mattress. Using a dolly to lift things will help prevent any damage due to excess pressure.
Not only mattresses, but you need to take care of your blankets as well. Blanket size plays an important role, and that is why you need to look for the proper length before purchasing one for yourself. Or else, if you buy the wrong size, you will have to store them up as well.
How Not To Store A Mattress
How not to store a mattress is a question that some people tend to ask when they have purchased a new one. They are concerned about their mattress being damaged. Or, maybe they are worried that a mattress that has been put into storage might be destroyed. However, it’s not as bad as you think. Below are some of the tips on how to do that
- First of all, the best way to store a mattress is throughout the year. This will prevent damage due to dampness or coldness. It will also make sure that the mattress is protected from any harmful bacteria. Ideally, it would help if you stored it in a cool, dry place. The other alternative is to buy a new one, and it would be very nice to purchase one that has been used in a storage facility before.
- Another tip for storing mattresses is to keep them away from sharp corners. This means that the edges of the box spring and the mattress should be covered with plastic sheets. This is especially important for children. If possible, another good way of storing them is to put them on top of a plastic tarp. However, this solution can only be considered if the mattress will be kept outdoors. The same is with the blankets. There are different types of blankets available in the market, and they have additional storage styles. You cannot store all of them in one way.
- Some owners will opt to leave the mattresses outside for about two to three months. This will allow the mattress to acclimate to the weather and get used to its new location. It will also let the mattress get a bit warmer than the spring settles down. After this period has passed, you can store them again.
- You can also protect your mattress by wrapping it in newspaper and putting it in a plastic garbage bag. The truth is that the spring will be compressed, and you will need to add extra air to allow the plastic bag to sag down a little. In this way, you will be able to get the most out of your money.
Conclusion
Of course, there are many more ways to store a mattress other than these. All it takes is a bit of imagination. If you do not want to spend too much time thinking about it, you can ask your store employees to help you out. They can show you the proper way of doing it or give you a few tips on the matter. Whichever way you choose, remember to leave room for movement of the mattress and some space for air to circulate within the bag.
Larry Alton is a blogger and passionate writer at Managerteams.com. She loves cooking and is fond of travelling.
