How to store a mattress?

Do you own a mattress that is in pretty good shape to throw away? Well, why not store it properly for later use?

These mattresses don’t come cheap, and you must put considerable effort into getting one. A good quality mattress can last for a decade and even more if you maintain it adequately.

When not in use, it is always best to store a mattress away to prevent any wear and tear over time. Maybe you are getting married, your kids are moving out, and you want to repurpose your home. Whatever the reason, if you effectively store your mattress, you will significantly increase its longevity.

So, keep reading to find out how to store your unused mattress effectively.

Importance of Storing a Mattress

You can leave it lying somewhere in a room, but with proper mattress storage, you can considerably extend its lifespan.

Mattress storage can decrease the development of any funky odors

If you store your mattress in a specific place, the mattress won’t develop any bad odors over time. Exposure to smells from your home or insufficient air circulation within the mattress might develop a stale odor, and you don’t want that in your mattress.

It reduces any chances of mildew or mold development

Humidity can be bad for your mattress as it can cause mold and mildew to grow on it. Therefore, the area where you should store your mattress must be properly aerated. Make sure not to lay it down on the floor, or humidity will get to it and damage it permanently.

The mattress will remain in its proper shape

With appropriate storage, your mattress will be able to retain its shape for a much longer time. This is because those layers’ overall design and construction will remain intact. It is applicable to the firm or ultra-firm mattresses with few layers in them, which are more susceptible to impact from outside.

Extending the lifespan of your mattress

As you can see, if you properly store your mattress, you can significantly extend its life, as we have mentioned above. Therefore, you must be very careful in keeping it clean before storing it away, so there is no room for bacteria or allergens to grow within your mattress.

Where To/Not to Store Your Mattress?

It’s time to look for the right place where you should or shouldn’t store your mattress. These mattresses can be pretty bulky, even if it is a twin mattress for lightweight people. So, imagine how much effort you will have to put in if you have a much bigger size to deal with.

Here are some places to store your mattress for the long term.

Storage units with climate control capabilities

It’s the best bet to store your mattress in a storage unit where you can control its climate and conditions. A unit with a climate control system allows you to alter its temperature, aeration, and humidity. And you can use this for storing your mattress in an optimal condition.

Dry and ventilated rooms

You can always arrange space within your home if a storage unit is too much for you. First, go for a room that is not too damp and is properly ventilated through windows or vents.

You have to ensure the mattress doesn’t directly touch the floor. It is better to keep it wrapped or hold it above the floor. Plywood sheets or pellets are pretty good for this purpose.

Elevating the mattress will ensure propeller air circulation and prevent mildew development. Now there are some places where you should not place your mattress, no matter what.

Any room beyond ground level

Make sure not to store your mattress in any room beyond the ground level, including your basement or garage. These rooms have high humidity rates and perfect conditions for fungi and bacteria to develop inside your mattress.

Right next to a heat source

Be sure to store your mattress right next to the heat source in any room. Synthetic memory foam mattresses or natural latex can’t withstand high heat. As a result, your mattress will deform or melt, losing its shape and design.

Near any sharp objects

Try not to place your mattress next to any sharp objects, or they will poke into your mattress and permanently damage it. Mildew, mold, bacteria, and dust mites, will have much easier access with these holes in your mattress.

Preparing a Mattress for Storage

After determining which places are right and which are not to store your mattress, it’s time to discuss how you can prepare it before storing it in your storage unit or any other dark room.

Cleaning the mattress

Over time, your mattress might have collected debris and dust. Insufficient cleaning with dust buildup makes the conditions right for dust mites to develop as they are the most common allergens.

So, to prevent these mites from making your mattress their new home, make sure you give it a proper cleaning before you store it away.

Be sure to remove all the bedding accessories and mattress protectors and vacuum them thoroughly. Mattresses with tufted tops should be cleaned using a small brush to clean all crevices.

If there are some stains on your mattress, you can treat them. Make lukewarm water mixed with baking soda and dish soap in a spray bottle.

Now, generously spray this mixture on the stain and the surrounding area. Let it be there for about 10 to 15 minutes, then blot the stain using a cloth. Make sure to let your mattress dry before you store it away.

You can disinfect the surface to ensure that your mattress doesn’t have many microorganisms. Then, pray some Lysol spray on the mattress and let it dry.

Investing in a storage bag for your mattress

It’s always recommended to store your mattress in a wrapped state to prevent any critters from making it home inside it. A perforated plastic wrap is a pretty good option for this purpose.

But if you want to go the fancy route, you can always purchase a storage bag for your mattress. It allows you to seal your mattress properly and features a waterproof lining. It will help you to keep your mattress safe from any unwanted accidents.

You can get a storage bag for your mattresses from any online or mattress stores pretty conveniently, no matter the size of your mattress. There are storage bags available for all mattress sizes. Just be sure to bring the correct size for the right fit.

Storing a mattress on a flat surface

These mattresses have different layers in them, and these include comfort layers, transition layers, and base layers. The Best way to maintain this structure and the resulting comfort is by laying it on a flat surface.

You can lay it on the floor but not before wrapping it all up with something to prevent mold or mildew from damaging your mattress. If you place it on its side or fold it similarly, it might damage your mattress’s structural integrity, resulting in broken coils or lumped layers.

So, your room must have enough space for you to place your mattress on a flat surface. And be sure that this surface is not your floor. If you have covered or wrapped it with plastic or a storage bag, you can place it on the floor. But check the storage bag and confirm that it is not poked from anywhere.

Storing a Mattress Based on Its Type

No matter what type of mattress you have. You tend to store your replacements in the same way. Just be sure not to place it on an uneven surface, and keep in mind that the mattress is safe from dust mites, mold, or mildew. But each type of mattress has a unique aspect, and they might prompt you to arrange a better storage space.

Memory foam

These mattresses don’t feature any coils, and their top surface contours very well according to your body. But if you place it on an uneven surface, this softness of the mattress might not work as a beneficial feature. The memory foam mattress is more susceptible to mold or mildew development. So, wrap your mattress in plastic or put it in its storage box.

Latex

A latex mattress is heavy and dense, so it is more prone to bend under its weight. You should place it on a supportive surface but never on its side or in an upright position.

Hybrid

The hybrid mattress is one of the heaviest on the market (check the top rated hybrid mattresses), and it also comes with a coil system in them. But these coils are individually wrapped. So, you should place the mattress on its side, or these coils will shift.

Spring

The box spring mattress comes with reinforced coils and has a wired perimeter that can shape the mattress very well. Over time, these mattresses can still bend, so keep them on a flat surface.

Regardless of your mattress type, you must give it the same treatment. Just clean it before your store and let it be done on a flat surface.

You don’t have to put it on its side because this can damage the mattress and leave it useless the next time you take it out for use. Just make sure you clean it thoroughly, put it in a plastic bag, and don’t stand the mattress upright.

This way, you can extend its overall lifespan, and your sleep surface will remain healthy for you no matter when you decide to use it.

Storing Big Mattresses

Your primary concern is their weight for those big mattresses, including the likes of California King, King, or even those RV mattresses or other high-profile units.

Do not put them on a lumpy surface or their side, as they will crook under their weight. As a result, they will end up losing all their supportive features.

Place your mattress on a flat surface and be sure that no things are lying on it to prevent any damage to those top layers.

There is no difference when it comes to storing any size of mattress. You have to be sure you follow the above-listed steps and clean your mattress before you pack it away. If your mattress is almost new, you don’t have to clean it.

Removing the Mattress from Storage

When you have a reason to use your mattress again, it’s time to take it out. Now, there are some important steps here that you need to take before you set it up to lay and rest on it.

Check the mattress for any musty or stale odor

If you get that smell from your mattress, there is a high chance that the mattress has gone bad due to mildew or mold. So, it’s better to dispose of the mattress and bring in a new one.

Mildew and moss can trigger allergies and cause respiratory and other health concerns. You won’t have to worry about a slight odor because it will fade away once you aerate your mattress for a few hours.

Deodorize and vacuum

You must vacuum your mattress, apply a layer of baking soda overnight, and then vacuum once again. It will help remove any musky or foul odors from the mattress.

Airing out

Air your mattress in your bedroom using the windows or outdoors in the sunshine if the weather is right. Any residual odors will be gone, and your mattress will be as good as new.  Airing out your mattress is mandatory whether you have placed it in a well-ventilated place or not.

Conclusion:

Storing a mattress properly will ensure you can get the most out of your hard-earned money. Your mattress will last longer, and you can protect it from damage and save some space in your home.

The best practice is to place it on a flat surface, not on its side. If you put it on anything other than a flat surface, the mattress will lose its shape for good. Ensure that the mattress is not directly in contact with the floor or will get damaged due to mold and mildew.

Also, wrap your mattress up in plastic to a mattress storage bag before you lay it flat on the floor where you want to store it. But before you store it away, you have to clean it thoroughly, and why not take it out to use? You will again have to do the same before you start using it.