Both financially and in terms of the time it takes to find the ideal mattress, mattresses are an investment. A high-quality mattress can actually last 10 to 15 years with proper care.
Perhaps you need to upgrade from a twin to a queen bed because you’re getting married, or perhaps your children are moving out and you want to use their rooms for something else. Whatever the situation, properly storing your mattress will significantly increase the life of your bed.
To store a mattress: Clean and air the mattress first, then cover it with a mattress cover to protect it from dust, stains, and damage. To avoid internal damage, you should store your mattress flat and in its natural position in a climate-controlled space.
When storing a mattress, you can keep it safe by wrapping it in a mattress bag and stacking it on top of another mattress.
To learn the proper way to store a mattress, keep reading.
Table of Contents
How To Store A Mattress?
Clean Mattress
Even if you regularly wash your bedding, dust mites, sweat, and dirt can eventually begin to build up in your mattress. Storing a filthy mattress can encourage the growth of mold and fungus by introducing bacteria into the mattress.
Fortunately, there is a simple method for sterilizing your mattress so that problems don’t arise when you retrieve it from storage. You can restore your mattress’ original comfort in just a few simple steps.
This is the best way to clean a mattress:
- Remove the mattress from your base and strip the mattress of sheets, blankets, and pillows.
- Apply a small amount of baking soda and let it sit for an hour on the exterior of your mattress. Allowing the baking soda to sit on your bed will aid in odor absorption and stain removal from your mattress.
- Vacuum up the baking soda using a vacuum extension piece after waiting for an hour.
- Air out your mattress for several hours to ensure your bed is completely dry.
You are prepared for the following step in how to store a mattress once you have cleaned and ventilated your mattress.
Cover Mattress In Protective Wrap
One crucial step in maintaining the cleanliness of your mattress is to cover it in plastic wrap. Dust won’t accumulate on the outside of your bed or adhere to the fabric fibers if you use protective wrap.
A thick plastic covering should be avoided as it may unintentionally trap moisture and breed bacteria. Use a good mattress bag or a thin, breathable plastic wrap and secure it in place with duct tape.
Place Mattress In Moving Truck
The best course of action is to steer clear of strapping your mattress to the top of your car or attempting to fit it into the bed of a pickup truck. You run the risk of destroying the inner foundation of your mattress in either situation. Your mattress could fly off your car and into the road, which is an even worse scenario.
The best option for moving your mattress to storage is to hire a moving truck in order to avoid these problems. To protect the exterior of the mattress, line the moving truck with old blankets and sheets before placing your bed inside.
If you have other furniture pieces, you can prop it on its side after loading it into the moving truck for a brief period of time.
Store Mattress Lying Flat
Although you can transport your mattress upright for brief periods of time, doing so will eventually harm the interior materials. The internal structure of the cushion can be damaged by pressure from laying on one side, making the mattress uneven and uncomfortable to sleep on.
If you have the space, store your mattress flat on the ground, but be sure to put something underneath it so it isn’t directly on the floor. Use other pieces of furniture to create a level surface if there isn’t enough room, and then lay the item across it.
Clear Items Off Your Mattress
Avoid piling anything else you have in storage on top of your mattress once you’ve located a flat area in your storage unit to lay it down. Storing heavy items on a mattress over time can harm the inner workings of the mattress.
A mattress can become permanently dented and damaged if heavy objects or furniture are placed on it. It’s best to avoid the risk because nobody wants to sleep on a warped mattress.
Use A Climate-controlled Storage Unit
The best option for storing a mattress is a climate-controlled storage unit because they will help shield your mattress from changing weather patterns all year long. Your mattress will be protected by this type of storage unit from the intense heat of the summer and the bitter cold of the winter.
Additionally, climate-controlled storage facilities can fend off any moisture that might cause your mattress to become wet and vulnerable to mold. The key to keeping your mattress in top condition is to keep the temperature and moisture levels at their ideal levels.
Remove Lingering Odor
Your mattress may still have some odor when it is taken out of storage even after all the precautions have been taken to keep it safe. Unwrap your mattress and allow it to air out for several hours before going to bed that night.
Repetition of step one and mattress cleaning are required after allowing it to air out. Apply a small amount of baking soda, let it sit for an hour, vacuum up the leftovers, and then let your mattress breathe for one final time. Your mattress should now be clean, fresh, and ready for use.
Significance Of Storing A Mattress Properly
You may have figured out how to store a mattress properly by this point. Let’s discover the significance of mattress storage now.
Reduces The Odor
A mattress that is stored won’t pick up odors or stains from your house or any nearby unsavory surfaces.
Prevents Mold Or Mildew Growth In The Mattress
Due to the humid environment, leaving your mattress on the floor of a garage, basement, or any other room has a negative impact on its lifespan.
Your Mattress Retains The Shape
Any potential harm to the inner frame of the bed is diminished by storing the mattress. Since there are so few coating layers on firm and ultra-firm mattresses, they are even more vulnerable to external influences.
Do’s And Don’ts Of Storing A Mattress
Prior to storing your mattress, it’s crucial to understand the Dos and Don’ts to prevent any last-minute hassle.
Do’s
Clean the mattress’ surface with a vacuum cleaner to get rid of any debris or dead skin. Sprinkle some baking soda lightly over the mattress, then give it an hour to rest. All stains are removed by baking soda, which also lessens smell. After an hour of relaxation, vacuum up the baking soda from the mattress’ surface. In addition to using baking soda, you can also use an upholstery cleaner, but make sure to let it dry before continuing.
Your mattress should be transported in a covered vehicle. It keeps your mattress dry and clean by preventing moisture from coming into contact with your bed.
Maintain a temperature-controlled storage space for your mattress. It stops fungus and bacteria from growing in humid conditions. A dehumidifier, which eliminates moisture from the air and prevents the growth of mold, can also be placed close to your bed.
Don’ts
When storing your mattress, enclose it in plastic. Use a mattress storage cover as a substitute. Storage for mattresses allows air to circulate through the mattress and keeps moisture out of your bed.
Due to space restrictions, store the mattress upright against a wall. It will cause the support cores to deteriorate under pressure and cause your mattress’ inner structure to lean to one side.
Do not put any household items on top of your mattress because the pressure from them could harm the bed’s inner springs.
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Places To Store Extra Mattresses
You must be wondering where to store extra mattresses if you have any. We offer you a few choices.
Modular Furniture
Take advantage of your modular furniture, which was created to serve both as seating and storage. Chair beds are a great example of flexible furniture because they take up less room in your home while still being a great place to store your mattress.
Sofa Beds
Sofa beds are great for storage, especially for mattresses, in addition to being used for lounging, sleeping, or quick naps. Only thin mattresses should be stored for easy folding because doing so will minimize significant damage.
Under Your Bed
One of the most secure and convenient places to keep an extra mattress is in your bed. You need not worry about that extra mattress not fitting in if your bed is a standard or even larger size. It will also be simpler for you to remove the mattress when you need it.
Can I Keep My Mattress In Storage For A While?
Yes, if you take the steps that are suggested above and keep an eye on it. This makes sure that your mattress is perfectly preserved while being stored.
If you intend to store your mattress for an extended period of time, you should lay it flat on the ground to protect the fillings. Additionally, you should think about getting a climate-controlled unit with air conditioning if you know you’ll need a hired storage space for a prolonged period of time to keep it in good condition.
Should A Mattress Be Rolled Up For Storage?
No, you should never re-roll a mattress under any circumstances. Even if your mattress came in a box, rolling it again will mutilate the materials and damage the mattress.
Your mattress’ warranty or guarantee may be void if you roll it again. When you roll it back up, it won’t have the same feel.
Can A Mattress Be Stored On Its Side?
In general, it is acceptable to store a mattress on its side. The storage of pocket sprung and natural mattresses, however, is something we advise against. This is because turning the mattress on its side can alter the fillings inside and alter how the mattress feels.
To keep your mattress in good condition, make sure you place it flat on the floor
Ways To Store A Mattress Topper
We can offer you some advice if you want to store your mattress topper with your mattress.
Storing a mattress topper is very similar to storing a mattress:
- Vacuum the topper
- Tackle any stains with mild detergent
- Wrap the topper in a protective plastic bag
- Store in a well ventilated, cool room
Types Of Mattresses And Things To Consider
Every mattress type has some unique features, and it is essential to consider those factors while storing the mattress.
Memory Foam Mattress
Mattresses made of memory foam don’t contain any internal coils and can easily conform to your body’s shape. If a bed is placed on an uneven surface, though, it might also conform to the shape of the surface. Always store memory foam mattresses in plastic mattress bags because it is particularly prone to mold and mildew growth.
Latex Mattress
Due to its extreme weight, natural latex is prone to bending. Always store a latex mattress on a flat surface and avoid storing it upright against the wall.
Check out our blog on latex vs. memory foam mattresses to know the critical differences between the two mattress types.
Hybrid Mattress
Hybrid mattresses are one of the heaviest mattresses. Avoid turning a hybrid mattress on its side because the coils are individually draped and more likely to move if the mattress is turned that way.
Spring Mattress
Innerspring mattresses have a reinforced coil unit, which regains the shape better. Place the mattress in a flat position because they might bend or break through the bed otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Should Large/oversized Mattresses Be Stored?
Clean and ventilate the mattress first, then cover the bed with a mattress bag. In a moving truck with a cover, transport the mattress. During storage, keep nothing on the mattress and lay it flat. Then, place the mattress in the appropriate storage location.
How Should A Memory Foam Mattress Be Stored?
To move the bed in a covered moving truck, first thoroughly clean and ventilate the mattress, then wrap it in a mattress bag. During storage, keep nothing on the mattress and lay it flat. Then, place the mattress in the appropriate storage location.
Can Mattresses Be Stacked For Storage?
Yes, mattresses can and should be stacked. The mattresses’ lifespan is extended by stacking.
For Storage, Can I Fold A Mattress?
A firm memory foam mattress can be easily moved and transported by rolling it.
Is Laying A Mattress On Its Side Bad For Storage?
Yes, keeping a mattress on its side causes the inner structure to flex toward one side and the support cores to deteriorate under pressure.
The Bottom Line
Use the same cleaning and storing procedures that we discussed above to store a mattress in your garage. However, the high humidity found in garages makes them ideal environments for the growth of mold and fungus, which can then spread to your mattress. Another choice is to spend money on a portable dehumidifier to keep in your garage if you aren’t using a climate-controlled storage unit.
We sincerely hope you found this article to be useful. Be sure to follow these instructions to prolong the life of your bed.
Many thanks for reading.