How to Care for your Mattress and Maintenance Tips
by Andrea Chomiczuk
Mattresses are an investment that makes a bedroom homey and an item that helps your overall health. When you buy a quality mattress, make it last. Check out these tips and tricks on how to care for your mattress to make your quality sleep investment longstanding.
How to protect your mattress Protecting mattresses involves a proper bed frame to keep it dry and off the floor, careful transport, regular rotations and cleaning plus a mattress protector. Well-cared-for top-quality mattresses last up to 25 years. With good care, standard mattresses last up to 10 years. Upgrading to a new mattress when required will improve your comfort at night, providing healthier sleep.
What is a mattress protector? A mattress protector is a fabric cover that sits between your mattress, bottom sheet and base. Think of it as a thicker sheet that adds protection and comfort to your bed. Use a mattress protector as a shield from allergens, dirt, stains, light wear and tear and fading. Some designs encase the mattress entirely with zippers for additional protection at the bed base. Mattress protectors with elastic edging act like a fitted sheet, providing an extra top layer. Use mattress protectors in addition to sheet sets, blankets and other bedding.
How to choose a mattress protector To answer the question of “how to choose a mattress protector,” think about what you and your family need most to support their sleep. Add a waterproof protector to safeguard mattresses from water-based stains, spills or incontinence. Machine-washable designs make them quick and easy to clean. Protect your mattress and add comfort with a model featuring extra padding. In colder months, an electric blanket with a built-in mattress protector will offer the most warmth.
Models that entirely encase the mattress have allergen-free benefits. This design protects you from the dust mites that naturally build up in mattresses over time. Be-bug-proof designs protect your mattress with fully encasing extra thick fabric.
How often to rotate your mattress Rotate your mattresses once every three to six months to care for your mattress and increase its longevity. Rotation helps even out the wear that you put on your mattress when you sleep. In addition to rotating, flip mattresses that are the same on both sides to even out sleep weight distribution. Regular mattress rotation and flipping provide extended comfort and support.
To rotate your mattress, leave the bed frame or base in place and turn your mattress 180 degrees. If your mattress is a flipper, flip it at the same time as you rotate it. Spring mattresses require flipping and rotating. Check the requirements for new models to see if they need rotation only. An easy way to remember when to do it is to turn your mattress with every season change.
How to clean your mattress Like your floor, regularly vacuuming your mattress keeps it clean and prevent the natural buildup of dust and dust mites. Before you start, remove the pillows, bedding and protector. Vacuum your mattress with an upholstery head attached for ease of use, taking extra care around the seams. Vacuum more regularly for those with allergies. Apply the same cleaning regime to the bases in mattress sets.
To remove spills from mattresses, gently dab to soak up any excess liquids with a dry cloth. Then sponge dab with a mild dish soap and water mixture, an upholstery shampoo or spray with a specialized enzymatic stain remover. After applying the cleaner, dab with plain water to lift the stain. Never let memory foam mattresses get wet. Dabbing the mattress rather than wiping it keeps the cleaning solutions and water concentrated on the spill.
In the event of odorous spills or just to freshen the mattress up, sprinkle baking soda on the surface, leave for at least 30 minutes before vacuuming off. Air or fan dry the mattress in a sunny location. The ultraviolet rays from the sun will kill bacteria and mold.
Care for your mattress cleaning timeline:
Wash linen and bedding weekly
Wash mattress protectors monthly
Vacuum mattresses and bases monthly or more often
Flip or rotate mattresses every three to six months
How to transport your mattress Always move your mattress in an area that is big enough for it to lay or stand flat, keeping the integrity of the springs and inner supportive matrix. Care for your mattress during transport by tightly sealing it in a fabric or plastic cover. Check for air bubbles. If popped in transit, they could lead to mattress damage. Only place light, soft objects on top when required to move multiple items at once.
Long live your mattress By using these simple tips and tricks no only are you extending the life of your mattress—you’re also supporting your well-being with more restful night’s sleep for years to come.
Let us know how you keep your mattress fresh in the comments below:
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