How to Store a Mattress Properly

November 09, 2021

A good mattress is a great investment that you don't want to waste away just because your daughter or son is off to college, or you'll be away from home for a while. At some point, you'll need to know how to store a mattress the right way to prolong its lifespan and preserve its quality.

In this article, we'll discuss how to store a mattress, covering the factors to consider before storage, and the tools you need in the process.

So without further ado, let's start with the basics.

Tools and Supplies Needed

Before you get that mattress off the bed, you need a few tools and supplies to help you in the various processes of storing a mattress. Here's a checklist of all the things you need.

Mattress Cleaning Supplies

It's good practice to clean your mattress before storage to prevent it from deteriorating months later. In addition, cleaning the mattress is a great way to prevent it from developing odors while in storage.

The good news is that you don't have to be a professional cleaner to pull this off; all you need is a detailed DIY tutorial on cleaning a mattress at home. However, you'll need to be careful about the products you use on your mattress to avoid causing any damages and stains.

Here are some of the things you'll need:

• Vacuum or an upholstery cleaner
• Laundry detergent
• Baking soda
• Cleaning towels
• Water (cold)
• Stain removing detergent
• Mattress bag
• Scissors
• Packing tape
• Measuring tape
• Ropes or a tie-down strap
• Pieces of cardboard
• Furniture dolly (optional)

How to Store Your Mattress the Right Way

Now that you're well equipped with all the tools needed for the process, follow these steps:

Take Measurements for Your Mattress

Not all mattresses are of standard size; some are bigger and heavier than others. These measurements help you choose the right plastic bag needed to wrap the mattress. They'll also help you plan how to move the mattress to the storage room with ease.

Your mattress may be too heavy to move around on your own. You'll also need to be careful not to cause any accidents when moving it. For this reason, measuring the size of your mattress will help you determine whether you need help moving.

Clean Your Mattress

Cleaning a mattress helps keep it fresh and prolongs its lifespan. A dirty mattress can easily be infested by bed bugs and dust mites that feast on dead skin and dirt accumulated on the mattress over time. Now that you'll be keeping it away for a long time, you don't want to come back home to a deteriorating dusty mattress.

Here's how to clean your mattress at home before putting it away in storage.

• Strip the mattress of all the beddings
• Wash the beddings separately to get rid of the dust mites and dirt
• Use a vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt, dust, and dead skin from the mattress.
• Pour baking soda all over your mattress, and let it sit for 15 minutes to an hour to eliminate odor and stains (baking soda is a natural deodorizer)
• Vacuum the mattress using the upholstery cleaner in narrow overlapping motions. You want to make sure you reach all the folds and the sides as well.
• Spot-clean any stains on the mattress using the spot remover and a cleaning towel
• Be careful to use the right amounts of stain remover as per the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging your mattress
• Make sure you clean each stain separately to avoid transferring them all over the mattress
• After cleaning one side of the mattress, flip it over and repeat the same process on the other side
• Leave your mattress to dry completely before covering it with a protective mattress cover to keep dirt and dust away
• You can let the mattress sit in the open air all day to allow it to dry properly
• Cover your mattress with a waterproof projector to prevent moisture accumulation
• Finally, wrap the mattress in the storage bag

Move Your Mattress to the Storage Space

The next task after cleaning and protecting your mattress is moving it to the storage space. This step may involve many risks, depending on the size of your mattress, and the pathway to be followed.

For example, if you intend to move your mattress from a room on the upper floor of the house to the guest room downstairs, you'll have to be careful with maneuvering the staircase.

Therefore, it's not advisable to do this kind of heavy task alone. Instead, seek help from a family member or friend.

Before moving the mattress;

Clear the way:

Remove power cords, furniture, or wall hangings along your path to minimize the risk of tripping.

Clean the pathway:

You don't want to move your clean and dry mattress over dusty surfaces, even after wrapping to protect your mattress.

Fix the mattress on the furniture dolly:

Place your mattress in the right position, allowing it to fit through the pathway. Use the ropes or ratchet straps to firmly secure the mattress onto the dolly.

Move the mattress to the storage room:

Your storage room should be well organized and cleaned before storing the mattress. Next, lay the pieces of cardboard on the surface where you intend to place your mattress. Placing it directly on the floor will only expose it to dirt, wasting all your cleaning efforts.

What’s the Best Storage Space for a Mattress?

It's important to consider several factors while preparing the storage room for your mattress. The perfect storage space should be:

Dry and free from humidity

Damp environments are perfect for mildew growth, which causes unsightly stains that damage your mattress.

Well ventilated

An aerated room allows hot air to escape, keeping the room at the perfect temperature for the mattress. Storing a mattress in a heated room increases the risk of melting, eventually losing its shape.

A climate-controlled storage unit would be the best place to store your mattress. However, if you don't have access to such a unit, you can prepare other spaces in your house while considering these favorable conditions.

Free from sharp objects

Sharp objects, such as nails and screws, can poke holes or tear the mattress, exposing it to dirt, bugs, dust mites, mildews, or moisture.

How to Store a Mattress in the Right Position

Pressure from heavy furniture and boxes compresses the mattress, preventing it from bouncing back to its normal shape after many months of storage. To avoid this, place the mattress on a flat surface, and don't put anything on it. This technique preserves its supportive core.

If the mattress storage space doesn't have enough room to store your mattress flat, you may keep it upright on its sides, but for a short time. If so, remember to rotate your mattress every 30 days to reduce the chances of damaging its core and edge support.

How to Store Your Mattress Regardless of Type

All types of mattresses are best stored on a flat surface. Notwithstanding, the features of a mattress may help you determine the best storage technique, depending on the size of mattress storage space available.

Here's how to store different types of mattresses.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Because of their soft nature, memory foam mattresses can be easily deformed when laid on an uneven surface. They are also prone to mold and mildew accumulation when left in a poorly-conditioned room for too long. Therefore, it's advisable to find a bigger storage unit if you have this type of mattress. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is wrapped well before storage to avoid exposure to moisture.

Folding a memory foam mattress before storage increases the risk of deformation. Even though this mattress is usually foldable, folding it creates fault lines, increasing the chances of wear and tear.

Innerspring and Hybrid Mattresses

The metallic coils that form the support core of these mattresses may break or bend if stored wrongly, and can tear through the mattress. Although they are usually strong and heavy, these mattresses may not last long if stacked under other items in the storage unit. Because of their weight, innerspring and hybrid mattresses should also be stored safely to prevent the risk of falling on other items or even people.

Latex Mattresses

You don't need to worry so much about dust mites and molds because latex mattresses are naturally resistant to such allergens. However, these mattresses are often dense and heavy; hence, they need to be stored safely.

Latex mattresses also break down easily when exposed to too much sunlight or heat. For this reason, it's recommended to store them in a temperature-controlled storage room.

Mattresses Made with Organic Materials

Organic materials such as wool and cotton begin to decompose when exposed to microorganisms. If you store such mattresses in moist and warm conditions, especially when dirty, they may begin to decay.

But you can prevent this by ensuring that the mattresses are properly cleaned and disinfected before storing.

Benefits of Storing a Mattress Correctly

Storing an unused mattress correctly has a lot of benefits, such as:

• Makes it easier to transport the mattress
• Allows your mattress to last longer
• Allows the mattress to retain its shape
• Eliminates bad odors from the mattress
• Keeps molds, mildews, dust mites, and dirt away from the mattress
• Saves you money you would have spent on a new mattress in the future

Cleaning a Mattress from Storage

You need to freshen your mattress when it's time to use it, depending on how long it has been in storage. For example, a mattress that's been in store for only a few weeks doesn't need to be cleaned again compared to one kept away for a longer period.

Ensure you get your mattress out of the store at least 12 hours before use. Next, unwrap the mattress, and let it sit in the open air to release any trapped odor that may have accumulated during storage.

Then, inspect the mattress for any damages that need fixing, including stains or dirt. Depending on how dirty the mattress is, you'll need to follow the same cleaning procedures you applied earlier before storing the mattress.

If the mattress doesn't require too much cleaning, you may only sprinkle baking soda on both sides of the mattress to absorb any odors. Then, let the baking soda sit for at least an hour before vacuuming it off the mattress with an upholstery cleaner.

You can now put your bed together and enjoy a peaceful night's sleep.

Do You Need to Store Your Mattress in a Climate Controlled Storage Room?

Temperature-controlled storage units keep the conditions of the room favorable, despite the external and internal weather changes. Although it's not a requirement, such a room would help prevent the mattresses from attracting mold during winter and overheating in the summer.

How Long Should You Store a Mattress on its Side?

There aren't any specific rules to be followed regarding how long you can store a mattress on its side, or even how long you need to keep it in a storage unit. However, it helps to be aware of the disadvantages of keeping your mattress in the wrong position for too long.

For example, storing a heavy mattress on its side damages its inner frame. And when that happens, the mattress appears deformed.

Can a Mattress Last Up to 20 Years?

The average lifespan of a mattress is seven years, although several high-quality mattresses, like the ones found at Eco Terra Beds, last longer. This lifespan also depends on usage and mattress storage practices. For instance, before you store a mattress, cleaning it and storing it in the right position prolongs its lifespan.

Can I Roll up My Latex Mattress When Storing It?

Mattresses are best stored flat, although sometimes the available mattress storage space may restrict you from storing them the right way. If you must roll up your latex mattress, ensure that it won't stay in that position for more than four weeks. Rolling up your eco-friendly latex mattress affects its durability, and destroys its inner structure, making it uncomfortable to sleep on.

What to Expect from Eco Terra Mattresses

Eco Terra latex mattresses are inspired by nature to provide sleepers with the best sleep of their lives, and for many years. Our bed-in-a box mattresses are made without any chemicals and toxins, and come with breathable fabric encased cores. As a result, you don't have to worry about allergies or bad odors when shopping for a mattress at Eco Terra Beds. 

If you love the freshness of nature while you sleep, Eco Terra Beds has the mattress you need; it stays fresh and clean for a long time with proper use.

Eco Terra mattresses come in different sizes, ranging from the Twin to the famous Cal King sizes. Despite the enormous size, the heaviest of them all weighs below 130 lbs., making it easier to move around.

To get the most out of the 15-year warranty, ensure that your mattress lays on a firm, supportive foundation. Also, avoid bending or folding these mattresses while in storage. This helps maintain the support provided by the heat-treated quantum coils that make up their core.

Lastly, remember to keep food, drinks, sharp objects, fire hazards, and other harmful materials away from your bed to avoid damaging your mattress.

So, if you're looking for the kind of mattress that'll still look as good as new after months or even years of storage, you'll find it at Eco Terra Beds, and at reasonable prices.

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