A durable, comfortable, and reliable mattress aren’t easy to come by. That’s why it’s crucial to properly store yours and take good care of it. But how long can you safely store a mattress in a garage?
You can store a mattress indefinitely if stored correctly. Regardless of the material, mattresses need temperature-controlled environments and adequate sealing. They should lie flat on the ground. Improper storage can cause damage, mold, mildew, and other issues.
Proper mattress storage is a fairly straightforward process. However, your mattress is sure to suffer from damage if you neglect the proper steps. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about mattress storage.
How Long Can a Mattress Last in Storage?
A mattress can be kept practically forever with proper storage. Mattresses need to be stored in temperature-controlled environments and should be well sealed. Improper mattress storage can result in damage, mold, mildew, and other problems.
How to Keep Your Mattress Stored Properly
There are a few important things to keep in mind regardless of whether you’re storing your mattress in your garage, shed or storage unit. If you follow these tips, your mattress should be good to go next time you need it.
Clean the Mattress Beforehand
Thoroughly cleaning your mattress is the first step to proper storage. There are multiple methods for cleaning mattresses and bedding. However, baking soda and DIY cleaning solutions are some of the most inexpensive ways to remove odors effectively.
Here’s a cleaning solution recipe and a few steps you can follow:
- Mix together equal parts baking soda, lukewarm water, and hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle.
- Spray down your mattress and wipe it down with a washcloth.
- Afterward, sprinkle more baking soda on top of the mattress.
- Let the baking soda sit for at least one hour and no more than eight.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up the remaining baking soda.
Use a Storage Bag or Covering
Covering your mattress in plastic wrap, storage bags, or other coverings is crucial to its longevity. Proper coverings lock out moisture, insects, and other unwanted substances.
Specially designed mattress storage bags( on Amazon) are an excellent solution. However, household plastic wrap (also on Amazon) can work in a pinch.
Use a Dehumidifier
Temperature-controlled environments are ideal for long-term mattress storage. If you’re storing a mattress in your garage or shed, you’ll want to invest in a dehumidifier. Using a dehumidifier can reduce the risk of mold, mildew, and moisture damage.
There are a wide variety of dehumidifiers (on Amazon) that you can choose from based on your needs, budget, and space.
Don’t Put Items on Top of Your Mattress
It can be tempting to place and store other items on top of your mattress while it’s not in use. It’s a pretty big surface, after all. Unfortunately, placing heavy and oddly shaped objects on top can damage your mattress over time.
The weight of these items can compromise the structural integrity of your mattress. Oddly shaped objects can puncture holes or cause other wear and tear to the mattress’s exterior. For these reasons, be sure to avoid storing items on top of your mattress.
How to Store a Mattress Depending on Its Type
Generally speaking, proper mattress storage is the same regardless of the material. You’ll want to avoid mold, mildew, and debris with every mattress type. However, different mattresses will have various best-use scenarios. Here are some tips for different mattress types:
Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattresses don’t have coils and are incredibly soft. Unfortunately, the soft material can suffer structural damage from uneven surfaces. On top of that, memory foam can easily attract mold and mildew growth. You should make sure to place this mattress flat on the ground and adequately wrap it before storing it.
Latex Mattress
Natural latex mattresses are more dense and heavy than the memory foam variety. Be sure to place this type of mattress on a flat, sturdy surface. If you store this mattress on its side, you run the risk of structural damage and sagging fabric.
Hybrid Mattress
Hybrid mattresses are often the heaviest type of mattress. Although this style of mattress is durable, you should avoid storing it on its side. The coils inside this mattress are more likely to shift and bend compared to other varieties.
Spring Mattress
Spring mattresses are most likely to maintain their shape over time. That’s because these mattresses have reinforced coils and wired perimeters. However, you should still avoid storing this variety on its side for long periods of time. If you have to store this type of mattress on its side, be sure to rotate it often.
Is It Better to Store a Mattress Flat or on its Side?
Avoid storing your mattress on its side, regardless of whether it’s in a garage, shed, or storage unit. Storing a mattress on its side can compromise its structural integrity and ruin it forever. This is because the weight of the bed can cause the interior to shift and the fabric to sag.
Although it will take up more space, storing a mattress flat on the ground ensures its longevity.
How Long Can a Mattress Be Stored on Its Side?
As mentioned earlier, you should avoid storing your mattress on its side. However, there are solutions if you have no other option. Be sure to rotate your mattress every 30 days to distribute the stress. If you’re storing it in plastic, you should also let it breathe for a few hours every couple of months.
This allows the fabric to expand and shift without causing damage. Be sure to rewrap it after removing the plastic or covering.