If you’re not using a mattress at the moment, it’s essential to store it properly until you need it again. Our first instinct might be to lean the mattress upright in the attic or throw the mattress under another old mattress in the garage, but these options will only damage the mattress and leave it vulnerable to bacterial growth.
To properly store your mattress and prevent damage, mold, and unpleasant odors, clean it properly, wrap it with a plastic protector, and keep it in a climate-controlled area with low humidity. Lay it down flat in its usual position, and avoid placing other items on top.
Storing a mattress should always be done carefully to prevent damage, wear, and mold. Luckily, it’s not hard to do this, and by following our advice, your mattress should last for many years. Read on for the details on how best to clean and store a mattress for any duration of time.
How Do I Properly Store My Mattress?
Don’t just wrap the mattress in a plastic bag and store it without first giving it a thorough cleaning.
Cleaning is vital because there is probably some moisture in your mattress; wrapping it up immediately would trap the water, creating an environment conducive to mildew and mold growth.
For proper storage, follow these steps:
- Clean Your Mattress: First, vacuum the mattress to remove dirt and dust, then disinfect it. Place your mattress on a protective, light, and breathable cover.
- Wrap Your Mattress With a Plastic Protector: If you want to store the mattress in your storage unit or garage, ensure that you cover it to protect it from dirt and moisture. One affordable cover option that will do the trick is the CRESNEL Mattress Bag (on Amazon).
- Avoid Placing Other Items on the Mattress During Storage: Be careful not to place any extra weight on top of the mattress to avoid impacting its normal shape and features. If you have the option, opt for climate-controlled storage to help prevent mold and mildew.
- Store Your Mattress Lying Flat: Lay your mattress on top of a flat surface to imitate its normal positioning. When it’s time to take out the bed and it has a musty smell, don’t worry, just sprinkle some baking soda on it and use a deodorizing spray, then keep it in an open space before use.
How Do I Properly Store a Mattress for a Long Period?
While manufacturers design mattresses to last for an extended period, storing yours the wrong way can reduce its lifespan. If you’re planning to store your mattress for an extended period, here are some essential things to keep in mind:
- The first step is always cleaning the mattress. Just like you would with a winter scarf, it’s essential to clean your bed before you put it away in storage. Otherwise, it might develop a moldy smell while in storage. Remove everything from your mattress and clean any spots or stains with a spray like the KleanLogik Mattress Cleaner (on Amazon).
- If you have time, it’s best to aerate the mattress by leaving it in an open space for at least an hour.
- Wrap the mattress in a protective cover to extend its life span; it is essential to use a quality mattress cover with a zipper to prevent moisture, dirt, bugs, and dust from getting inside.
- If the temperature isn’t appropriate for your mattress, it can be detrimental. That’s why you need to pick a temperature-controlled and low-humidity area within the home. With the right temperature, your mattress won’t develop mold.
How Do I Clean My Mattress After Storage?
Once you’ve decided to bring your mattress out of storage, you’ll want to give it a good cleaning before using it again. Luckily, there’s a quick and easy way to clean a mattress that will not only remove dirt and moisture but odors too.
Remove the mattress from storage, vacuum its surface, and use baking soda as a deodorizer. Then air it out for four to five hours to remove any odor and excess moisture before you vacuum the baking soda off the mattress. The end result is a clean and fresh bed that’s ready for use.
Can You Store a Memory Foam Mattress Rolled Up?
You shouldn’t roll your memory foam mattress for an extended period. Rolling the mattress will cause it to lose its shape (and potentially other features), and it may never return to its original form again.
Although the manufacturers roll up memory foam mattresses, you should not do the same, especially when storing them for a while.
If it’s for a very short amount of time, however, you can roll the mattress, tie it up, and place it in a protective cover.
So, what’s the best way to store a memory foam mattress? Store it the same way you would a regular mattress. Clean it, air it, and then cover it. Be sure to store it in a conducive environment while laying it down in its usual position.
Conclusion
Understanding the right way to store a mattress properly is essential in the overall maintenance of the mattress quality. If you want to follow the instructions listed above, try buying a mattress protector that will keep the mattress safe from mold and dust.
Follow the steps listed above, and you’ve got a pretty good chance of having a clean, fresh, smell-free mattress next time you need it.