How to Store a Mattress

Although you probably don’t need to do it often, it’s good to know how to store a mattress should the need arise. Perhaps your living situation is changing temporarily or there is construction going on in your home. Whatever the reason for storing a mattress, there are a few important tips to follow to ensure you keep it in good, clean condition. After all, buying a mattress is an investment, so it’s a good idea to protect and care for it for as long as possible.

Learn the best mattress cleaning methods, where to put them and what not to do when storing your bed. These steps will help you store a mattress properly to prevent damage.

1. Make sure the mattress is clean

Thoroughly clean the mattress first so you can be sure it comes out of storage in the same condition. After peeling it off pillows and bedding, inspect for stains. It is generally not recommended to use heavy duty commercial products on a mattress such as: B. an upholstery cleaner. Instead, spot-treat stains with a stain remover made specifically for mattresses.

Once you’ve blotted and dried any stains, use a simple but effective cleaning method with something you most likely have around the house: baking soda. The power of the powder lies in its odor absorbing properties. Shake a box over the mattress to cover it completely, then let it sit for about an hour. Next, use a vacuum over it to collect the baking soda. Let it air out for a few hours, then turn the mattress over to repeat the process on the other side.

2. Cover the mattress properly

Now that it’s ready for storage, choose a cover for your mattress. Avoid covering it with anything too heavy or thick that can trap moisture and eventually lead to mold and mildew stains that are difficult to remove. Choose a thin plastic cover made of polyethylene instead. You can use a loose wrap or mattress bag. If you go with plastic wrap, use tape to secure the open ends.

Mattress cover bags come in every size, from twin to California king, and are available online, at your local hardware store, or even at a storage facility’s office. Many options include an integrated handle for easy portability. Whichever option you choose, make sure it’s well sealed to keep dirt and dust out. The mattress should also be aired every few months. Depending on how long it’s kept, add a reminder for yourself and close the cover tightly again when you’re done.

3. Decide where you want to store the mattress

Even a small mattress takes up a lot of space, so figuring out where you can conveniently store it is important. Measure the mattress or look up measurements online before storing to make this decision easier. Let’s look at two options for storing mattresses:

In a storage unit

This is by far the best place to store a mattress if possible. It eliminates the need to occupy valuable real estate in your home and many facilities offer climate and/or humidity controlled units. Much like stuffing a mattress with heavy plastic, storing it in a place with extreme temperatures can potentially ruin it. Look for storage that uses heat in the winter months and air conditioning in the summer.

If you’re moving a mattress to a storage unit, consider investing in a moving truck for a few hours. Stuffing the mattress in a car, SUV, or even a pickup truck can ruin it if it’s bent. And strapping to the top of a vehicle, especially if done improperly, can distort the frame and be potentially dangerous or even illegal.

At your home

If a storage unit is not an option and you need to store your mattress at home, consider the temperature as well as the space you have in a given room. Realistically, most people can only store something as large as a mattress in a garage or basement. If that’s the case and it’s not air conditioned, make sure you add a dehumidifier to ward off moisture.

4. Store the mattress properly

Once you’ve chosen a destination for your mattress, follow these simple rules. The mattress should never be stored vertically, transversely or upright, especially over a longer period of time, as its inner workings can shift and become crooked over time. This is especially true for memory foam mattresses. It should lie flat with nothing on it; Even soft objects can eventually dent it.

Something flat, ideally a wooden pallet, should be placed underneath to allow the mattress to breathe. If you’re short on space, consider raising the pallet to make room to store items underneath.

When it’s time to take the mattress out of storage to use it again, let it air out for a few hours before taking it back to your bedroom for a quick clean.