Top 10 Proven Tips to Mattress Care: New and Old
Top 10 Proven Tips to Mattress Care: New and Old
Jonathan Stevens • Jun 01, 2020
Mattress Care
Your ideal sleep environment starts with your mattress! How do we know?
According to a study reported by NY Post, Americans will spend almost half of their life time in bed. It's safe to say that your mattress is part of your ideal sleep environment. In fact, that's where it all starts, so it's best to take care of it.
How do you take care of your mattress?
If you look on the internet, there are many tips you can read on how to take care of it.
Which tips should you follow, then?
Well, Jonathan Stevens can answer both questions! In this list you'll read 10 proven tips gathered together to help with your mattress care.
Contents
- Ensure a sturdy bed frame
- Air it out from time to time
- Rotate your mattress every so often
- Invest in mattress covers and protectors
- Wash your bed sheets!
- Get your pet a separate bed
- Keep it clean, keep it dry
- Remove stains and odors
- Distribute your weight
- Don't abuse your mattress
Remember, always consult your manufacturer's warranty before you conduct mattress care. You'll read that some of these tips refer to the warranty anyway, so keep that in mind! You can find more information about mattress warranties at Sleep Health .
1. Ensure a sturdy bed frame
It's a good idea to invest in high-quality bed frames. Strong center supports can prevent large mattresses from sagging in the middle.
It's also a good idea to buy a bed frame the same time you buy a mattress. Your new mattress might not be compatible with your old one.
The bed frame might also be nearing the end of its intended lifespan. You wouldn't want it to break while you're sleeping!
You'll want to check the supports every six months or less during routine mattress care.
2. Air it out from time to time
For a new mattress set, leave it uncovered overnight. Airing it out will get rid of that new product smell and will help inflate it if it came wrapped in plastic.
You should also make it a habit to air out your mattress every time you change your bed sheets. This will help promote a natural fresh smelling mattress in your bedroom.
3. Rotate your mattress every so often
You'll want to rotate and flip your mattress every six months or less.
This is a proven tip to mattress care. Why? It'll wear more evenly throughout its life.
Newer mattresses today have one side that's meant for sleeping. Yet, lumps can still form on either end, so rotating it can still be beneficial.
Consult your warranty first before maintenance.
4. Invest in mattress protectors
Invest in quality, liquid-proof mattress protectors to keep your mattress stain-free.
Some protectors even provide extra comfort for sleeping. This can be a bonus for older mattresses.
They can also keep dust mites and allergens at bay. If your mattress doesn't come with one, consider buying one.
Always wash them, preferably at the same time when you change and wash your bed sheets.
5. Wash your bed sheets!
Speaking of your bed sheets, they will collect whatever is clinging onto your skin when you go to bed. This includes hair and dead skin cells.
This will attract bacteria and other harmful organisms and lead to unwanted odors.
It is recommended that you change your sheets as part of your mattress care every other week.
If you're a hot sleeper and you sweat a lot, consider changing them sooner. If you don't, it'll collect in the mattress.
6. Get your pet a separate bed
Some of us allow our four-legged companions to sleep with us, but this can be harmful to your mattress.
Animal dander and hair can accumulate where you sleep, which is unhygienic.
Your pets can also have "accidents". Any urine or other excrement will permanently ruin your mattress.
Consider a separate bed made for your pet away from your mattress.
7. Keep it clean, keep it dry
Vacuuming can be beneficial to your mattress. It can help get rid of mites, allergens, and other debris.
Avoid eating and drinking anything while on your mattress. Food crumbs can attract insects and critters that will disturb your sleep environment.
Molds and other bacteria can grow if spills are left untreated. More reason to invest in a mattress protector!
8. Remove stains and odors
If you've spilled something, consult your warranty first!
Warm soapy water and mild detergent can be used to get rid of simple stains, just don't soak it any more than you have to. Water can seep into the mattress and create mold.
Spot cleaning is what you want to do and it only requires a damp cloth.
If you have unwanted odors, try using baking soda and wait about 20 minutes. Use a vacuum to trigger that fresh scent once you're done.
For more information on cleaning specific stains, read here.
9. Distribute your weight
You probably have a favorite side you like to sleep on. Maybe you always sit in one spot putting your socks on.
Putting a lot of pressure in one spot can cause your mattress to lose structural integrity over time.
This will cause it to sag, make it uncomfortable, and break your mattress.
10. Don't abuse your mattress
Don't let your kids jump on the bed! It's unsafe and will damage the internal support of your mattress.
When carrying your mattress, use straps on the side if available. If not, carry the mattress on its side with several people (Don't hurt your back!).
Never fold your mattress when transporting. Always keep it supported when moving.
If you have to store the mattress, never leave it stored for too long. Keep it wrapped in plastic to prevent external elements (dust, mites, etc.) from invading. Also, store the mattress on its side. Not only will you save room, but the mattress itself won't lose stability over time.
Summary
Your warranty is the best source you have at your disposal for your mattress care. They are the ones who made your mattress, after all.
Commit some time to go through it and make sure that you follow the instructions. The tips you read here are suggestions to help augment those instructions.
If you think you need a new mattress, read our 10 signs to determine if you need to. Afterwards, implement these mattress care tips!