(Last Update: 02/16/2024)

Have you ever noticed that your mattress seems different after being stored? Maybe it's lost its firmness or even has an odd odor?

Properly storing your mattress can significantly affect its longevity, comfort, and overall health. Improper storage can shorten a mattress's lifespan by several years.

Imagine preserving the luxurious feel of your mattress for years, ensuring you get that perfect night's sleep every time.

With the right storage techniques, you can maintain your mattress in top-notch condition, ensuring it's as comfortable and fresh as the day.

Dive into our comprehensive guide on the best solutions for storing a mattress, filled with expert tips and care advice to keep your bed in its prime.

Why Proper Mattress Storage Matters

A mattress is not just a simple home accessory; it's an investment in your comfort and health. Maintaining a mattress safeguards this investment, ensuring optimal support and comfort for years.

When stored incorrectly, mattresses can suffer from mold growth, deformities, and even infestations from pests.

Such issues affect the mattress's structural integrity and can lead to health concerns for users, such as allergies or respiratory problems.

The Best Pre-Storage Cleaning Tips

Clean now, thank yourself during unpacking

(Credit: Canva)

Before tucking away your mattress for storage, it's crucial to ensure it's pristine.

A clean mattress prevents odors, wards off pests, and prevents mold, too. Here are the best pre-storage cleaning tips:

• Vacuum: Start by vacuuming both sides. Use an upholstery attachment to remove dust, dead skin, and potential allergens.
• Spot Clean Stains: Accidents happen! Use a mild detergent mixed with water, whether a spilled drink or a sweat stain. Dab, don't rub to lift the stain gently.
• Deodorize: Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the mattress surface. Let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum. This natural method absorbs odors, leaving the mattress fresh.
• Air It Out: Before wrapping or covering, let your mattress breathe outdoors on a dry day or in a well-ventilated location to ensure any residual moisture evaporates.
• Check for Pests: Ensure no signs of bed bugs or mites exist. If found, consider a professional cleaning.
  

Choosing the Right Mattress Cover

Selecting an appropriate cover is essential for protecting your mattress from potential damage during storage. Here's how to choose the best:

• Material Type: Opt for breathable materials like cotton or polypropylene. Avoid plastic covers as they can trap moisture, leading to mold.
• Zipped Covers: These provide all-around protection. Ensure the zipper is of high quality to prevent any unwelcome pests.
• Waterproof Qualities: Consider a waterproof cover for security against accidental spills.
• Size & Fit: A cover should fit snugly around your mattress. Too loose, and it might not offer ample protection; too tight, it could strain the mattress.
• Durability: Ensure the cover is durable and tear-resistant, especially if you're storing the mattress for an extended period.
  While plastic covers are commonly used, it's essential to ensure that it doesn’t trap moisture, which can lead to mold. If storing for a long period, consider covers allowing the mattress to breathe while preventing particles and pests from settling in.

Before storing, clean your dirty mattress with an upholstery cleaner. For hybrid mattress types, ensure thorough drying. Use mattress bags to keep the mattress protected. Seal with duct tape, ensuring the mattress stays free from dust and contaminants while keeping it safe.

Storing a Mattress Flat vs. On Its Side

When storing a mattress, positioning plays a significant role in maintaining its structure and comfort. Here are the pros and cons of the two primary methods:

Flat Storage Unit:

Pros:

Preserves the natural shape; weight is evenly distributed, preventing sagging or deformities.

• Cons: Requires more floor space, which may not be feasible in a smaller storage unit.
• On Its Side:
• Pros: A Place-saver, allowing for more room in storage areas.
• Cons: Long-term vertical storage can cause materials to settle, leading to lumps or unevenness.

Storing on its Side: Short-term Solutions

While keeping a mattress on its side can be a location-saving option, it should only be done for short periods. Extended sideways can risk damaging the inner workings and compromise the mattress's comfort level.

Before moving, properly store your spring mattress using a mattress bag, fully covering it. For extra protection, wrap with plastic wrap. If using a pickup truck, ensure interior materials are safe to store items. Prefer a covered moving truck. Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress topper for freshness.

Space-Saving Storage Solutions

Maintaining a mattress in a safe place without compromising on space can seem challenging, but with the right solutions, it becomes effortlessly manageable. Here are some efficient stowage strategies:

Under-Bed Storage Boxes:

• Designed to fit snugly beneath beds, these boxes can house foldable mattresses or mattress toppers, keeping them accessible yet out of sight.

Vacuum Seal Bags For a Memory Foam Mattress:

• Removing air drastically reduces the mattress's size, which is especially useful for foam or memory foam mattresses. Ensure they are re-inflated gently to avoid damage.

Loft or Attic Storage:

• Transform unused overhead spaces into places where the mattress will be. Just ensure they're free from dampness and pests.

Wall-Mounted Racks:

• Some innovative designs allow mattresses to be stored vertically against walls, with protective barriers to prevent damage.

Storage Units and Storage Facilities:

If on-site solutions aren't feasible, consider renting a climate-controlled storage unit specifically designed for mattresses.

Considering storage facilities, l is an excellent choice. A climate-controlled storage unit maintains an optimal temperature, preventing humidity levels that can harm the mattress's materials.

Avoiding Potential Storage Pitfalls

Be proactive: Avoid common storage errors like these!

(Credit: Canva)

Keeping your mattress seems straightforward, but certain pitfalls can compromise its longevity and comfort. Here's what to watch out for:

Moisture Accumulation:

Never store a mattress damp. Please make sure it's thoroughly dry to prevent mold and mildew.

Pest Infestation:

Check the areas where the mattress will be for signs of pests. Use protective covers and avoid storing directly on the ground.

Poor Airflow Circulation:

The spaces should be well-ventilated. Lack of air movement can result in odors and mold growth.

Direct Sunlight:

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can degrade the mattress materials. Please don't forget to put it near windows or open areas.

Weight Stacking:

Don't place heavy items on a stored mattress. This can lead to deformities and uneven pressure points.

Flimsy Covers:

Using thin or torn covers can expose the mattress to dirt, dust, and damage.
Please keep your mattress clean when stored to ensure a good night's sleep. Fully cover latex mattresses and avoid placing heavy objects atop them. Don't stack mattresses or keep your mattress folded. Proper care helps store your mattress effectively.

Special Tips for Storing a Toddler Mattress Properly

When storing your mattress, choose a dry storage space away from garages that tend to have extreme temperatures and high humidity. Wrap the mattress in a plastic sheet to protect it from dust and moisture.

Avoid storing mattresses in conditions of high humidity and extreme temperatures for long periods, as these elements can eventually damage the foam layers and compromise the mattress's integrity and comfort. Proper storage ensures the longevity and performance of your mattress.

Here are more details:

Due to their size, Toddler mattresses might tempt you to fold or roll them. However, just like larger mattress types, proper care ensures the mattress remains in prime condition.

Hygiene First:

Children can be more susceptible to allergies. Please make sure the mattress is thoroughly cleaned and free from dust mites or bed bugs before keeping it in a safe place.

Avoid Plastic Covers:

Plastic can trap moisture and release harmful chemicals. Opt for breathable covers that protect without compromising air circulation.

Flat Location:

Given their lightweight nature, toddler mattresses can deform more easily. Store flat to preserve shape.

Climate Control an:

Changes in temperature or humidity can affect the foam's consistency in toddler mattresses. A climate-controlled space is ideal. Humidity can cause foam layers in a stored memory foam mattress to absorb moisture and degrade.

Safety Checks:

Before reusing, check the mattress for any signs of wear, tear, or damage to ensure safe sleep for your child.

Avoiding Moisture and Humidity:

Properly stored toddler mattresses ensure your child's comfort and safety upon the next use. Please always make sure the mattress is very dry before keeping it in a safe place. Humidity can damage the material inside. Using air conditioning or ensuring proper ventilation can help in environmental control.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Storage Recommendations

Weigh long-term versus short-term needs

(Credit: Canva)

Understanding the nuances between short-term and long-term maintenance is essential whether you're storing a mattress for a few weeks or several months. Here's what to consider:

• Short-Term (Weeks to a few months):
• Positioning: Storing on its side can be suitable for saving space.
• Protection: Use a protective cover to shield from dust and spills for brief periods.
• Environment: While environmental control is ideal, ensuring a dry, pest-free space is crucial.
• Long-Term (Several months to years):
• Positioning: Always store flat to prevent deformities over time.
• Environmental control: Essential to prevent mold growth, material deterioration, and pest infestations.
• Routine Checks: Periodically inspect the mattress for any signs of damage or moisture.
• Rotate: Rotate the mattress every few months to distribute weight evenly.

Conclusion

Storing a mattress correctly is about more than just finding space; it's about preserving an investment in your comfort and health.

From choosing the right protective cover to understanding the nuances between short-term and long-term storage, every decision impacts the mattress's longevity and function.

Whether it's a luxurious king-size or a cozy toddler mattress, the principles remain: prioritize cleanliness, ensure appropriate positioning, and control the storage climate.

Adhering to these guidelines guarantees a fresh, supportive sleep surface for use whenever needed, ensuring restful nights and safeguarding dreams for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep a mattress when not in use?

Keep your mattress in a cool, dry place when not in use. Clean it thoroughly, encase it in a breathable protective plastic cover, and store it flat to preserve its shape. Ensure the storage area is free from pests and has good air circulation to prevent mold.

Is it OK to store a mattress on its side?

Storing a mattress on its side is acceptable for short durations. However, laying it flat for extended storage is best to prevent material shifting and potential deformities. Always protect it with a cover and store it in a dry, pest-free environment.

Should a mattress be stored flat?

A mattress should ideally be stored flat to maintain structural integrity and prevent material shifting. Storing flat ensures even weight distribution, reducing the risk of sagging or deformities, especially during extended periods, to keep the mattress safe. Please make sure it's in a dry, well-ventilated area.

Is it better to store a mattress lying down or standing up?

Staying a mattress upright and completely dry rather than laying down flat to maintain its shape and prevent material shifting is better. While standing up might save space in the short term, prolonged vertical maintenance can lead to sagging or deformities in the mattress's internal structure.