I’ve always thought there are two kinds of mattresses in the world. There are saggy, stained mattresses that are on their way to being replaced someday. These mattresses draw ire from their owners, who acknowledge they need a replacement, but for some reason are waiting it out. The other type of mattress is the dream mattress. No sag, no stains, just the right firmness—this mattress is the one you plan to keep for years to come. An owner of a dream mattress loves the bed they sleep on and wants to keep it pristine for as long as possible. They rotate the mattress as directed and may even protect it with a waterproof cover. If you’ve got one of those dream mattresses and you want it to remain in it’s dream-like state, it’s imperative that you store it properly. The key is to mimic it’s natural position by laying the mattress flat with no items resting on top. Wrap it securely in a plastic cover and secure the cover with rope or tape. While in storage, keep it at a reasonable temperature – humidity and mold are the greatest threats to the life of your mattress, so it’s important that you take the necessary precautions.
To find out more, we reached out to Mattrezzz Guys, a retailer that’s making a name for itself as an Austin favorite (check those Yelp reviews), and spoke to owners Frank and Anthony about how to properly store a mattress. This is the main reason this blog post exists. Not to point fingers, but other blog posts and websites often say to store the mattress on its side. Frank and Anthony strongly advise against it. “If you stand it up, the padding and coils can settle and the mattress will never be the same. Don’t forget, gravity’s not always our friend,” said Frank. If you intend on keeping this mattress in good shape, you’ll want to mimic its natural positioning—maybe even setting up your whole bed inside your storage space. Gravity can come into play if you leave something on top of your mattress (or you have your mattress resting on something). To avoid wear and tear, make sure nothing is weighing down your bed. The only thing that should be on the mattress and boxspring is a plastic cover.
This final layer of protection can prevent worst-case scenarios. Frank and Anthony recommend completely wrapping the mattress in plastic, be it a specially made mattress bag or stretch plastic wrap. Water damage or pests shouldn’t be a problem at most storage facilities, but the covering has a more important application as well. This prevents dust from settling into the fibers of your mattress, which can happen even in the cleanest indoor unit. You should apply the plastic wrap or mattress cover before moving to help protect it while it’s being transported. Make sure you cover the entire mattress and secure the cover with tape. While we’re on the topic of transportation, you should avoid tying your mattress down on top of your car. You’re either going to warp your mattress by tying it down too tight or ruin it having it fly off the top of your car and onto the road. You should transport your mattress protected from the elements in a covered moving truck. Note: It’s okay to transport the mattress on its side as long as you aren’t leaving it there long-term, according to Peter Cancelli of The Mattress Expert.
“If you’re storing for an extended length of time use climate-controlled storage,” Frank advised. He might have been speaking to local customers in this case, but this tip applies anywhere with a relative humidity that swings above 50 percent (hint: almost everywhere at some point in the year). Mold is a serious threat to the health of your mattress and potentially to your health, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Frank and Anthony’s final tip: If you stored your mattress for more than six months you should remove your plastic covering and let the mattress breathe for a few hours before you put your sheets on it. This should prevent any lingering odor from the plastic or the storage unit, which will help you continue to appreciate your dream mattress. Post updated by SpareFoot, 1/30/2017.Learn how to store your mattress — proper mattress storage will ensure your investment in a comfy bed is rewarded for years to come. Updated on 2/19/16 from an article originally published on 3/31/14.
Mattresses and bed frames are an investment, both in cost and in the time it takes to find the right one. A quality mattress can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years if properly maintained, and a well-built bed frame can last decades. Because your bed is a functional and expensive part of your everyday life, it is the perfect candidate for storage. Maybe your partner is moving in, and you need to upgrade from a twin to queen, or your kids are moving out, and you want to repurpose their rooms. Whatever the case — follow these basic mattress storage tips to make sure your bedroom set stays in great shape for years to come. Steps to Storing a Mattress and Bed Frame ✓ Consider climate control. A primary concern when keeping any furniture in storage is moisture and temperature changes. These mischief-makers can do significant damage to your bed and mattress. Consider upgrading from a traditional self storage unit to climate-controlled storage. This will ensure that your storage space will have heat in the winter and stay cool in the summer, safeguarding your expensive mattress and bed from severe temperature changes.
If you do go with a traditional storage unit, buy a portable dehumidifier. Though not as ideal, this tool will pump moisture out whenever you visit and help maintain the quality of your mattress. ✓ Clean everything first. Once you’ve selected the right space, clean your bed and mattress — and all furniture pieces — before putting them into storage. You can clean your mattress many different ways, but the easiest method is vacuuming your mattress on both sides and then using upholstery cleaner (like the kind you use on a couch). Clean the bed and bed frame with soap and water. If desired, use oil soap on the wooden bed or headboard, especially if it’s an antique or older piece. ✓ Disassemble the bed. Take apart the bed before bringing it to your self storage unit. Not only will it pack easier, but it’ll also reduce the likelihood of nicks or scratches. ✓ Protect from dust or moisture. Cover the bed pieces with old blankets or sheets to shield them from dust or moisture.
If possible, do not use thick plastic covers, as these are more likely to trap in the moisture. Light, breathable plastic would work well, however. Similarly, the mattress needs to stay covered. High-quality mattress bags (with no holes or tears) should cost less than $20. These will prevent mold and ensure the mattress stays dry. ✓ Lay the mattress flat (and NOT on its side). While some sources may tell you to prop the mattress on its side to save space, you should never store a mattress upright for a long period of time. It’s perfectly fine to carry your mattress upright, but once you place it inside your storage unit, lay it flat to mimic its natural positioning. Over time, the coils and inter-workings of a side-stored mattress will settle out of their proper position, destroying the cushion. Never store anything on top of the mattress. Heavy objects can damage the springs. Heavy objects create more wear. To make the best use of space, place the mattress on top of other objects, like pallets or other flat-topped furniture items.