StaffTips: How To Store A Matress
Suppose you have a good mattress that is in top condition and you wish to keep it rather than give it away.
There is no denying that mattresses are quite an investment. For one, they set you back a couple of bucks, and it also takes a while to find one that meets your needs regarding comfort and sizing. Thus, when you find one, it is necessary to ensure that it can serve you for long and getting a high-quality product assures you of at least ten years of service.
Storing a mattress when it is not in use allows you to get the most out of the mattress as it will not come to damage. You should note though that if you store it without going through the necessary routines, you could end up damaging the mattress, even if it has been a few months. Here are the guidelines for storing a mattress:
Cleaning the mattress
Have you ever cleaned your mattress?
If yes, then you know of a couple of ways in which you could accomplish this task. If no, you can do this by using a vacuum on both sides of the mattress. Then follow up by using an upholstery cleaner, much like what you would use on your couch. Here is a detailed step-by-step account as to how you should go about this:
Start by removing the mattress as well as the box spring from the bed frame and follow up by removing the bedding which you can set aside to wash later. Now pour baking soda on the mattress on both sides and let the powder sit on the mattress for a few hours. This move will enable the chemicals to absorb any odors in the mattress, such that when you take it out of storage, it will smell fresh. There is nothing as unfortunate as removing your mattress from storage, and it has a moldy smell to it.
After the baking soda has been on the mattress for a considerable while, you can now get rid of it using a vacuum. Ensure that you get most of it out before letting the mattress air. Having it out in the lawn or another area where it can get sufficient light and air is a great idea. While doing so, ensure that the mattress does not come into contact with moisture and be sure to watch out for pets as they may look upon your mattress as their napping area.
Wrapping
Your mattress should be ready for wrapping in about three hours after exposure to air, and you will need plastic to accomplish this. Wrap the mattress with plastic all through and hold it in place using packing tape as this will create conditions where moisture cannot get in. You may think of using a thick cover for this, but it is not advisable. You see, the thick layer will trap moisture and will create an environment where bacteria and other micro-organisms can thrive, thus damaging the mattress. Having a light plastic that is breathable will enable you to avoid such a situation.
On this note, the mattress should remain unexposed while in storage, and to achieve this; you can use a mattress bag. When purchasing one, be sure to get one that is of high-quality such that there are no tears or holes that could allow the entry of water, dust and other materials that could affect the longevity of the mattress.
In most cases, these bags cost a few bucks and will be worth the money in the end. Most of them work to prevent the growth of mold by keeping the mattress dry and are thus quite essential in this process.
As much as the mattress should remain unexposed for the entirety of the storage period, it helps to let it breathe once in a while. Thus, if you plan on keeping the mattress in storage for an extended period, it is advisable to let it air out every other month before resealing it to maintain its high-quality.
Transportation
If you plan on moving the mattress to another area to store it, ensure that you take great care of it during the process. An easy way to keep it protected is by the use of sheets or blankets on the mattress as this will avoid the piling of dirt on the mattress. Also, this protects the mattress from getting damaged.
It is also essential that you use a designated moving truck for this purpose. Where you might save a lot of money by placing the mattress on your car and tying it in place, this could lead to damage such as irreversible bending. Also, if the weather was to turn for the worse, you could end up damaging a perfectly good mattress. Go for covered trucks in this case.
Moving mattresses is quite tricky as they take up a lot of space, and in some cases, you find that movers will have the mattresses on their side. This positioning is okay as it will not put pressure on the mattress. The problem comes in where the movers wish to have the mattress on the bottom and add more materials on top as this will damage the structure of your mattress. And then all your efforts in the steps above will go wasted.
Positioning
How should you position the mattress when storing it for long periods?
The answer is flat. While you may move a mattress on its side or have it like this for a couple of days when you are in-between houses, the natural positioning for a mattress is flat. Yes, this will take up a lot of space, and you will come across sources citing that it is okay to have a mattress on its side, but this could not be further from the truth.
The natural positioning of a mattress is in a flat position such that the coils will remain as the manufacturer intended. Any changes in positioning will alter the inner workings of the mattress such that when you take it out of storage, its comfort levels will have significantly reduced.
On this note, you should note that you should not store heavy things on top of your mattress, lest it gets damaged. While you may have light items on the mattress, bulky things will put a lot of pressure on it and will lead to wear over time. Where you need to save on space, have the heavy materials underneath the mattress, ensuring that they are stable such that the positioning does not alter the inner workings of the mattress.
Placement
Now that you have figured out how to prepare the mattress for storage and how best to move and position it, we are at the final stage, which is the ideal location. Though the mattress is safe in its cover and is likely not to come to harm owing to exposure to the elements, it is necessary that you choose a location that is free from adverse moisture and temperature changes. Where a room is stuffy and humid, a mattress can rot. Yes, that’s right. You could walk in a few months later to get the mattress in the hope of setting up an extra bed only to find that the mattress is no more. In this light, you should not use your basement as a storage space for this. And that holds even for a few days storage. Such conditions can wreak havoc on your investment.
Suppose you opt to have the mattress in a storage unit; you should consider the conditions in the rooms. The traditional units are suitable for furniture and equipment that does not require much attention but having a mattress in these conditions will not work. Instead, go for the climate-controlled options. In this way, the unit will be warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and there will be no abrupt changes that could damage your mattress.
Where you have to use the basement or other rooms where the temperature and moisture levels are not ideal, you can invest in a portable dehumidifier which will help you in regulating the conditions. It is a lot of work, but it will help you protect your investment. Now, you are all set up for your storage. If you have more questions about this process, here are some common questions and answers to help you out in this regard.
FAQ
The answer is yes. It is possible to have your mattress in the garage for long periods without damaging it. While doing so, there are a few factors that you have to keep in mind. For one, it should be clean and dry, and you should also have it in a sealable mattress bag. Also, look into the conditions of the garage and whether you can regulate them as the seasons change.
The positioning of the mattress should be flat as having it on its side could warp it.
Covering your mattress is of the utmost importance, and failure to do so exposes your mattress to dirt and bugs which could damage it and render it useless. Where you do not have many options from which you can choose, you can do with tarp. However, it is best to look into the options available in the market as they range from plastic to vinyl covers to mattress bags. Your best bet lies in using something light and breathable before wrapping the mattress in a sealed bag where it will be free from the elements.
Perhaps you have run out of space and are thinking of having the mattress in the attic for a while. Is this a good idea? Well, here are some considerations to make in this regard. While a basement is a no-no when it comes to storing mattresses, some people figure that an attic may have better conditions and they opt to have their mattresses here. However, this exposes the mattress to moisture damage. You may think that the attic is safe from water exposure as there are no standing water pools or visible water leaks as is the case with most basements, but these spaces have high humidity levels. What’s more, most of these spaces do not have adequate insulation and ventilation, and this encourages the growth of mildew and mold which will destroy your mattress and have you heading to the store for another in no time.
Also, your attic may not be a good idea as it is likely not to be clean, and this can attract rodents and other pests which will damage your mattress. Even if you do get around to cleaning the space, you cannot use it for mattresses, but it will come in handy for other storage purposes.
Storing a memory foam mattress follows the same procedures as outlined above. Some people may advise that you fold the mattress as it will regain shape once unfolded, but manufacturers will warn you against this as it alters the original structure of the mattress. You need to clean it and air it before wrapping it in a plastic mattress bag which will protect it from pests, mold, dust, and water. Where there are any holes or tears in the bag, ensure that you seal them as these will work as weak points, exposing your mattress to the elements.
Once you clean and wrap a mattress, it is essential that you place it flat on a hard surface such as a floor so that you can retain its original shape. Failure to do this will alter the structure and therefore the comfort level of the mattress.
It follows the same guidelines as to storing the mattress. You start by airing out the mattress before using baking powder on it and vacuuming after a few hours of letting the powder sit. You can then use upholstery cleaner on the mattress before adding a fresh scent to it and positioning it in your bed.
Now, you will have an easier time dealing with your mattress, in and out of storage. Good luck!
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