Mattresses are a big investment, which is why it’s so important to take good care of them. In fact, following these mattress care tips could increase the lifespan of your mattress. In today’s blog, the mattress experts at Star Furniture discuss how to take care of your mattress. .
The Right Foundation is Key
Different types of mattresses require different foundations for proper support. Innerspring mattresses, for example, can work well with a box spring, which adds height to the bed, keeps your mattress in place, and improves airflow. Memory foam mattresses, on the other hand, tend to work well with a slatted platform bed, as long as the slats are no more than 3 inches apart. Hybrid mattresses also work well on platform beds with wooden boards or closely positioned slats. If you have joint pain, back pain, mobility issues, acid reflux, or if you snore, an adjustable base bed foundation could help relieve some of your symptoms. Just make sure the mattress you choose is compatible with an adjustable base bed.
Choose Your Mattress Protector Carefully
One of the most important mattress care tips is to choose the right mattress protector, as it can go a long way toward taking care of your mattress. That said, you’ll want to choose a mattress protector based on your unique needs. If you’re predominantly worried about liquid and spills, for example, a waterproof mattress protector can help give you some peace of mind and protect your mattress from stains and potential mold. Dust mites and pet dander can also easily collect in your mattress, so if you have severe allergies, you’ll definitely want to consider a mattress protector with allergen protection. Mattress protectors can even add comfort through padding and help with temperature regulation, which can be especially helpful if you have a memory foam mattress that tends to run hot.
Wash Your Bedding Regularly
Washing your bedding might not immediately come to mind when you consider how to take care of your mattress, but it can have a big effect on how long your mattress lasts. Generally speaking, you should be washing your sheets and pillowcases once a week in order to keep them from spreading bacteria and odors to your mattress. We also recommend washing your sheets with hot water in order to more effectively kill bacteria and dust mites that may have accumulated there. Your mattress protector should also be washed once every two months, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. As long as you use a top sheet between you and your duvet or comforter, you can likely get by only washing them once every other month.
Rotate or Flip Your Mattress Regularly
Another important mattress care tip is to make sure you’re rotating or flipping your mattress regularly in order to help spread out the wear and tear that comes from sleeping in the same position each night. While flipping your mattress used to be a more common practice, most modern mattresses are designed to be one-sided, which means they’ll need to be rotated, not flipped. Newer innerspring, hybrid, memory foam, and pillowtop mattresses should all be rotated one to two times per year. That said, some mattresses are not designed to be rotated, so make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions.
Air Out Your Mattress Regularly
One of our easiest mattress care tips involves letting your mattress air out regularly. Whenever you wash the bedding or leave town for a few days, take off your mattress protector, open the blinds, and let the mattress air out. Not only will this help prevent any odors, but the UV rays from the sun can kill bacteria and dust mites.
Clean Your Mattress Regularly
In addition to regularly washing your bedding and mattress protector, vacuuming your mattress with the upholstery attachment every month or two can help get rid of dirt, dust mites, and other allergens. In fact, our spring cleaning guide features instructions for how to clean your mattress, so you can make sure it will last for years to come.
Don’t Eat or Drink in Bed
If you want your mattress to last, you won’t want to ignore this mattress care tip. In fact, eating and drinking in bed can cause some pretty big mattress issues. Not only can crumbs lead to bugs and other pests, but spilling a beverage on your mattress could lead to lingering odors and even mold.
Don’t Stand or Jump on the Bed
Jumping and standing on your mattress can cause damage to your bed, especially if you have an innerspring mattress. That’s why it’s important to outlaw jumping and standing on the bed.
Move Your Mattress Carefully
Many mattresses get damaged en route to a new home or apartment, which is why moving your mattress carefully is one of the most important mattress care tips. Before you move your mattress, cover it with a plastic mattress bag to protect it from damage, dust, grime, and potential infestations. You’ll also want to stabilize the mattress with rope or a ratchet strap, so it doesn’t move around and crash into other items in the moving truck. Whatever you do, do not bend, fold, or drag the mattress along the ground.
Need a new mattress? Star Furniture has you covered. Browse our huge selection of mattresses for sale, including Aireloom, Tempur-Pedic, and Nectar mattresses. In the meantime, check out our mattress blog, where we cover everything from 9 signs you need a new mattress to how to break in a new mattress.