How To Store A Mattress?

How To Store A Mattress?

Written by Mehran Uzair

Last Updated on Mar 13, 2023

In this article:

    Mattresses are expensive but are also something that we use every single night. It gives us comfort and supports our body while we rest. Knowing how to store a mattress that is no longer in use can save you a lot of money in the long run. 

    Whether you are upgrading to a different size or simply trying out a different mattress, knowing how to store an old mattress can save you a lot of bucks. We will tell you how to store your mattress so that it lasts several years. 

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    How to Store a Mattress: An Easy Step by Step Guide

    You might be tempted to lean your mattress against the wall or simply jam it in the corner of your room. Unfortunately, the easiest option can also mean the death of your mattress. It might ruin your mattress beyond recovery.

    Here are steps to store a mattress for the long run:

    Step 1: Clean Your Mattress Properly

    • Take your mattress out of the bed frame.
    • Strip all bedding off your mattress.
    • Sprinkle some baking soda. It will absorb the unpleasant odor, if any.
    • Vacuum up all the excess baking soda.
    • Let your mattress dry for a day or two. You can keep it in the sun if possible.

    Step 2: Transport Your Mattress Properly

    Transporting your mattress means protecting it from all the dirt and filth that it will be exposed to during the journey. Cover it with bed covers, fabrics, and plastic wrapping you have. Alternately, you can use a mattress storage bag or a vacuum storage bag. A vacuum storage bag will suck out all the air and protect the mattress from moisture.

    Always remember to ship your mattress in a covered truck. It is best to place it flat on the truck floor. Keeping it on its side might dislodge the springs from their place. Take care not to place heavy objects on your mattress while it is flat.

    Using a car may not be a good idea to transport a mattress. Tying a mattress to the roof of vehicles might destroy the mattress’s shape. Moreover, rains might permanently damage the mattress.

    Step 3: Wrap It in Plastic or a Mattress Storage Bag

    Once you reach the storage unit, you must cover the mattress with a mattress bag. A good quality mattress bag can cost you anywhere close to 20$. If you do not have a mattress storage bag, you can wrap it in plastic. It will keep out dirt, dust, and moisture.

    Thick plastic can trap moisture instead of keeping it out. Duct tape a thinner plastic as it can help your mattress breathe even in the storage unit. 

    If you are storing your mattress for a long time, it is better to unwrap it once in a while. That will help to air out the mattress. But remember to seal it properly afterward.

    Step 4: Place Your Mattress Flat On the Ground

    That is the natural position of your mattress. Keeping it flat will preserve it better and increase its durability.

    But why should you not place your mattress on the sides? Well, thanks to gravity, the inner workings of your mattress will settle on one side, rendering it useless when you take it out of storage after years.

    If you do not want to place your mattress directly on the floor, you can consider elevating it with some wooden planks. You can also keep it on your furniture. The surface, however, should be flat. 

    Furthermore, avoid keeping anything on your mattress. The inner springs will stop functioning due to constant pressure.

    Step 5: Choose A Storage Unit With Climate Control

    Extreme climates might harm your mattress by changing the chemical composition of certain elements. Your attic or garage is not the best place to store it since they are prone to temperature fluctuations.

    You need to ensure that the storage unit stays cool in summer and warm in winter. Moreover, a temperature-controlled storage area will keep moisture away. That will prevent the development of mold and mildew on your mattress.

    If you cannot arrange for a climate-controlled storage unit, a dehumidifier will help. Place it near your mattress. It will not allow moisture to settle, protecting your mattress from mildew.

    Dos and Don’ts of Storing a Mattress

    Do

    • Keep your mattress flat to maintain its shape.
    • Clean your mattress before storing. It will prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus.
    • Always transport your mattress in a covered vehicle.
    • Buy a mattress storage bag to cover your mattress. It will keep all the dirt, dust, and moisture at bay.
    • Keep your mattress away from moisture. Opt for a climate-controlled storage facility.
    • Unpack your mattress once in a while if you are storing it for a long time.

    Don’t

    • Don’t cover your mattress with thick plastic. It might trap moisture.
    • Don’t keep heavy objects on it. It will damage the inner workings.
    • Don’t keep your mattress on its side. The springs will come down and damage it beyond repair.

    How to Store Different Types of Mattresses

    Certain types of mattresses require a bit of extra caution while storing. Let us take a look at what you need to do.

    1. Memory Foam Mattress

    Knowing how to store a memory foam mattress can save you a mini fortune as memory foam is one of the expensive options available. 

    You should not wet a foam mattress. It will soak in the moisture, which will lead to the formation of mildew. 

    Avoid cleaning memory foam with an upholstery cleaner. These cleaners don’t absorb water. So, your mattress might remain wet.

    2. Waterbed Mattress

    Storing a waterbed is easier compared to other mattresses. You can simply drain the water and roll it up.

    Before draining the water, put some mild disinfectant in it. That will help in cleaning and sanitizing the insides. 

    After draining, give the mattress enough time to dry. You can then roll it and put it in a cardboard box before moving it to the storage space.

    4. Futon Mattress  

    Futon mattresses are quite convenient as a mattress type. You can use them on a sofa as well as a bed. It has a light fill and is also easy to store. Unlike other mattress types, you need to roll up a futon mattress before storing it. Take care to roll it along the longer side and air it before you pack it up.

    5. Innerspring Mattress

    You need to pay special attention while transporting an innerspring mattress. Any bending might damage the springs and coils inside it. Innerspring mattresses need to lay flat while transporting as well as storing. Do not place heavy objects on the mattress as they may break the spring.

    The Bottom Line

    What if there is no space to keep your mattress flat? Knowing how to store a mattress against the wall can save you a lot of space. If you have to keep your mattress against the wall, make sure there is additional support. That will prevent it from tipping back. However, it is better not to keep it this way for long. Now that you know everything about storing your mattress, you can keep it safe for years.

    If you are buying a new mattress and wondering what size you need, visit our detailed mattress size guide. 

    Disclaimer: This website does not offer medical advice nor professional medical services; rather, it is provided solely for educational, informational, and/or entertainment purposes. Individuals seeking medical advice should consult a licensed physician. The information provided should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any condition, disease, or injury. When you have a medical condition, you should always talk to licensed doctor or other certified medical professional. You should never delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment based on the contents of this website. Call 911 or immediately go to the nearest emergency room if you think you may have a medical emergency. The contents of this website are provided "as-is", Dreamcloud Sleep and its parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, employees, contributors disclaim any warranty of the information contained herein. Please contact support@dreamcloud.com to report any errors, omissions, misinformation, or abuse.
    {"faq":[{"_id":"d2370ba","title":"How to store a memory foam mattress topper?","content":"\u003Cp\u003EYou can store your mattress topper in a vacuum-sealed bag or follow.\u00a0\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"ea6b46f","title":"How to store a mattress in a garage?\n","content":"\u003Cp\u003EGarages are dirty places. Moreover, they are also susceptible to extreme weather changes. Wrapping your mattress in a storage bag and placing a dehumidifier in the garage is the best option.\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"ec94ea0","title":"Can I store a mattress under another mattress?","content":"\u003Cp\u003EOur recommendation is not to use two mattresses to sleep. 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