8 Things To Know About Storing Your Mattress
Maybe you’re moving your family to another city or just putting away your furniture while you study. There are plenty of belongings to manage including furniture, appliances, decorative items, clothes and more. Placing them in a self-storage unit can make the process easier, and is common practice during times of transition. Among other things, mattresses require special care before storing them in a storage unit so that they retain their quality for future use.
Here’s everything you need to know about storing your mattress:
1. Know why storing your mattress is important
Before preparing your mattress for storage, you should know the importance of storing it properly. Here’s why it’s important:
Prevent odors
When stored properly, a mattress does not pick up odors from your home or the space it is stored in, likely due to poor air circulation between the mattress and the surfaces it comes into contact with. contact.
Prevent mold and mildew growth
Avoid putting your mattress in direct contact with the ground or any surface that can retain moisture, as this can create an environment conducive to the growth of mold and mildew.
To keep fit
When you store your mattress correctly, you can ensure that it retains all of its sleep-promoting properties, including its shape. Ultra-firm mattresses are more likely to lose their shape if not stored in the correct position because they have few layers of cover.
2. Consider your mattress storage options
You can store your mattress at home – in the garage, basement, or a spare room – but you might run into the problem of placing it in a damp environment, which can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Alternatively, storing your mattress – in a temperature-controlled unit – is probably a better bet. This type of storage helps protect it from extreme heat, cold, and high humidity — all of which, when controlled, can keep your mattress in pristine condition. This is especially important in places with extreme temperature swings and high humidity like the South. Renting a self-storage unit in Miami, Florida costs $185/month, but if you live in Texas, an Austin unit costs around $127/month.
3. Know where you should not store your mattress
While a storage unit is the perfect place to keep your mattress, here are a few places that aren’t so suitable for the mattress if you’re considering long-term storage:
Reception areas
This includes your basement, garage, or ground-level space like a shed. They typically have high humidity and contribute to the growth of mold and fungus, which can get inside your mattress.
Near a heat source
Whatever its composition, a mattress does not resist heat well. Whether your mattress warps or partially melts, higher temperatures can irrevocably affect its structural integrity, making it less comfortable to use in the future.
around sharp objects
Be sure to keep your mattress away from sharp objects when stored. If accidentally pricked or torn, the mattress fabric and protective layers can give way to dust and let mold in, which can slowly further damage your mattress.
4. Prepare your mattress for storage
Now that you know that keeping your mattress in storage is ideal, there are some things you need to know to prepare it to sit safely inside your unit.
Clean the mattress
It is natural for mattresses to attract dirt, sweat and dust, which is why mattress care is an essential pre-storage step. Begin by stripping the bedding and vacuuming the mattress from all sides. Next, apply an upholstery cleaner. If there are stains, use a mattress stain remover by dabbing only. Avoid rubbing or soaking them. Let the mattress air dry. To deodorize it, sprinkle it with baking soda and let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it again. Repeat the process on the other side.
Cover it in a mattress bag
Now that your mattress is clean, you want it to stay that way during storage. Invest in a mattress bag, which will protect it from dust and pests. It usually comes with a layered design and a waterproof liner, protecting it for as long as you need it. It’s an ideal storage solution, especially if you’re going for long-term storage.
5. Bring your mattress into your storage box
You might be tempted to do DIY when transporting your mattress to the storage cabinet, but it pays to be professional. Strapping your mattress over your car can damage your mattress springs. Alternatively, a covered truck is the ideal vehicle to help you get there. Hire a moving truck instead of using your own car to protect your mattress from exposure to the elements during transport.
6. Storing your mattress according to type
As a general rule, you should not store your mattress upright, on an uneven surface, or directly on the floor, but there are specific instructions depending on the type of mattress as follows:
Memory foam
Memory foam mattresses do not have coils inside, which makes them very comfortable to sleep on as they easily adapt to your body shape. It also means that they are prone to losing their shape if placed on an uneven surface. Also, getting a stuff sack is a must, as this type of mattress is also prone to attracting dust and mold.
Latex mattress
Latex mattresses are heavy and tend to bend. When put in place, they pull towards the bottom of the bed, which can cause them to collapse sideways. To avoid this type of problem when storing, it is best to store them flat and never upright against the wall.
Hybrid mattress
Hybrid mattresses combine foam materials and springs, and they are also one of the heaviest types of mattresses. You should make sure not to store them on their side and have them cleaned properly before storing them. Because they also have coils, they require rotation every few months while in storage to avoid too much pressure being exerted on one side.
Spring mattress
Unlike hybrid mattresses, spring mattresses have a reinforced spring, which helps them retain their shape better. But it also means they are more prone to breaking. Lay your innerspring mattress flat to best retain its shape during storage.
Large mattresses
If we are talking about king-size or RV mattresses, their weight poses the biggest challenge when storing. Placing them on their side or on an uneven surface can damage their shape. Therefore, the best practice is to place them flat in your storage box.
Mattress topper
Mattress toppers require a similar type of care when preparing them for storage. Clean your topper, dry it and roll it up in a bag so it takes up less space in your storage cabinet. Opt for an air-conditioned device to ensure that it retains its qualities as well as possible.
7. Avoid placing anything on your mattress
While your mattress is stored, do not place anything on it, regardless of the type of mattress. Even lighter items can damage the structure of your mattress. Keeping your mattress free of objects during storage ensures that it can retain its shape so you can enjoy it again later. Also, do not fold your mattress while it is stored as this may also damage it.
8. Let it air out before using it again
Now is the time to take your mattress out and use it again. When this happens, let it air out to make sure it’s fresh and ready to go before you put the sheets on.
Did we manage to put away your mattress? Let us know in the comments section below.
