How to care for a mattress

Mattress care

Most people take their mattresses for granted. Yet they are a vital part of our lives. Every night, we put our trust in them completely.

People spend more hours sleeping than in any other activity. At 8 hours a night, that comes to over 20,000 hours per year. So having a good mattress assumes vital importance for our health and well-being. With so much at stake, knowing how to care for a mattress seems like a pretty good idea.

Read on to learn about how to care for a mattress.

Off to a good start

If you recently purchased a mattress, you have a chance to get off on the right foot. A new mattress needs to be broken in, just like a good pair of shoes.

It’s not just about the mattress—the box spring and frame are important as well. When selecting a mattress, be sure to choose a matching foundation or box spring. The two are designed to work together. A mismatched pair may not provide optimal performance. The frame needs to be sturdy enough to give proper support. Larger sizes like queen and king should have extra support in the middle. Even full-sized mattresses will benefit from extra support if they are particularly heavy. Ask the salesperson.

When installing your new purchase, remove and dispose of protective coverings. You’ll probably want to give the mattress time to “breathe” before you make it up for the first time. Airing it out will also allow time for the new smell to go away.

Toss and turn

If you turn your mattress, you’re less likely to toss and turn in your sleep. An important part of letting the mattress adjust to your body, turning should be done more frequently when the mattress is new. Every two weeks is good for the first three months. After that, once every two months is adequate.

There are two ways to turn the mattress: flipping and rotating. These alternatives make for numerous possible combinations—and potential confusion. Develop a system so you know when it’s time to flip it over, and when it should be rotated end for end.

A single mattress can be easily turned by one person. For larger sizes, it’s a two-person job. Unless you are in particularly good physical condition. Or very tall. For a two-person flip, be sure to communicate before beginning the task. More than one person has ended up as a mattress/box spring sandwich.

If the mattress has handles, the job will be easier. But avoid relying strictly on handles. Too much stress can weaken the handles and they can eventually pull out. Some mattresses are advertised as needing no turning. Check the manufacturer’s instructions.

Do you need a pad?

A mattress will last much longer if protected with a pad. Be sure to find one that is a good fit. It is not enough to know the length and width of your mattress. Note whether it is deeper than normal. If so, purchase a pad designed for that size. Same goes for fitted sheets. For thicker mattresses, you will need a 9-13” pocket for best fit. If pad or sheets are too small, you will stress the mattress.

Young children especially will benefit from having a pad on their bed. In some cases, adding a waterproof sheet under the pad is a good idea. Accidents are more easily dealt with when you only have to change the bedding and pad.

Don’t forget to launder the pad from time to time. It can’t do its job of protecting if it accumulates dust and skin cells.

Regular cleaning

Keeping the mattress clean will extend its life. It will also improve the quality of yours by getting rid of dust and allergens.

A mattress should not be soaked for cleaning. You’ll also want to avoid harsh dry cleaning products. A gentle brushing each time you change the bedding should be adequate. You can also use a vacuum.

If you feel you must wash the mattress, use gentle laundry detergent in water. Do only a small portion at a time. Let dry thoroughly before replacing the bedding. Remove stains promptly for best results.

Pillow talk

Along with the rest of the bedding, the right pillow is an important part of the ensemble. Fluff up feather pillows after each use. That will help keep them in good condition. Replace pillow every 3 years or so for best results.

Time to say goodbye

Depending on the quality of the mattress, the useful life will vary. How can you tell when it’s time to replace it? Wear and tear on the covering is the first indication. Any rips or tears are another good clue. A “broken down” mattress will develop indentations that will not spring back. Which is very hard on your back.

Placing a board between the mattress and the foundation is not a good idea. Friction can cause damage to the mattress. Besides, if it requires that much support, it’s probably time for a new one.

Many materials in mattresses can be recycled. Check with your local recycling agency to see if they accept mattresses. Some merchants will offer to dispose of your old mattress when they install the new. Many mattresses find a new life in a camper or a vacation cabin. And mattresses that are still in good condition can be donated to a charity.

A word to the wise

A few commonsense principles apply to your mattress. Don’t smoke in bed. Use caution with electrical appliances such as electric blankets and heating pads. Don’t allow your children to jump on the beds. And above all, don’t remove that tag! Seriously, leaving the tag attached helps verify your warranty.