Perhaps you want to upgrade from a double to a queen-size bed, or maybe your children have moved out, and you want to reuse their bedroom. When you buy a new mattress, you’ll have to deal with the hassle of storing your old one, which takes a lot of time, effort, and, in some cases, worry.
In any event, good mattress storage will extend the life of your bed significantly. Our mattress clearance specialists have compiled a comprehensive guide filled with advice on storing a spare mattress.
Steps to storing a spare mattress
Because a good mattress can be costly, it’s understandable to want to keep it stored safely while not in use. However, if sufficient care is not followed, a mattress can be damaged beyond repair after a few months or years in storage.
1. Clean and air out the mattress thoroughly
Cleaning a mattress may be done in a variety of ways, but the most straightforward option is to vacuum both sides of the mattress and then apply upholstery cleaning. To prepare a mattress for storage, do the following:
- Strip all linens and remove the mattress and box spring from the bed frame.
- Leave baking soda to rest on the outside to absorb any residual scents or moisture.
2. Wrap the mattress with plastic to protect it
Before transporting a mattress to its storage location, completely wrap it in plastic and fasten it with packing tape to ensure a tight seal. If at all possible, avoid using thick plastic coverings, which are more prone to collect moisture. It’s preferable to choose light, permeable plastic.
Similarly, the mattress should be covered for most of its storage duration. Consider investing in a high-quality mattress bag (without holes or rips) for long-term storage, which should cost less than £30. These coverings are used to keep the mattress dry and prevent mould.
3. When storing the mattress, keep it flat
While some websites recommend propping the mattress on its side to conserve room, you should never keep a mattress upright for a lengthy amount of time. Mattresses must be stored flat because the coils and inner workings of a side-stored mattress may ultimately settle out of place, ruining the cushion.
Carry your mattress upright if necessary, but be sure to lay it flat to replicate its natural posture when storing it.
4. Determine the ideal location for storing a mattress
Moisture and temperature variations are major concerns when storing any furniture. Because of these variables, keeping a mattress in a basement for any period of time is a bad idea, as well as anywhere it may get marked.
You need to find the best space to store your mattress, where it has enough room to lie flat without any other items on top.
Where to store a spare mattress
In a storage unit
A storage unit is the preferable method of the experts when it comes to storing a mattress. Although it is an extra expense, it means excess space is not taken up in your home, and you won’t have to worry about working around it.
Consider upgrading from a regular storage unit to a climate-controlled storage unit if you’re renting one. If you choose climate control, your storage room will be warm in the winter and cool in the summer, protecting your pricey mattress from extreme temperature swings.
If you choose to store the mattress in a traditional storage unit or your basement or garage, invest in a portable dehumidifier. Although this does not work as well as professional climate control, this item will assist in removing moisture and preserving the condition of your mattress.
In your home
There are various areas where mattresses could be stored, depending on the size of your home and the space available within it:
- The loft or basement
- A spare room you don’t use very often
- A garage, shed or other outdoor building
However, not all storage places are ideal for a mattress, so you need to think about where you should store it to keep it fresh. If you find that your mattress is quite old and you’re running out of options on where to store it, you can hire a professional removal team to come and dispose of it.
What not to do when storing a mattress
Put it in a damp space
It may be common sense to some, but it is wise not to store your spare mattress in a damp area. This is because, no matter how well you wrap it, the damp will creep in and irreparably damage your mattress.
Instead, the best thing to do is either find a climate-controlled storage unit or place it in a room along with a dehumidifier to reduce the chance of dampness.
Keep it in a dirty area
Much like the above point, keeping your mattress in a dirty area will only mean a lot of hassle once you take it out of storage.
If you find there are marks on your mattress once you take it out of storage, then follow these steps to get it looking like new again:
- Hoover any loose dirt particles and dust from its time in storage.
- Any stains should be treated with an upholstery cleaner, such as a carpet cleaner. Alternatively, you may make a paste with your salt and lemon juice (lemon has inherent bleaching characteristics, so it will assist in removing the colour from most stains). Leave for about an hour after gently spreading over any spots. Wipe away any excess with a clean, wet towel.
- Remove any leftover odours from your mattress. Bicarbonate of soda will work since it absorbs moisture and eliminates odours. Simply sprinkle over the surface and leave for at least 24 hours.
Put it upright for a prolonged amount of time
Keep in mind that mattresses are often relatively heavy, and all of the foam, cushioning, and/or coils will eventually sink into gravity. Your mattress may never be the same after this happens.
If you must keep it on its side, do so only for a limited length of time; otherwise, locate a level surface to set it down on. If side storage is your only choice and will be for an extended period of time, rotate the mattress from side to side and head to foot every few months to ensure even wear of the material.
Store other items on top
You can’t pile things up when you’re looking to store a spare mattress, as heavy items might damage the springs and cause the outside to wear out faster. You can place the mattress on top of other things, such as pallets or other flat-topped furniture, to maximise space. But make sure everything is in order!
As well as mattresses, we can also remove furniture and waste from your home or commercial premises. To make a booking, get in touch with us today – the process is quick and simple!