Sometimes, you may have more than enough mattresses, requiring you to store some. Before storing the mattress, first vacuum it to remove dirt. Wrap it with the mattress bag before moving it to storage.
You should then lay it on a flat surface and avoid putting objects on it. Putting extra objects can damage it. If stored without cleaning, your mattress might get mold and fungus. Also, it’s best to keep the mattress in a climate-controlled space to avoid damage by humidity.
Read on to learn how to store your mattress satisfactorily and the dos and don’ts during storage.
What Are the Dos and Don’ts When Storing a Mattress?
Mattresses are expensive investments, and they require proper maintenance to retain their quality. Storage is crucial whether you’re advancing to a more comfortable one or just clearing the room.
A well-maintained mattress can last between 10 and 15 years. If your storage space has no climate control features, you can use a dehumidifier to regulate moisture. This will go a long way in ensuring its safety.
Following are some mattress storage dos and don’ts that might help keep yours safer and for longer.
| Dos | Don’ts |
| Vacuum the mattress | Wash with water |
| Dry the mattress outside | Wrap immediately |
| Wrap in a mattress bag | Wrap with thick plastic |
| Lay the mattress horizontally | Place the mattress vertically |
| Regularly open the mattress | Place items on the mattress |
How Do You Store a Mattress?
A mid-range mattress currently costs between $500 and $1500, according to the Sleep Foundation. With most mattresses’ lifespan exceeding ten years, it’s still worth keeping them around for future use.
The following steps will guide you on how to store your mattress.
1. Clean Before Storing
The first step in storing a mattress is cleaning it through vacuuming. It’s best to avoid contact with water or moisture as it can allow the growth of fungus and mold. Vacuuming gets rid of dust which can also promote the growth of mites.
2. Dry It
Drying should be the next step, as it allows the mattress to out any moisture. This also removes any odor the mattress grew. This step is necessary after using it for a long time before storing it.
3. Wrap the Mattress Thoroughly
Wrapping the mattress allows it to keep the dust off during storage time. However, it’s best to use mattress wrap instead of a plastic bag as it can trap moisture inside.
4. Finally, Store It in a Safe Place
How you store your mattress is also crucial because this is where the damage can happen. First off, place the mattress horizontally on a flat surface. Avoid placing items on them no matter how light they are since they can cause them to wear out with time.
Are you wondering how to hide a spare mattress since you do not have a spare storage room? If your mattress is moderate size and your bed has a space underneath, you can store it there. If your bed is low, you can consider using bed risers.
5. Maintain the Stored Mattress Regularly
During the storage period, it’s best to regularly open the mattress bag and let it breathe for some time. The fresh air will discourage moisture from building and also pests. Despite storing your mattress well, you don’t want to get unpleasant surprises from rodents.
If you follow the above tips, it means you’ll frequently visit the storage room. It helps just to be sure pests have not invaded.
How Do You Transport a Mattress to Storage?
Following are the various factors to observe when transporting a mattress to storage.
1. Use a Suitable Vehicle
The type of transport you use matters when transporting the mattress. The vehicle should have enough space to place the mattress horizontally. The vehicle should also be covered in case of rain.
You can use a truck, a pickup, or a car with a luggage rack as the last option. Also, remember to tightly secure the mattress to prevent it from becoming loose.
2. Cover The Mattress Well
During transportation, you must put the mattress inside a mattress bag. The bag will prevent it from dust and debris and keep it clean
3. Don’t Stuff the Mattress
Don’t place items on top of the mattress during transportation. Heavy items can damage the mattress’s springs during the move. It’s much preferred if you secure it on top of other solid items during the move.
Note: Transporting a mattress for storage is needed when you don’t have any spare storage room and need to hire a store. Or you can’t hide it inside any convenient place in your house.
Importance of Storing a Mattress Properly
Since a mattress is an expensive investment, proper storage is crucial. Following are some reasons why you should store yours properly.
- Saves You Money
Storing your mattress generally saves you money that you could have spent on a new one. With the regular rise in cost, if your mattress is still in shape, it’s worth storing rather than buying.
- Prevents Damage
Proper storage protects against damage to the overall quality of the mattress. If improperly kept, it might sag and the springs might miss aligning.
- Prevents Mold from Growing
Proper storage ensures mold doesn’t grow on your mattress during the storage period. Mold can cause allergic reactions like wheezing, fatigue, sneezing, and headache.
- Prevents against smells
Properly storing your mattress in a climate-controlled or well-ventilated unit keeps it free of smells. Regularly taking it out of the bag during the storage period is one of the ways of improving its smell.
Is Storing the Different Types of Mattresses the Same?
While they serve the same purpose, different mattresses have differing storage methods. While with a foam mattress, you can compromise and keep upright, with an innerspring one, you can’t. The following table contains the various types of mattresses and the best way to keep each.
| Mattress | Best way to store |
| Foam | Store a foam mattress horizontally on a flat surface. Avoid placing items on it as it’s more susceptible to damage than others. |
| Innerspring | The innerspring mattress should be stored flat on an even surface. If horizontally stored, the springs can be affected by gravity and slide out. |
| Hybrid | Hybrid mattresses have both springs and foam and are sometimes very expensive. Store them on a flat surface, and it’s best to store them in a climate-controlled unit. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to store a mattress on its side?
It is generally not recommended to store a mattress on its side for an extended period of time. When a mattress is placed on its side, it can cause the internal layers to shift, which can lead to a loss of support and comfort.
It is generally best to store a mattress on a flat, stable surface in a cool, dry place to help preserve its shape and longevity. If you do not have a flat surface to store the mattress on, you may want to consider using a mattress storage bag or box to help protect it while it is being stored.
how to store a mattress against a wall?
If you need to store a mattress against a wall, here is a tip to help you do so safely and effectively:
Choose a flat, stable surface: Make sure the area where you will be storing the mattress is flat and stable. Avoid storing the mattress on an uneven or sloped surface, as this can cause it to sag or damage.
how to store a mattress in a storage unit?
A storage bag or box can help protect the mattress from dirt, dust, and other contaminants while it is being stored. Make sure the bag or box is large enough to fully enclose the mattress and that it is made of a durable material.
Final Note
Storing a mattress properly is crucial to maintain quality and allow longer service time. While it might seem straightforward, there are various things to consider. Always clean and dry the mattress before wrapping it in a mattress bag.
Storage can range from beneath your bed to a climate-controlled storage unit. Whatever it is, avoid placing items on the mattress as they may damage its integrity. Also, regularly check on your mattress and remove it from the bag to prevent moisture.
