A restful night’s sleep is an important part of your overall health and well-being, which is why choosing the right mattress is an important decision. If you take care of your mattress, it will take care of you.
Caring for your mattress isn’t difficult. Follow these eight simple steps from the Mattress Recycling Council and get the most from the mattress of your dreams!
1. Use the proper support
Get the most life out of your mattress with the right support. The right foundation helps support your body and extends the life of your mattress. To ensure you get the most out of your mattress, be sure to check your manufacturer’s recommendations. Many mattresses and foundations are sold as a set. The wrong foundation may void the warranty, but also weaken your mattress or put a strain on your back.
2. Keep it protected
Mattress covers (which are different from pads or toppers) keep your mattress clean, dry and serve as a protective barrier against dust and allergens.
3. Don’t remove the tag
Resist the urge to remove the mattress tag. This tag can help consumers identify the mattress manufacturer, and perhaps how to find warranty information and care instructions.
4. Don’t use your bed as a trampoline
Make sure your kids know that beds are for sleeping, not jumping. A king- or queen-sized mattress may look like the perfect surface for your little ones to jump and play, but it is not. Their jumping jacks could damage the interior construction of the mattress.
5. Vacuum regularly
Get into the habit of vacuuming your mattress and washing your bedding regularly. Use your vacuum’s furniture attachment to remove dust, hair, crumbs and other debris from every crevice. Check with your manufacturer, as some suggest lightly sprinkling your mattress with baking soda and then vacuuming it to freshen and deodorize.
6. Air it out
Washing your sheets is a great opportunity to air out your bed. If possible, open the windows for some fresh air. When going on a vacation or if you won’t be using your bed for a while, it’s a good idea to keep the mattress bare so it can air out while not in use.
7. Remember to rotate
Most mattress manufacturers suggest that users rotate (or even flip) their mattresses every three months or so. Doing so will help even out the wear on certain areas and ensure you get the most out of your mattress. Again, you can get specific suggestions for rotating or flipping your mattress by consulting your manufacturer.
8. Cleaning spills and stains
Don’t fret. If you spill, remove the liquid as quickly as possible. Before using a cleaning solution, check your mattress manufacturer’s website, which often lists cleaning suggestions. You can lightly spray, not soak, the stain, and dab, don’t rub, the affected area. Allow your mattress to completely dry, vacuum and remake your bed.
Time to say goodbye? Don’t forget to recycle
No matter how well you take care of your mattress, there will come a time when you’ll need to replace it. Once you have your new mattress, responsibly dispose of the old one. Dumping a mattress in a back alley or a park is illegal.
