Mattresses are a big investment as they can cost upwards of thousands of dollars. The time that it takes to find the right one for you is also very valuable. If you properly maintain your mattress, it can easily last up to 10-15 years.
Since a mattress can be very expensive, it makes sense to want to store it safely and properly. Keep in mind that the time it spends in storage can damage it permanently if proper care isn’t taken.
If you are storing your mattress in a self storage unit, here are some tips on how to prepare and store your mattress properly so you can enjoy it for years to come.
Cleaning your mattress before it is put into storage is a must. Even though it may look clean, they are great at collecting dust mites and other allergens. These can accumulate quickly, so even if you clean your mattress regularly, make sure to always clean it before putting it into storage.
There are many different ways you can clean your mattress. First, vacuum both sides of the mattress thoroughly. Remember, your box spring is important too, so whatever you do to the mattress, do to the box spring as well.
You can use an upholstery cleaner on your mattress but be careful, with so many new types of mattresses out there now a days, it’s unsure how they will react. The safer way is to sprinkle baking soda and let it sit for 12-24 hours. This will absorb any lingering odors in the mattress. Vacuum up all of the baking soda after.
To make sure the mattress does not mold or mildew while in storage, make sure to air it out for at least a few hours after cleaning it.
Now that your mattress is nice and clean, you want to keep it that way. Put your mattress in a plastic mattress bag before putting it into storage and tape down the open end. Mattress bags are made specifically to protect your mattress while moving or in storage. Mattress bags are very affordable and worth the extra security of protecting your mattress from dust, dirt and pests.
If you will be storing your mattress for a long period of time, make sure to open up the mattress bag every few months to air it out. When you’re done airing it out, reseal it up tightly again afterwards.
When storing your mattress, it must be stored laying flat. This is the way they were designed and by propping it up on its side, you risk it shifting and settling out of its proper position.
This doesn’t mean that it needs to be laid on the floor. However, if you do decide to lay it directly on the floor, even though it is in a mattress bag, make sure to put a tarp under it first. The mattress can also be laid flat on top of other flat furniture or boxes to help save space.
Never store anything on top of the mattress. Mattress are built to have people lay on them, however, it is not constant, and they are given time to rest and reshape.
Having continual pressure on your mattress does not allow the material to rest. This can result in the mattress components and springs becoming damaged. Placing objects on top of your mattress while in storage will significantly lessen the life of your mattress.
Not only is it important to put your mattress into storage properly, it is also important to take it out properly. When you’re ready to take it out of storage, sprinkle baking soda on it and let it sit for a few hours. Vacuum the baking soda up thoroughly. After this, air it out for a few hours before putting your sheets and bedding on it.
At Riel Park RV & Self Storage we sell mattress bags and other packing supplies for all your storage needs. With both indoor heated storage units and drive-up unheated storage units, we have storage spaces of various sizes for all your personal and household storage needs.
