How To Store A Mattress? 4 Simple Ways

In this how to store a mattress guide, we have covered four simple ways to protect and store a mattress the right way. Buying a mattress is a big investment so naturally you’ll want to keep your new bedding for as long as possible. The better you take care of your mattress in storage, the longer it will last.

How To Store A Mattress?

A mattress is an investment, one that will last for more than a decade with proper care and maintenance. Many people move their mattress into self-storage for different reasons, from downsizing their lifestyle to needing overflow space until they can move into a new property. Access Self Storage has several useful storage tips on how to store a mattress until it is needed again.

Have you ever wondered what the best ways to store a mattress are? If so, here are a few simple steps that I use to store my mattress. Use these easy steps to keep your mattress clean and prolong the lifespan of your comfy bed!

Store a mattress in 4 simple steps. We’ll be walking through the whole process so you can get started in just a few minutes!

1. Clean The Mattress Before Storing

The storage of a dirty mattress can result in mold, fungus, and at the very least a dirty mattress coming out of storage. You can prevent this problem and have a fresh, ready-to-use mattress as soon as you remove it from storage by following these steps:

Vacuum the mattress thoroughly.
Apply upholstery cleaner or baking soda.
Place the mattress outside to air out and dry.
Use a covered moving truck to transport to storage.

Vacuum first, then apply an upholstery cleaner. It can be tricky to use the upholstery cleaner; read the directions carefully and don’t let it soak the mattress so much it won’t dry. Clean the mattress with a brush, then let it air dry completely. After you think it’s dry, give it another day. If possible, it is best to use floor fans and open windows to expedite the drying process, or to place it in the sun.

In order to get a quicker and simpler result, you can sprinkle baking soda on your mattress and let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb odors, and then vacuum it up. Steam cleaners are also excellent alternatives to applying upholstery cleaner by hand, as they kill all kinds of allergens. Some of these vacuum cleaners are made by major vacuum brands (Hoover, Bissell, etc.) and can be effective in cleaning both carpets and upholstery. These cleaners are available from some grocery and hardware stores. If you’re storing several pieces of furniture and a mattress, the expense is worth it. Cleaning your mattress requires a vacuum with a handheld attachment. Keep in mind that soaking the mattress can damage it. Read a full guide on how to clean a mattress in six easy steps.

What about keeping your mattress protected during the move? It is safer to cover the bed with blankets, sheets, or other fabric inside your moving vehicle, preferably a covered moving truck, to shield it from dirt and damage. Don’t have one yet? Using bungee cords to attach a mattress to your car creates a risk for you and other drivers as well as the structural integrity of the mattress. You never know when unfavorable weather conditions will strike on moving day!

Keep Your Mattress Covered In Plastic Or Bag

It’s important to keep your mattress covered if you must store it in a garage or storage unit so that it’s not only protected against dust and dirt, but also moisture. Many hardware stores sell mattress storage bags, as well as Access’ on-site packing and moving supplies.

Also, it’s best to store your mattress in a climate-controlled environment, and you can find a climate-controlled storage unit at an Access Self Storage facility near you. Keep away from damp basements, outdoor storage, and storage sheds. (Really, would you want to sleep on a mattress out of a shed?) If you live in an area with high humidity, storing an uncontrolled mattress will cause mold and bacteria to grow inside and on the mattress. Your mattress will smell like gym socks, and it could also be a health hazard.

Keep It In Good Shape & Protect The Springs

If you have the space to store the mattress flat, manufacturers recommend this for keeping it in good shape. It may be more convenient to store your mattress standing, but when it’s stored upright, the coils and springs can shift and cause the mattress fabric to sag. Lay a tarp down on the floor before placing the mattress on top.

However, never store anything on top of the mattress! This is not a stable surface, and objects can damage the springs and cause cuts or permanent dents in the cushioning. In the case of flat or large boxes where the mattress will be stored, that mattress can be placed on top (provided it is steady).

Freshen Up Your Mattress

However, if your mattress comes out of storage smelling a little musty, don’t worry. Here’s how to freshen it up:

Sprinkle baking soda on each side to absorb the smell.
After 10 minutes, vacuum the entire mattress.
Spray the mattress with a natural deodorizing spray and allow it to air-dry completely.
To ensure it has time to air out, remove the mattress from storage at least 24 hours before you need to use it.

There’s no reason to throw away a perfectly good mattress. Keep these best practices in mind when storing a mattress, you should be able to keep yours in good condition for years to come. You’ll need to store the surrounding items as well as the mattress in order for the mattress to last in storage.