8 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Mattress

Typically, a mattress can last anywhere from five to 10 years or even longer depending on the materials that were used when making it, but there things you can do that will help enjoy your mattress for longer.

You likely spent a lot of money on your mattress so you definitely want it to provide you with good quality sleep for as long as possible. Knowing what can damage your mattress, as well as how to take care of it, can help you extend the durability of your mattress.

Photo courtesy of MyNextMattress.com

1. Turn and rotate your mattress regularly

Mattresses should be turned and rotated regularly, regardless of their material or size. Although some manufacturers state it’s not necessary to do this, rotating your mattress helps it wear more evenly and can prevent it from sagging. This is important especially in the early stages when you’re still breaking in the mattress.

Your mattress should be rotated at 180 degrees from top to bottom, every couple of months.

2. Make sure your mattress has a proper foundation for support

A common mistake people make is not having a proper base to support their mattress. Although it may not be necessary to buy a new frame and foundation when changing your mattress, it’s still important to ensure your mattress has the correct support to prevent sagging.

Memory foam and pocket sprung mattresses require firm, solid support, but it’s always a good idea to ask the seller or manufacturer for their recommendations. Bigger sized beds, such as king or super king mattresses, might also require extra support in the center of the bed to help distribute weight more evenly.

Check on the state of your bed at least once every 12 months to ensure there are no loose bolts or broken slats that need replacing.

3. Use a mattress protector as soon as you get your mattress

One of the simplest ways to preserve the durability of a mattress is by using a mattress protector from the beginning. A good quality mattress protector will provide your mattress with waterproof protection against accidental spills and also reduce the amount of dust, sweat and other debris that get into your mattress. That way the inside of your mattress is protected from any damage and the risk of build-up of mould and dust mites is also reduced.

Having a mattress protector also makes cleaning a lot easier because you can just wipe it down or just stick it in the washing machine.

4. Change and wash your bedding regularly

We tend to shed lots of sweat, oils, hair and dead skin while we sleep, which can get to the inside of your mattress. Additionally, if you sometimes snack in bed or have pets, things like crumbs, fur and dirt can also be left behind amongst other types of debris. If those get from your bedding to the layers of your mattress it can boost the growth of all sorts of bacteria or mites. This is why it’s essential to change and clean your bed linen regularly.

A good time to wash your bedding is every couple of weeks. Even if you have a mattress topper or protector on your bed, it’s still essential to keep your bed sheets fresh.

5. Let in natural light

Sunlight is the best way to get rid of mould-forming bacteria, due to its UV properties. This is why it’s recommended when it’s sunny and dry to strip your mattress and let the natural light kill any bacteria that might be living in your bed.

6. No jumping on the bed

Many of us have heard our parents tell us to stop jumping on the bed. And, they were right. Jumping can cause significant damage to the integrity of your mattress. Most prone to this are basic spring mattresses and spring beds, but all bed frames and bases can also wear down much more quickly due to harsh wear.

7. Be extra careful if you need to move your mattress

If you have to move your mattress, you need to be very careful in doing so. Wrap your mattress in plastic to protect it from getting damaged and avoid bending it. In home improvement shops, you can also find heavy-duty mattress bags that will keep away dirt and water damage.

You should also try to keep your mattress upright on its side during transit to prevent it from sagging and creasing. Most mattress makers also suggest avoiding mattress bags with handles to carry or drag the mattress, as those often break very easily.

8. Follow recommended cleaning instructions

Manufacturers usually include instructions for care and maintenance for the specific mattress you’re getting. There’ are also a few more general tips you can follow to get rid of accidental stains on your mattress.

Every one to three months, you should thoroughly clean your mattress with the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner to remove any loose dirt, dust and crumbs.

For stains, you can try spot treatment with warm soapy water. Dab the spot with the solution and then let it dry completely. You should be careful with what cleaning materials you use as some harsh chemical based cleaning products could damage your mattress.