A restful night’s sleep is essential for health and wellbeing, and a well looked after mattress can help us achieve perfect rest. Proper mattress care improves comfort and extends the lifespan of your mattress, protecting your investment.
Choosing The Right Support
Adequate support is important in maintaining the structure of your mattress. A sturdy bed frame and appropriate center support can prevent sagging and prolong a mattress’s lifespan. This is particularly helpful for queen size mattresses and king size mattresses.
Using A Mattress Protector
A high-quality, washable mattress protector can help shield your mattress from spills, stains, dust mites, and allergens. The protective layer keeps the mattress clean and also contributes to healthier sleep.
Rotating Your Mattress
For even wear and to prevent indentations, it’s best to rotate your mattress regularly. For double-sided mattresses, alternating between flipping and rotating is best; single-sided mattresses should be rotated head to foot. A schedule may be monthly rotations for the first six months, then rotations every two or three months.
Keeping Bedding Clean
Regularly washing bed sheets is important to prevent the accumulation of sweat, oils, and allergens that can seep into the mattress.
Changing your sheets can also help prevent acne breakouts. Washing sheets and pillowcases weekly or biweekly is common. Healthline reports that “many experts recommend weekly washings.” It’s also a good practice to clean your mattress protectors periodically.
Cleaning Your Mattress
Even with a protector, it’s important to clean your mattress. Vacuuming the surface every six months helps remove dust and allergens. For stains, use mild soap with cold water, lightly applied to avoid soaking the mattress. Excessive moisture can lead to mildew. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the materials.
Letting Your Mattress Breathe
Occasionally, airing out your mattress can help remove moisture and odors. On a sunny, breezy day, remove the bedding and let the mattress sit uncovered to allow fresh air to circulate.
This can also reduce the presence of dust mites.
Avoiding Jumping
Excessive force, such as jumping or placing heavy objects on the bed, can cause premature wear and damage. Try to handle your mattress carefully during moves, and avoid bending or folding it, which can harm its structure.
Keeping Pets Off The Bed
Pets can bring fur, dander, and allergens, so they’re best sleeping in their own comfortable beds. This helps maintain the cleanliness and longevity of your mattress.
Monitoring Lifespan
Proper care can extend a mattress’s life, but it’s important to recognize when it’s time for a replacement. Mattresses often have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years, depending on the materials and their usage. Signs such as discomfort, lack of support, sagging, and lumping may indicate it’s time to invest in a new mattress. In the UK, the National Bed Federation says that worsening allergies may also indicate it’s time for a new mattress.
Takeaway
There are several practices you can implement to care for and extend the lifespan of your mattress. With a little time, you can ensure your mattress remains comfortable and contributes to your health and high-quality sleep.
