It’s said that you should take special care of the things that separate you from the ground – your shoes, your car tires and especially your bed. The average person will spend roughly 26 years of their life asleep, making their mattress an important investment in quality of life. Treat yourself to a better night’s sleep and help your mattress last longer by following these mattress maintenance tips.
Sufficient support
Just as your mattress separates you from the ground, your foundation does the same thing for your mattress, making the support system just as important as the mattress itself. When shopping for bedframes, look for pieces made of steel or high-quality wood that are less likely to squeak and degrade over time. Box springs act like big shock absorbers, improving the comfort and support of your bed, but they age at the same rate as your mattress. If your new mattress requires one, it’s wise to invest in a new quality box spring as well.
Complete coverage
Using a mattress without a mattress protector is like using the latest expensive smartphone without a case. Moisture is a leading cause of mattress degradation, and it doesn’t just come from accidents or spills – our bodies are constantly producing moisture through perspiration and skin oils, which can seep into and damage the integrity of the mattress. Mattress protectors also help prevent dust mite infestations and will keep your mattress feeling like new longer. Wash your mattress protector at least every two months and your bedsheets at least every two weeks.
Repeated rotation
Most people tend to sleep in the same spot on their mattress every night, but this regular pressure on the same area can cause your mattress to sag significantly over time. Rotating your mattress is a simple way to wear in the surface more evenly. A new mattress should be rotated once every two weeks for the first three months of use while it’s being fully broken in. After that, rotating it three to four times a year (or as the seasons change) will help better distribute the wear.
Consistent cleaning
Regularly cleaning your mattress is essential to preventing dust, dirt, stains, mites and other undesirables from accumulating on your sleeping surface. Twice a year, vacuum the top and sides of your mattress using your vacuum’s upholstery attachment, paying special attention to the nooks and crannies where debris can collect. Spot treat stains with warm water and a mild soap, making sure to use as little liquid as possible so it doesn’t soak into the core of the mattress. Your mattress can be deodorized by sprinkling the surface with baking soda and letting it sit for multiple (ideally 24) hours. Vacuum up the baking soda before putting the bedding and protector back on.
Regular replacement
Mattresses have finite lifespans before they begin to wear out and compromise your quality of sleep. How long your mattress will last will depend on numerous factors, including its quality and construction, the level of wear and tear it experiences and how well you care for it. In general, it’s recommended to replace your mattress every seven to ten years. If your mattress begins to sag, fray or impact your quality of sleep, you’re probably overdue for a new one.
Conclusion
Your bed and mattress are more than just a piece of furniture – they’re an investment in your quality of life. Properly maintaining that investment will help ensure you’re well-rested for years to come. Sweet dreams!