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By Rachael Penn published 19 hours ago
Keep on top of your mattress maintenance so your mattress enjoys a longer lifespan
Although they are not inexpensive, mattresses are not the kind of purchase you want to make frequently. Even though mattresses don’t last forever, it seems sense that you would want to extend the life of your present mattress by knowing how to take care of it.
Cheaper mattresses will probably lose their support sooner, but even the greatest mattresses only last an average of six to eight years. We’ve compiled a list of five things you can do to prolong the life of your mattress so that it lasts as long as possible. These suggestions will keep your mattress tidy, cozy, and more supportive—from deep cleaning to utilizing a mattress protector.But if your mattress is over eight years old or you’re noticing signs like stains and sagging then it could be time to invest in a new one. Right now is a great time to buy a new bed with many brands slashing their prices in this year’s Labor Day mattress sales with deals for all sleeping types and budgets, but for now, let’s get on with how you can extend the life of your mattress
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How long should a mattress last
Although mattresses typically last six to eight years, they can last up to ten. However, a number of things can affect longevity. How long your mattress lasts is greatly influenced by its type and quality. Low-cost, inferior beds will not endure as long as beds constructed using premium, high-quality materials. Alternatively, you’ll discover that a latex mattress lasts a lot longer—up to 15 to 20 years in certain situations.
The longevity of your mattress can also be impacted by how well you maintain it. Your mattress can last longer if you take good care of it, which includes routine cleaning, turning, and applying products like encasements or guards. Time is not the
1. Deep clean your mattress on a regular basis
When it comes to cleaning routines, often mattresses are neglected, but if you want to extend the life of your mattress then knowing how to clean a mattress properly is must.
Cleaning your mattress on a regular basis isn’t just a good idea if you want a fresh and hygienic sleep surface but it can also prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, dust mites and other allergens. It’s best to deep clean your mattress twice a year to make sure that you get rid of any dirt and debris that may be ingrained in the mattress and also to keep it free of stains and odors.
For a thorough mattress cleaning…
Strip the bed: To get rid of any dust mites and bacteria, take off all of your bedding and wash it on a high temperature.
Vacuum your mattress: Use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to carefully clean the whole surface of the mattress, giving special attention to any tufts or seams where dirt and debris may collect.
Address any spot stains: Find and treat any stains on your mattress. To achieve this, fill a clean spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar, water, and a few drops of gentle laundry detergent. After lightly misting the area, wipe the liquid with a fresh paper towel, taking cautious not to oversaturate the surface. Continue doing this until the stainLeave your mattress to dry and vacuum again: Once your mattress has dried fully, vacuum the surface again.
2. Use a mattress protector
If you want your mattress to not only last longer but also stay fresh and clean then it’s vital that you invest in one of the best mattress protectors. A mattress protector is a thin, often waterproof layer that acts as a barrier between you and your mattress. This protects the surface of your mattress from sweat, body oils, and dead skin cells as well as any spills and accidents.
A lot of mattress protectors are super easy to clean and often machine washable so it’s a lot easier to keep on top of your mattress maintenance. There are various types of mattress protector but we recommend looking at an encasement which protects all six-sides of your mattress and can also keep your mattress free of pests like dust mites or bed bugs.
3. Rotate your mattress
Rotate your bed on a regular basis to prevent sagging or dipping and to maintain the best possible condition for your mattress. Rotate your bed from head to foot at least once every three months; however, for the first three months after purchasing a new mattress, we advise doing it once a month. Sleeping in the same place night after night causes natural wear and tear on your mattress, which can be distributed by rotating it.
Before rotating your mattress, make sure to read the directions provided by the manufacturer, since not all mattresses, particularly those with zonal support, can accommodate it. If you’re unsure of how frequently to flip or rotate a mattress, our in-depth guide has all the answers.
4. Vacuum your mattress weekly
Vacuuming your mattress is an excellent idea while your sheets are off and in the washing machine, as you should be changing your bedding once a week. Regularly vacuuming the surface of your mattress can assist to remove dust mites, allergies, dead skin cells, and other irritants that have become embedded in the fibers. Eliminating these will lessen respiratory symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes and skin.
Vacuuming also gets rid of any dirt or debris that has built up on your mattress surface which overtime can cause damage to the fibers and therefore shorten its lifespan. A clean mattress surface won’t just leave your mattress lasting longer but it’ll mean you feel a lot better too.
If you want to freshen up your mattress you can add some baking soda to your cleaning routine. To do this, strip your bed and vacuum the surface as normal. Then sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the surface and leave it to sit for at least 4 hours although the longer you can leave it, the better. Then once it’s sat on the surface, vacuum again removing all traces of the baking soda. The baking soda will help to neutalize odors and can also help to lift stains.
5. Use a proper bed frame
To ensure your mattress lasts as long as possible, make sure you have the appropriate bed frame for it. Although it could seem appealing to put your mattress on the ground to provide it a more firm surface, doing so isn’t necessarily best for mattresses. Your mattress may be more likely to draw allergens and dust mites if you place it on the ground. Selecting the proper base keeps the whole mattress surface well supported, preventing sagging and dipping. In addition to keeping you cooler, the proper base can improve breathability and aid in preventing moisture buildup, which can result in the growth of mold and mildew. It’s crucial to get your mattress cleaned if mold or mildew is visible
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1. Age
It doesn’t matter how well you’ve looked after your mattress, or how well-made it is, your mattress has a limited lifespan. You may start to notice your mattress is getting old when it hits around 5-7 years old but if your mattress is over 10 years old then it’s definitely time to replace it. Unless of course you have a latex mattress which could last up to 20 years if you look after it well. You can learn more about the lifespan of different mattresses by reading our guide on how long a mattress lasts.
2. It’s lumpy or starting to sag
You could notice that your mattress doesn’t bounce back as quickly as it used to as it becomes older. This causes sags and dips that might result in an uneven and lumpy sleeping surface. A bumpy mattress will not only make it difficult for you to get comfortable at night, but it will also cause you to wake up in the morning with pain and aches. By rotating your mattress frequently, you can help it last longer and prevent sags and bumps for as long as possible.
3. Your mattress is stained or has bad odors
It’s obvious that your mattress is nearing the end of its useful life if it’s highly discolored and beginning to become yellow. In addition to being ugly, stains may also be home to germs, allergies, and foul odors. When stains are allowed to remain untreated and penetrate too deeply, they can begin to degrade the materials and fibers of your mattress, making it uncomfortable to sleep in and causing you to wake up with aches and pains. Another red flag is a bad smell, which could indicate the presence of mold or mildew in your mattress and cause health problems like coughing, sneezing, itching, and other respiratory ailments.