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Mattress Care 101

In addition to being a significant financial investment, your mattress is an important part of getting a good night’s sleep. Having a comfortable mattress makes it easier to stay asleep, and can even help prevent morning back pain and other aches. Plus, you spend a significant amount of time on your mattress. More than just a luxury, finding a mattress that you love is a way to ultimately improve your quality of life.

So when you’ve invested the time and money to find a mattress that helps you wake up feeling great, you’ll want to do whatever you can to make sure that your mattress lasts as long as possible. With the right kind of care, a high-quality mattress can last up to ten years. Fortunately, most mattress care is easy to do and takes little time.

Are you wondering what you can do to make your mattress an even better investment? Try these six mattress care tips to help keep your mattress as comfortable as possible.

1. Mattress setup: Starting out on the right foot.

Many people don’t realize that installing a mattress correctly can add years to its life. When you’re installing a new mattress, check that it has enough support that it won’t begin to sag in the middle. Unless you’re putting your mattress directly on the floor, this often means having a bed frame that provides even support to the mattress. If you’re using a platform bed frame, which directly supports the mattress via a solid sheet of wood, then you can place the mattress directly onto the bed frame. Otherwise you’ll want to place a box spring underneath the mattress in order to provide necessary support.

If possible, see if you can have your new mattress professionally delivered and installed. This will ensure that your mattress is protected during transport, and that it’s set up correctly.

2. Protect your mattress from wear and tear.

If you get approximately eight hours of sleep per night, then you’re spending about one-third of your life in bed. Add that to the amount of time that you or your family spend sitting on the bed throughout the day, and you’ll understand why your bed will eventually begin to show signs of wear and tear.

The easiest way to preserve your mattress from wear and tear is to use a mattress protector that will help keep your mattress safe from spills, dust, and even pest infestations. In particular, if you’ve purchased a mattress for a young child, then a waterproof mattress protector will make any nighttime mishaps much easier to clean. What’s more, installing a mattress protector creates a barrier between you and any potential allergens in that have accumulated in your mattress.

Other measures that you can take to keep your mattress looking great include preventing children from jumping on the mattress, and trying to avoid sitting on the edge of the bed. Both of these activities put extra pressure on the mattress and can ultimately make the mattress misshapen.

3. Don’t neglect regular mattress maintenance.

To keep your mattress looking and feeling its freshest, you’ll need to be proactive about your mattress maintenance. First, do your best to ensure that all ends of your mattress are receiving equal wear. This involves aiming to rotate and flip your mattress four times per year. If your mattress is large, be sure to ask for help in order to prevent injuring yourself.

Another simple maintenance tip is to completely strip your mattress any time that you’ll be away from the house for a few days. This gives your mattress the chance to air out, which can help prevent the buildup of any unpleasant odors.

4. Stains happen, but they don’t have to stay.

Nearly every mattress will experience stains throughout the course of its lifespan. Fortunately, there are numerous stain removal methods that you can choose from in order to keep your mattress clean and inviting.

First of all, do your best to remove stains as soon as they occur. Simply being quick to act can go a long way toward preventing stains from setting. In the same vein, avoid using hot water on mattress stains, as heat can actually make stains more difficult to remove.

To clean a mattress stain, you can first try using a number of household products including hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, rubbing alcohol, and vinegar. Pour a small amount of your cleaning solution onto a cloth, and gently rub the stain. If the stain won’t lift, then you may wish to invest in a commercial stain remover. Be sure not to let too much liquid soak into the mattress, or else you may face mildew problems down the road.

5. Don’t let pests take over your mattress.

With any luck, you’ll never need to deal with a pest infestation on your mattress. However, there are many reasons that you might find yourself facing pests such as bedbugs or lice. If you do, you’ll be glad to know that it’s often possible to eradicate the pests without resorting to throwing away your mattress.

If you use a mattress protector, then you’re a step ahead of the game. You’ll want to remove your mattress protector, as well as any other bedding, and wash it on a high heat setting. Once your mattress is bare, you can brush the mattress to loosen any pests and eggs. Then carefully vacuum the entire surface of the mattress in order to lift away any remaining pests. If you’re dealing with bed bugs, then you may need to vacuum multiple times in order to clear the infestation. You can also have the bed steam cleaned, or contact a professional exterminator to rid the house of pests.

6. Recognize when it’s time to let go of your old mattress.

Unfortunately, no matter how well you’ve cared for your mattress, the time will come when your mattress needs to be replaced. If your mattress is reaching the end of its lifespan, then the best option for your health and wellness is to begin looking for a new mattress.

One of the first signs that your mattress needs to be replaced is that you feel stiff and achy in the mornings. You may have even purchased a mattress topper in hopes of getting a better night’s sleep. If this sounds familiar, it’s a sign that your mattress is no longer providing the support that you need throughout the night. Similarly, you may also notice that your mattress is beginning to sag in the middle.

You may also notice that you’re waking up with new allergy symptoms including congestion, headaches, and watery eyes. Mold, dust mites, and other allergens build up in mattresses over time. In fact, if you’ve wondered whether your mattress is becoming heavier over the years, you’re not imagining it. Over a ten-year span, accumulated allergens can double a mattress’ weight. So use a mattress cover and replace your mattress when it’s worn out!

Are you ready to replace your old mattress with one that you’ll enjoy for years to come? Urban Mattress offers a variety of natural and memory foam options. What’s more, we donate 2% of your purchase to local charities that give back to our local communities. So if you want a mattress that’s great for you, the environment, and the community, please contact your local Urban Mattress store to learn more!