11 Ways On How You Can Make Your Mattress Last Longer
By: EzySleep
Introduction
Believe it or not: You spend a third of your life sleeping.
That's a lot of time spent on a mattress!
But how long your mattress will last is dependent on vital factors, like the type and quality of the materials used during manufacturing and how well you maintain it throughout its lifespan.
Below we highlight 11 ways how you can make your mattress last longer.
Ready?
Let's go.
Use A Mattress Protector
Generally, a mattress protector is a fitted piece of bedding that is waterproof, and serves to protect your mattress.
Contrary to a mattress pad or mattress topper, a mattress protector doesn't usually add padding for more comfort. Most protectors go on top of your mattress like a fitted sheet, but some are a full mattress encasement.
Two distinct reasons mattress protectors are important is that it keeps your mattress free of stains, prevents dust mites, dead skin cells, microbes, and other potential allergens.
Although mattress protectors are beneficial in other areas, these are the two most important.
Typically, there are two types of mattress protectors: Fitted and Encasement.
Fitted mattress protectors go on your bed the way a fitted sheet does. You will see these almost everywhere because they’re easy to get on and off your bed and are affordable.
They typically come in a waterproof version and some have a mattress pad type top. Encasement protectors do what their name suggests, they encase and protect your entire mattress.
These cover all six sides which includes the bottom and tend to be zipped up the side.
Keep The Mattress Supported Correctly
It is important that your mattress is properly supported.
This doesn’t mean you need to go out and purchase a box spring or a foundation, however a solid platform will ensure that your mattress wears evenly and the way they were intended to.
It’s important to check with your manufacture, especially because warranties can be discarded if you’re not following proper instructions as advised. Innerspring mattresses tend to need a box spring, while foam beds need a solid platform.
Don't Jump On The Bed
Bouncing on the bed is not only unsafe but it’s not doing the bed any favours either.
Jumping up and down on a bed puts unnecessary pressure on the mattress and will potentially damage the mattress over time.
You also risk ruining the box spring underneath the mattress or the bed frame, which is not designed to manage the weight of children including adults jumping.
Don't Eat In The Bed
Eating in bed may attract ants or cockroaches. Even the smallest of spills can lead to a rail of ants climbing on your bedsheet.
You surely do not want that. Keeping your bedsheet and mattress clean is no easy task, especially if you eat on your bed every day.
Doing so makes your bed a potential breeding ground for bacteria and germs.
Flip or Rotate The Mattress On A Regular Basis
The first thing you should do is check with the brand and manufacturer that makes your mattress.
They should be able to provide instructions on whether or not you should flip or rotate your mattress.
It will likely depend on what type of mattress you have. Typically, memory foam, latex foam, hybrid and innerspring mattresses tend to benefit from a rotation every few months.
Remember, some beds from Tempur-Pedic and Sleep Number don’t need to be flipped or rotated.
Vacuum Your Mattress
When vacuuming your mattress, you should make sure you remove all the linens from your bed before vacuuming.
Try using the appliance (upholstery) attachment to your vacuum and spend a little extra time on the seams, where the most build-up tends to settle. Once you're finished vacuuming, check for dry stains and spot treat them with an appropriate cleaner.
Immediately Spot Clean Stains
Mix lemon juice and salt together to create a coarse paste.
Gently rub it onto the stain and let it sit for 30-60 minutes.
Then wipe it off with a clean towel, and the stain will lighten. The bleaching powers of lemon and the moisture-removing properties of salt are a perfect union stains.
However, if you have a dark coloured or dyed mattress, do not use lemon because it will bleach and harm the colour.
Another option is to combine natural liquid dish soap, baking soda, a few drops of hydrogen peroxide, and water in a spray bottle. Spray it on the stain and then blot away with a clean rag. This is a bit more time consuming but the results are worth it.
Try To Keep Pets Out Of Bed
It’s important to keep pets out of your bed even though you want to keep them close.
Quite often, they can drag in excess parasites and other unnecessary germs that stay on your bed.
Whitney Coy from SheKnows says, “Parasites, most commonly roundworms and hookworms (but there are lots of other equally nasty offenders out there, too) are common in dogs and cats according to the CDC. Mostly, these parasites lay their eggs in your pet’s hair, where they can easily be shed onto your sheets. Who wants to sleep with those eggs getting ready to hatch right next to you?”
Avoid Getting Bed Bugs
Keep the room cleaned and organized so bed bugs have fewer places to hide.
Put an encasement mattress protector that is a bed bug barrier. There are kinds that can be sealed so bed bugs can’t get through. Be careful about what second-hand furniture you bring in since bed bugs are great hitchhikers.
Deodorize Your Mattress
According to consumer reports, the proper way to deodorize is by “deodorizing the mattress by sprinkling baking soda over the entire surface.
Especially if this is your first cleaning, don’t be afraid to empty an entire 1-pound box onto the mattress. For best results, leave the baking soda there for 24 hours.
That means you might need to plan the project around an overnight trip—or be willing to sleep elsewhere in your home. If you can place the mattress near a window, the sunlight will add its sanitizing power.”
Transport Your Mattress Properly
The cleanest way to move your mattress is to wrap it in plastic before moving.
This will keep it from collecting dust, dirt and other potential issues like bed bugs from latching onto the mattress.
Summary
And there you have it fellow EzySleepers. 11 ways on how you can make your mattress last longer.
If you have a go-to tip that isn't on our list feel free to drop a comment or leave a message on our Facebook fan page and we'll gladly add it to the pile.
Until next post, sleep Ezy!