Whether you’re moving or simply need to store any extra furniture, it is important to know how to properly store a mattress in a self-storage unit. Storing a mattress improperly can potentially lead to health hazards and can cause your mattress to become dirty or damaged. Mattresses are an investment and can be expensive, so knowing how to store one safely can help save you both time and money in the long run.
We’ve highlighted some of the key things you should do when storing your mattress in self-storage to ensure it stays clean and in the best condition possible for whenever you need it next!
Make Sure It’s Clean
One of the first things that you should do before you even consider placing your mattress into storage is clean it. Mattresses collect a lot of dirt, dust and sweat, so it is important to clean them well before you put them into storage. Cleaning a mattress can take some time, but it’ll be worthwhile in the end as it will keep your mattress in the best condition while it is in storage.
- Strip off all bedding
- Vacuum the top, bottom, and sides of the mattress
- Spot-clean using a mattress stain remover
- Let the mattress air dry
- Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress, let it sit for several hours, then vacuum it to deodorize
Wrap It Up
After cleaning your mattress, the next thing you’ll want to do to safely store it is wrap it in plastic. The main purpose of wrapping it is to help keep dust and debris from settling into the fibres of your mattress. It is important to use plastic that is either specifically made for wrapping mattresses or a stretch plastic wrap, as these will be breathable and will prevent moisture from getting trapped inside. Once your mattress is fully wrapped, you can secure it with tape to keep it sealed.
Lay It Flat
While it might be tempting to prop your mattress up against a wall to take up as little space in your self-storage unit as possible, it is important to store your mattress flat. When stored for a long period of time on its side, the inner workings and coils of the mattress can settle out of their proper positions which can permanently destroy it. And while you want to store your mattress flat, you want to avoid having it be in direct contact with the floor, to avoid it from being harmed in the event of a flood. Instead, create a perch with some of the other boxes in your storage unit and use those as a base to store your mattress on.
Don’t Place Anything on Top
Along with storing your mattress flat to avoid it losing its cushion, you also want to make sure that you don’t store anything on top of the mattress while it’s in storage. Over time, gravity can come into effect with anything you might have stored on top of your mattress and can affect the cushion. To avoid any unwanted lumps and bumps, avoid storing anything directly on top of the mattress, and instead try to utilize the space under or around it!
Whether you are just storing a mattress during a move or you’re needing it out of the way for an extended period, following these tips will help keep your mattress in the best condition possible. Mattresses can be costly, so doing everything you can to keep them in tip-top shape will be beneficial in the long run.