How to take care of your mattress

While most mattresses last at least a decade, there are cases where mattresses fail prematurely. For instance, jumping on a spring mattress can damage the springs, causing sagging or poor support on one side.

Not turning or flipping your mattress can also cause uneven wear, leading to uncomfortable sleeping positions and potential back problems over time.

Taking care of your mattress is a crucial investment in both your sleep quality and financial well-being. A well-maintained mattress will extend its lifespan significantly and ensure you continue to get the best possible comfort and support night after night.

The last thing you want is for your mattress to need replacing after just a few years, especially with the cost of living going up and quality mattresses becoming increasingly expensive.

Here's how to take care of your mattress with detailed, practical advice:

Use a mattress protector from the beginning

A high-quality mattress protector is an essential investment that will extend the life of your mattress considerably. It creates a protective barrier against various potential damages, including accidental spills and stains that could seep into the mattress core.

The protector also prevents abrasion between the mattress and bed sheet, which often causes unsightly bobbling and wear on the mattress surface. Perhaps most importantly, it significantly reduces the impact of natural body oils, skin cells, and sweat on the mattress over time, all of which can deteriorate the mattress materials.

By reducing wear and tear to the outer cover, your mattress will maintain its pristine appearance for much longer and require far less frequent cleaning. In fact, there will hardly ever be a need to deep clean your mattress if you use a mattress topper and maintain a regular weekly washing schedule for the topper.

This simple preventative measure can save you countless hours of maintenance and potentially expensive professional cleaning services.

Pictured: Star Ultimate Quilted Mattress Protector

Don’t jump on your mattress!

Jumping on a sprung mattress can cause severe and permanent damage to the innerspring system, leading to premature sagging and compromised support.

The impact of repeated jumping can cause the springs to compress beyond their designed limits, resulting in permanent deformation. Additionally, springs can work their way loose from their housing, causing uncomfortable lumps and bumps in the mattress that are impossible to repair without professional intervention.

While jumping on a memory or reflex foam mattress might seem less damaging, these materials aren't designed for such impacts either.

Heavy impacts can cause the foam layers to compress unevenly or separate, while sharp objects can irreparably damage the foam structure, either by penetrating through the layers or ripping apart the carefully engineered adhesive bonds holding the different foam layers together.

This kind of damage often isn't covered by warranty and can be extremely costly to repair.

Don’t get it wet

Liquid damage is one of the most serious threats to your mattress longevity. All liquids other than water can be particularly hazardous to your mattress, from sugary drinks that crystallise when they dry (creating hard, uncomfortable patches) to milky drinks that can grow mould within the mattress layers, potentially causing health issues.

A quality mattress topper will prevent most accidental spills from reaching the mattress, but there will probably be one time you are caught out without protection.

If a liquid is unfortunately spilt on your mattress, immediate action is crucial. Press a thick wad of paper towels firmly into the affected area of the mattress to soak up as much of the liquid as possible.

Don't rub, as this can spread the spill and push it deeper into the mattress. Then, use a wet vacuum if available (or alternatively, a clean sponge with mild soap) to carefully agitate the remaining liquid in the fibres and lift it out. Ensure thorough drying afterwards to prevent any moisture-related issues.

Rotate/flip the mattress regularly

How to take care of your mattress, the correct way to rotate to ensure even wear. — *Pictured: Diagram on how to rotate your mattress to prolong its lifespan.*

Different mattress types require different maintenance routines. Depending on your specific mattress type, the manufacturer might recommend regularly rotating or flipping the mattress.

This crucial maintenance step evens out mattress wear and ensures that the mattress doesn't develop any overloaded zones that could lead to premature sagging or reduced support.

If you're unsure about whether your mattress should be flipped, remember that all mattresses can and should be rotated, regardless of their construction.

Rotating a mattress simply means periodically putting the head of the mattress at the foot end, and we recommend rotating your mattress every two weeks for optimal wear distribution.

This simple action can significantly extend your mattress lifespan and maintain its supportive properties for longer.

Treat your mattress with odour neutraliser every month

Regular treatment with a suitable odour neutraliser helps maintain a fresh and hygienic sleeping environment. This is particularly important as mattresses naturally absorb body odours and environmental smells over time.

Choose a product specifically designed for mattresses and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid any potential damage to your mattress materials.

Spraying your mattress with an odour neutraliser like Febreze every month will ensure it stays smelling fresh and hygienic throughout its lifespan. If you don't use a mattress topper, then you should increase the frequency of treatment to weekly applications, allowing the mattress to breathe without bedding for at least 30 minutes after each application.

This breathing time is crucial as it allows the neutralising agents to penetrate deeply into the mattress fibres and work effectively against embedded odours.

When selecting an odour neutraliser, it's essential to avoid products with overpowering scents or potentially hazardous chemical ingredients that could affect your sleep quality or health.

Many conventional fabric fresheners contain harsh chemicals that might trigger allergies or respiratory issues. Instead, opt for organic fabric deodorising sprays or natural alternatives that contain plant-based ingredients.

Top Picks:

Bio-D Fabric Fresh: This UK-made spray is a popular choice for its eco-friendly credentials and gentle formula. It uses plant-based ingredients and essential oils to neutralize odors and leave a subtle fresh scent. It's also hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Sonett Starch Spray & Ironing Aid: While primarily a starch spray, this product from Sonett also has deodorising properties. It uses natural ingredients like lavender and rose essential oils to freshen fabrics while making ironing easier. It's a great multi-purpose option.
Planet Pure Hygiene Textile Deodorant: This spray is specifically designed to tackle tough odors in textiles. It uses microorganisms to break down odor-causing molecules, making it effective for things like sweat, pet smells, and musty odors.

These gentler formulations are less likely to cause sneezing or other adverse reactions that could disrupt your sleep patterns, while still effectively neutralising unwanted odours.

Wash your bedding regularly

Regular washing of bedding is crucial for maintaining a clean and fresh-smelling mattress. If you neglect this essential task, unpleasant odours will inevitably develop in your bedding and gradually seep into your mattress over time, creating a persistent problem that becomes increasingly difficult to address.

Your pillowcases, duvet cover, and bedsheet should be laundered at least every two weeks, though weekly washing is ideal for optimal hygiene and freshness.

Use a gentle detergent and follow the care label instructions to maintain the fabric quality while ensuring thorough cleaning.

The same washing frequency applies to your mattress topper, which acts as a primary barrier between you and your mattress. Being closer to your body, it requires regular cleaning to prevent the transfer of odours and bacteria to the mattress beneath.

However, items that don't come into direct contact with your body during sleep, such as decorative scatter cushions, don't need such frequent washing and can be cleaned on a less regular basis, perhaps monthly or as needed.

If circumstances prevent you from maintaining a frequent washing schedule for your bedding, using a fabric odour neutraliser like Febreze between washes can help maintain freshness.

However, this should be viewed as a temporary solution rather than a replacement for regular washing.

Summing up

Ultimately, maintaining your mattress in prime condition requires just a few straightforward, common-sense steps that are easy to incorporate into your regular household routine:

Use a high-quality mattress protector to prevent damage and extend lifespan
Avoid jumping on the mattress to prevent structural damage
Keep the mattress dry and address any spills immediately to prevent moisture damage
Maintain a regular rotation or flipping schedule as recommended by the manufacturer
Apply odour neutraliser treatments according to your usage patterns
Establish and stick to a regular bedding washing schedule to maintain overall freshness

Following these simple guidelines will help ensure your mattress remains comfortable, supportive, and fresh-smelling throughout its expected lifespan, providing you with the best possible sleep experience night after night.