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How to Care for a Mattress
Proper maintenance is the key to mattress longevity. Learning how to clean a mattress and how to care for a mattress are the elements of proper care you need to know. Even with proper care, mattresses have a finite life and need to be recycled. But to prolong a mattress's life, learn how to care for it and to clean it from stains and allergens.
A mattress purchase is a big investment. There are inexpensive mattresses available, but they are not very high quality, which means that they may not last very long through normal wear and tear. Learning how to care for your mattress will keep it both in good shape and to help keep it free from allergens and contaminants for years.
Make a Wise Decision:
Choosing a quality mattress is the first thing that you can do to ensure that your mattress lasts for years to come; though even a quality mattress wears out and needs to be replace sooner than most people think it should be. Researching and learning about mattresses will allow you to make the best decision for the budget that you have and for your particular needs and desires. A little knowledge can go a long way in assuring your satisfaction.
Taking Care of Stains:
Learning the proper method of how to clean a mattress is very important. Prevention is the best method, of course, with a mattress cover, but if you do spill something or stain your mattress there are ways to clean it. Baking soda on the sprinkled on spill or stain as soon after it occurs as possible, and letting it sit until the liquid has been absorbed before vacuuming it is an inexpensive and healthy cleaning alternative. Upholstery cleaner can be used for some stains. If it is a set in stain, you can clean it using a mixture of soap and a little water. Before making the bed again, it's important that you allow the mattress to completely dry to avoid mold or mildew. Stains are not the only issue that is facing you with your mattress however.
Regular Cleaning:
It's important to vacuum your mattress regularly to help remove dust, dirt, dust mites, dried skin, and pet dander as much as possible from your mattress. Vacuuming is the best way to remove many of the allergens that seem to settle inside of mattresses.
With a little time and effort, you can keep your mattress clean and free of allergens. All of these methods work well in keeping your mattress clean and stain free.
Rotate and Flip Your Mattress:
Rotating and/or flipping your mattress monthly will keep your mattress in good shape and is the most advised method for caring for a mattress. This step is especially important for innerspring mattresses. Turning and flipping your mattress will help it wear more evenly. This will help it to last much longer than if you never flipped or turned it.
The Long and Short of It:
Proper maintenance and attention to your mattress will help your mattress last for a long time. Don't let good maintenance deter you from replacing your mattress when it's worn out though. It is important to note, however, to make sure that you buy a quality mattress in the first place to ensure that you are getting the best bang for your buck, your back, and your health.
Comments
Dear Mattress Lady, What is the life expectancy of a mattress? thanks! Audrey Galex in Atlanta, GA
Audrey Galex at August 16, 2008 08:14 PM
Audrey,
It all depends on the mattress, how much it's used and how well it's cared for. There isn't a straightforward answer to your question.
A latex mattress can last up to 30 years, according to some studies. Most inner spring mattresses are considered to have a life-span of seven to ten years. Air and water mattresses can last for tens of years too.
If you've read many of the articles on this site you'll see that some people have bought mattresses that have lasted for weeks and months, not years. If you buy an inner spring mattress make sure it has adequate support. Adequate support means either a platform bed or a new box spring. Without that you will have a mattress fail quickly.
TheMattressLady at August 17, 2008 06:56 AM
I am trying to decide between two mattresses. I have a Airsprung Nottingham Eurotop mattress on lay-a-way at Mattress Giant and recently saw the Miralux Splendor Plush while shopping for a mattress for my daughter. I liked the Miralux because it didn't feel as firm as the Airsprung. I am conflicted on paying an extra $400 for the Miralux or staying with the Airsprung. I have done research with both of these mattresses getting very little information from consumers because they are not as well known as Sealy and so forth. I would like to know from your expert opinion which would be a better mattress in the long run.
at February 2, 2009 10:04 AM
Hi there! I'm afraid I don't know enough about these mattresses to have formed my own opinion. Does Mattress Giant have any sort of program where if you're not satisfied with your mattress you can return it for a different one (within so many days)? I'm afraid you'll have to do your own homework on this one.
The Mattress Lady at February 3, 2009 07:05 AM
Hello, I spilled an entire bottle of water on my mattress, and while it seems to have dried (used a hairdryer, and towels to get most moisture out) there is now an unsightly "ring" any idea how to get that out?
Angie at February 11, 2009 10:45 PM
Hi Angie,
I would try an oxygenating product such as StainSolver -- works better than OxyClean because it's got more bleaching action. You can use it in a spray bottle, but remember, it lets off oxygen and will build up pressure in the bottle. Get the job done and then throw the rest in your laundry (have it in the washer ready to go) or use it for something else that needs cleaned. ;~) Blot it with an old rag so that the discoloration gets absorbed into the rag/cloth.
The Mattress Lady at February 19, 2009 11:29 AM
Just purchased a Franklin plush queen set. I am having trouble finding any information on this brand but the fit was so nice when I tried it out. Anyone known anything about this mattress?
rick at March 14, 2009 11:50 AM
I haven't researched this mattress personally. Have you tried doing a search at www.google.com ?
The Mattress Lady at March 16, 2009 07:54 AM
Can I iron linen while it is on the mattress? In short, can the mattress take heat? I have a pillowtop.
sherri at June 15, 2009 09:48 AM
Hi Sherri,
I wouldn't be willing to risk it. It would be best to iron your linens on an ironing board.
The Matress Lady at June 18, 2009 11:32 AM
