You can make your mattress last longer with these easy cleaning, storing, and bedding strategies. By taking care of your mattress properly, you can ensure it stays in good shape for years to come.
The quality of your sleep impacts your overall health in many ways. It can strengthen your immune system, improve your mood, and boost brain function. That’s why maintaining a healthy mattress is crucial for good sleep hygiene.
The lifespan of your mattress depends on its material and how well you maintain it. Typically, innerspring mattresses last around five and a half to six and a half years, while foam and hybrid beds usually last slightly longer, around six to seven years. Latex beds are the most durable, lasting on average between 10 to 20 years.
Our guide offers practical tips to help you maximize the lifespan of your mattress, ensuring you enjoy quality sleep for years to come.
Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Your Mattress
Let’s explore some effective ways to make your mattress last longer.
1. Use a Mattress Protector
A mattress protector is a must-have addition to your bedding setup. It acts as a shield against sweat, dirt, makeup, dust mites, dead skin cells, and other debris that could accumulate on your mattress over time. Not only does it keep your mattress clean, but it also prevents staining, which could potentially void your warranty.
When choosing a mattress protector, opt for one that’s durable and made from performance fabric if you tend to sleep hot. This type of fabric absorbs sweat, keeping your bed fresh and comfortable.
There are two main types of mattress protectors available: fitted and encasement. Fitted protectors function like a fitted sheet, covering the entire surface of your mattress. Encasement protectors, on the other hand, use zippers to fully encase the mattress, providing additional protection against dust mites and pests.
2. Wash Bed Sheets Regularly
It’s essential to wash your bed sheets weekly to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. Use a delicate setting on your washing machine, or if available, a specific setting for sheets. Unless your bedding is exceptionally thick, the heavy-duty cycle isn’t necessary.
Regularly washing your bed sheets helps keep your mattress free from stains and moisture caused by sweat.
3. Ensure Proper Support for Your Mattress
Make sure your mattress is well-supported to ensure even wear over time. Innerspring mattresses need a box spring for support, while foam beds do well on a solid platform. This not only helps your mattress last longer but also maintains its warranty.
4. Avoid Jumping on the Bed
While it might be tempting to treat your mattress like a trampoline, this can actually accelerate wear and tear, potentially voiding your warranty. Manufacturers design mattresses for regular use, not for jumping.
5. Rotate Your Mattress Regularly
To prevent permanent dips from forming in your mattress due to repeated use in the same areas, make it a habit to flip or rotate your mattress regularly. This simple step can significantly extend its lifespan.
6. Deal with Stains Promptly
Accidents can happen, even in bed. If you spill something, tackle the stain right away. One method suggested by Home Revolution is to mix lemon juice and salt into a paste. Apply it to the stain, let it sit for 30 to 60 minutes, then wipe it away with a clean towel.
For darker mattresses, skip the lemon to avoid bleaching. Instead, use a mixture of water, dish soap, and baking soda for a fresh and clean result.
7. Keep Pets Off Your Bed
While cuddling up with your furry friend may seem cozy, they can bring along unwanted guests like germs and parasites. Roundworms, for example, can transfer from pets to bedding, leading to potential health issues. To avoid this, consider getting a separate bed for your pets.
8. No Eating or Drinking in Bed
Although it might seem appealing, eating and drinking in bed can lead to small stains that attract insects like ants and cockroaches. It’s best to reserve your bed for sleeping and avoid inviting unwanted guests.
9. Watch Out for Bedbugs
Bedbugs can ruin your mattress, so it’s crucial to protect it. Use an encasement protector, keep your bedroom clean, and be cautious about bringing used furniture into your home.
10. Protect Your Mattress During Moves
When moving, invest in a mattress protector to shield it from stains and potential bugs. You never know what’s been in the moving truck before your belongings.
11. Keep Your Mattress Fresh
Every six months, sprinkle baking soda over your mattress to keep it smelling fresh and eliminate odors from stains, dust mites, and sweat.
12. Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Refer to your mattress’s owner’s manual for proper care guidelines. It includes tips on flipping or rotating the mattress, cleaning methods, and other useful information to prolong its lifespan. If you have questions, the manual is a valuable resource.
Mattress FAQs
1. How long should a mattress last?
Most mattresses last around five to seven years, although higher-quality ones can last over 10 years.
2. Should you flip your mattress?
Whether you should flip your mattress depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some mattresses need to be flipped or rotated every few months to ensure even wear, while others, like Tempur-Pedic, do not require rotations.
3. How often should a mattress be replaced?
The lifespan of your mattress will depend on its material. Innerspring mattresses typically last five to six years, while foam and hybrid beds usually last six to seven years on average. Checking your manufacturer’s warranty can give you a good idea of when it’s time to replace your mattress.
4. How do you know when you need a new mattress?
It’s time to replace your mattress when it no longer provides the support you need. Signs include uneven wear, sagging, a strange odor, or waking up with pressure points in your back, hips, or shoulders. If you’re having trouble falling asleep because your mattress is uncomfortable, it’s definitely time for a new one.