Sleep is the perfect antidote to the stresses and strains of everyday life, so it’s important that we get the best quality sleep that we can. We can only achieve this if our mattresses are in tip-top condition and we are prepared to take the necessary steps to keep the mattress that way. To that end, I’ve laid out a simple 5-step routine that, if followed, will help keep your mattress in prime condition.
1. Flip and turn your mattress every 3 months.
If you rotate your mattress regularly it will wear much more evenly and so will last you much longer. One issue doing with this is remembering which way the mattress is due to be flipped or turned – but a tip that was passed on to me should make this easier. Number each corner of your mattress 1 to 4 with a marker pen (the number only has to be very small) – start with the top right hand corner and mark that number 1. Mark number 2 diagonally opposite and the other two corners 3 and 4 – now when you come to turn or flip your mattress you will only need to move it on to the next number in the sequence.
Not all mattresses nowadays are made to be flipped I know, but you should make the effort to at least turn your cheap mattresses every 3 months. If you have a very large mattress, you will probably need a second person to help you.
2. Keep your mattress free from dust.
Dust will build up in your mattress over time so it’s important that you vacuum the mattress each time you change your bedding. Most vacuum cleaners have an attachment that is specially design for upholstery, which makes this job quite a simple one. If you don’t vacuum your mattress regularly, the build up of dust, dead skin cells, and pet dander will lead to at best an unpleasant environment, and at worst a very unhealthy one.
3. Buy 2 mattress covers
Why 2? So that when one is being washed your plush mattress will still be protected. Protecting your mattress with a mattress cover is a very import step in this plan – it’s not a particularly nice thought, but the fact is we all sweat and shed dead skin cells while we are asleep. The body’s debris has nowhere to go other than into your bedding and your mattress – now while your bedding gets washed on a regular basis, your mattress does not, so keeping it covered can reduce the amount of debris that reaches it by a huge amount.
4. Keep your mattress dry
A mattresses biggest enemy is dampness and moisture, so it’s imperative you do all you can to keep your mattress dry. If you eat or drink in bed you are far more likely to spill liquid directly onto your mattress, or need to introduce a liquid in order to clean off a stain.
5. Clean a mattress very carefully
If you do ever need to clean your mattress, use as little cleaning fluid as you can. Once you have got rid of the stain or mark, it is vital that you dry the mattress 100% before attempting to use it again. If your mattress is only partially dry, you risk it becoming moldy and that is the beginning of the end for a mattress.
The best way to dry a mattress is with circulating air. In the summertime a few hours outside should dry it through, but if that’s not possible a fan blower or a hairdryer (if it’s a small spot) will work.
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