Search
Close this search box.

Mattress Maintenance 101

Prioritize Your Mattress to Prioritize Your Sleep

Sleep health is a crucial part of your overall health equation, which is why keeping your sleep environment in a functional and clean order should be a top priority. Read on to discover specifics about making the most of your mattress.

Take It for a Spin

It is recommended to flip and rotate your mattress regularly, but newer mattresses usually only have one correct “top” side – which means flipping it won’t work. If that is the case, simply rotate it (making the foot the head and the head the foot) every two weeks for the first four months after purchase, and then every three months to maintain an equal wear. Don’t forget about your box spring – rotate this every six months.

Launder Your Linens

Keeping your mattress clean begins with keeping your sheets clean. Wash your sheets and pillowcases once every week or two. Comforters and quilts can be washed less frequently. If you really want to protect your mattress and bed in general, consider setting some other cleanliness-supporting boundaries:

woman sleeping
  • To avoid spills, stains, and crumbs, don’t bring food or drink (besides maybe water) to bed with you.
  • Don’t let pets sleep with you, as they shed, have accidents, and sometimes carry insects with them.
  • Go to bed clean. A quick rinse before bedtime reigns in your natural body odor, oils, and collected germs, which makes all the difference in keeping your sheets and mattress fresh and sanitary.
  • Make your bed daily. Besides keeping your room looking nice, pulling your comforter up keeps dust, dander, and other undesirables away from the surface you sleep on.

Don't Play Favorites

Most people have a preferred side of the bed, which is fine and usually rectified with regular rotating. However, be careful to avoid routines that have you sitting on the edge of the mattress every day in the same spot, like putting on shoes or sitting for part of your nightly routine. If you have a favorite place to perch, try to mix it up.

Pick Some Protection

Choosing a liquid-proof or liquid-resistant mattress protector to put on under your sheets is a great way to ensure the prolonged cleanliness and lifespan of your mattress. One of the best options is the kind that fully encases the mattress. This helps protect against not just stains, but also allergens and other pests and irritants.

Replace Regularly

Know your warranty and recommended lifespan of your mattress, pillows, and linens. Mattresses typically last eight to 10 years; however, if you can detect noticeable wear and sagging earlier, go ahead and replace it if that is feasible. Otherwise, your sleep quality is compromised. Mattress toppers tend to last as long as the mattress. Quality pillows should be replaced every 18 to 36 months, or as needed. If you purchase quality sheets, they should last between six and eight years. And it is recommended to replace duvets and comforters every five to seven years.

Move It Mindfully

Take care when transporting your mattress or rotating it. There are often straps on the side, but those are for positioning it and rotating it, not carrying it. Instead, when moving your mattress, always lift from the bottom.

Keep a Clean Routine

Vacuum your mattress with a handheld attachment or device during normal cleaning routines. (This is the perfect time to wash your linens, since you need them off the bed to vacuum.) For treating spills or stains, avoid harsh chemical cleaners that can damage the foam. Instead, opt for warm water with a mild detergent to remove soiling, and use baking soda to absorb liquid or smells, then vacuum it away.

Get access to the next issue before it hits the stands!