Mattress Guides

How to Store a Mattress: Expert Tips to Prevent Costly Damage

Did you know that a high-quality mattress can last 7–10 years but only if it’s stored and maintained correctly? Unfortunately, improper mattress storage is one of the fastest ways to cause irreversible damage, void warranties, and shorten its lifespan by years.  Many people assume storing a mattress is as simple as leaning it against a wall or wrapping it in plastic. In reality, incorrect storage can lead to sagging, mold growth, odors, warped internal structures, and pest infestations. This guide explains exactly how to store a mattress properly, step by step, while avoiding common mistakes that lead to costly replacements.

Key Takeaways

• Proper mattress storage is essential to prevent sagging, mold, odors, and permanent structural damage.
• Always store a mattress flat on a clean, elevated surface and never place heavy items on top.
• Use a breathable mattress bag instead of airtight plastic to avoid trapped moisture and mildew.
• Keep the storage area clean, dry, well-ventilated, and climate-controlled.
• Never fold or re-roll a mattress, even if it was originally shipped compressed.
• Different mattress types require specific care, but regular inspection and airflow are critical for all.

10 Steps to Store Your Mattress

Properly storing your mattress is vital for preserving its comfort and support. Following these ten essential steps will protect your investment from damage and extend its lifespan.

Step 1. Decide the best place to store it

The storage location significantly impacts your mattress’s condition. For home storage, a garage often provides ideal conditions because it’s typically cooler than the rest of the house, reducing risk to the fillings and cover. Alternatively, climate-controlled storage units maintain consistent conditions perfect for mattress preservation. Avoid areas prone to moisture, such as damp basements or uninsulated garages.

Step 2. Prepare your space

Before moving your mattress, ensure the storage surface is thoroughly cleaned. Vacuum the floor area and wipe down any walls where the mattress might rest. This preparation prevents potential stains or damage from debris. The storage area must be clean, dry, and free from pests that could damage your mattress.

Step 3. Clean your mattress

Thorough cleaning before storage prevents mold, mildew, and bacteria growth. Remove all bedding, vacuum the entire surface with an upholstery attachment, and spot clean stains with mild detergent. For deeper freshening, sprinkle baking soda across the surface, let it sit for several hours, then vacuum again. Ensure the mattress is completely dry before proceeding to prevent moisture-related issues.

Step 4. Use a mattress bag or a plastic cover

Protect your mattress with a heavy-duty cover. Mattress bags specifically designed for storage offer superior protection against dirt, dust, moisture, and pests. These covers, typically 3-4 mil thick (about twice the industry standard), provide excellent shielding from contaminants. If using plastic wrap, choose breathable materials to prevent moisture buildup, which leads to mold and mildew.

Step 5. Transporting your mattress

When moving your mattress to storage, keep it flat inside a vehicle large enough to accommodate its full size. Avoid strapping it to the top of a car, which poses safety hazards and can damage the mattress. Use moving blankets to protect it during transit and ensure the pathway is clear before carrying it. Request assistance, as mattresses are heavy and awkward to maneuver alone.

Step 6. Keep the mattress flat

Always store your mattress flat on a clean, elevated surface like pallets. This position maintains the internal structure and prevents sagging or warping. Storing a mattress on its side, particularly for memory foam, hybrid, or natural filling mattresses, can cause the materials to shift and deform over time. Never place heavy objects on top, as this causes permanent indentations and structural damage.

Step 7. Check the temperature

Maintain a storage temperature between 18°C and 19°C to keep your mattress in perfect condition. Extreme heat can degrade foam materials, while cold temperatures may make them brittle. Climate-controlled units are ideal, as they prevent temperature fluctuations that could otherwise damage your mattress.

Step 8. Make sure it’s ventilated

Proper airflow prevents humidity buildup and subsequent mold growth. For home storage, open windows occasionally or use fans to maintain circulation. With long-term storage in plastic covers, periodically open the seal to allow the mattress to breathe. This ventilation helps keep the mattress fresh and prevents odor development.

Step 9. Check up on your mattress

Inspect your stored mattress regularly, looking for signs of damage, moisture, or pests. Every few months, examine the protective covering for tears, check for damp patches, and ensure the storage environment maintains appropriate temperature and humidity levels. Fix any problems right away to avoid permanent damage.

Step 10. Clean it before use

When retrieving your mattress from storage, clean it again before use. Vacuum the surface to remove accumulated debris and spot-clean any new stains. Allow it to air out for 24-48 hours to eliminate any odors that developed during storage. This final step ensures your mattress is fresh and ready for use.

Why You Should Never Roll a Mattress Again

Never re-roll a mattress, even if it arrived compressed in a box. Rolling damages internal components, potentially voiding warranties and permanently affecting comfort. The compression strains materials, causing tears, cracks, and permanent deformities, especially in innerspring and latex mattresses.

Read Also: Hybrid vs Innerspring Mattress

Risks of using plastic wrap without ventilation

Non-breathable plastic traps moisture, creating ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth. Even if the mattress feels dry, temperature changes cause condensation that has nowhere to escape. This trapped moisture leads to unpleasant odors and potential health concerns from mold exposure.

How improper storage leads to sagging and odors

Improper storage techniques, such as storing a mattress on its side or in humid environments, cause materials to shift and sag. Over time, gravity pulls down materials, warping the shape and creating permanent indentations. Furthermore, moisture buildup from poor ventilation generates musty odors that may prove difficult to eliminate.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Storing a mattress incorrectly can lead to permanent damage that voids warranties and necessitates costly replacements. Despite good intentions, several common errors compromise mattress integrity.

• Avoid plastic covers: Non-breathable plastic traps moisture and causes mold. Use a breathable fabric cover instead.
• Don’t store in basements or garages: These areas have high humidity and temperature changes. The ideal storage temperature is 18°C–19°C.
• Never place items on top: Even light objects can cause sagging and permanent dents.
• Avoid long-term side storage: Foam and latex can handle short periods, but spring and natural-filled mattresses must stay flat.
• Do not fold or roll: Folding damages internal materials and usually voids warranties.
• Check regularly: Inspect every few weeks for moisture, pests, or cover damage. Use moisture absorbers if needed.

Poor storage leads to irreversible damage and early mattress replacement.

Factors To Consider Based on Mattress Type

Different mattress materials react uniquely to storage conditions, requiring specific considerations to prevent damage.

How To Store a Memory Foam Mattress

Always store a memory foam mattress flat, not on its side. Storing it upright can cause the foam to bend and lose its shape. Do not place heavy items on top, as this can flatten the foam over time. For cleaning, avoid liquid or upholstery cleaners because memory foam absorbs moisture. Baking soda is a safe option for removing odors. Keep the mattress in a place with moderate temperature, since heat makes it too soft and cold makes it hard.

Read Also: Memory Foam Mattress Density Guide

How To Store a Hybrid Mattress

Hybrid mattresses should also be stored flat. Storing them the wrong way can cause the foam and springs inside to shift, making the surface uneven. If stored for a long time, rotate the mattress every few months to keep the coils from wearing unevenly. A dry, climate-controlled room is best to protect both the foam and metal parts.

How To Store a Latex Mattress

Latex mattresses are strong but still need proper storage. Storing them flat is best. If they must be upright, keep them supported against a wall. Latex mattresses are heavy, and storing them on their side can cause the bottom to collapse and wear out faster. A climate-controlled area helps maintain their quality.

How To Store a Spring Mattress

Spring mattresses have less flexibility compared to foam varieties, making proper storage especially important. Their internal coil structure can be damaged if the mattress is bent during transportation or storage. For long-term storage, flip the mattress occasionally to prevent uneven wear. Avoid placing it in damp or unstable areas to protect the coil structure.

FAQs about How to Store a Mattress

1. Can I store my mattress for a long time?

Yes, with proper preparation. Regular inspections every few months are essential for long-term storage. Open the mattress bag periodically to air it out and check for damage. For extended storage periods, a climate-controlled unit with air conditioning is worth considering.

2. Is it okay to store a mattress on its side?

In general, avoid storing mattresses on their side long-term, primarily for pocket sprung and natural mattresses. Side storage causes internal layers to shift and deform over time. If necessary, only use this position temporarily during transportation.

3. Can you stack mattresses for storage?

Never stack mattresses on top of each other. This practice puts excessive stress on the bottom mattress’s structure and traps moisture between units, potentially leading to mold growth.

4. Should you roll a mattress for storage?

Under no circumstances should you re-roll a mattress, even if it arrived in a box. This action disrupts internal materials and might invalidate your warranty.

5. Will a mattress get bed bugs in storage?

While possible, this is unlikely if you thoroughly clean and cover the mattress before storing it in a clean, dry environment.

Conclusion

Storing a mattress the right way is essential to protect its comfort, structure, and lifespan. Keeping it flat, clean, and in a climate-controlled environment helps prevent issues such as sagging, mold growth, and permanent loss of shape. With a little preparation and occasional checks, you can ensure your mattress stays in excellent condition. Proper mattress storage not only preserves sleep quality but also saves you from costly replacements in the future.