Sleep is a fundamental aspect of our health. It boosts our immune system and helps us fight diseases, improve mood and enhance brain performance. This is one of the primary reasons why doctors emphasise mattresses as a crucial health investment that needs precise selection according to your body type, sleeping position, and other health conditions, if any.
While many people are now more concerned about their choice of mattress selections, only a few understand how to maintain it to make it last longer. This article will list down 10 proven ways to increase the long-lasting nature of your mattress.
Use A Mattress Protector
One of the most overlooked essentials when it comes to mattress maintenance is a protector. They serve as a protective cover between you and your bed, which can absorb sweat, dirt, makeup, dust mites, dead skin cells, and any other things that can seep into the mattress if left unprotected. Most importantly, it can prevent the mattress from forming stubborn stains.
You can easily find a good-quality protector in mattress stores. Make sure to choose a durable one. If you are a warm sleeper, consider investing in one that has performance fabric. It goes a long way in absorbing sweat and preventing it from soaking into the mattress.
Normally, there are two types of mattress protectors that you can use for a mattress. Fitted ones that work just like a fitted bedsheet. It covers every inch of the mattress. The encasement mattress protectors, on the other hand, use zippers on the side to cover your bedding. Both these types are designed to keep dust mites and bugs from entering the mattress base.
Wash Bed Sheets Frequently
It is a good practice to wash your bed sheets weekly. Check the settings of your washer or washing machine. Some have a special setting for bedsheets. If you have them, use them. You will need the heavy-duty function only if you have thick bedding.
Washing your bed sheets frequently ensures that your mattress and bedding are fresh and free from stains and other dust particles that can cause damage and absorb moisture from sweat.
Ensure Your Mattress Is Well Supported
Having a strong support under the mattress is a key factor that extends its long-lasting nature. This helps in making sure your mattress wears evenly with regular use. A well-supported mattress is also essential for a healthy, good night’s sleep with less disturbances and motion transfers.
Flip Your Mattress Regularly
Another simple yet effective way to make your mattress last longer is by slipping or rotating it every 6-12 months. This helps prevent your mattress from forming a permanent dip when you use the same part of the bed for a longer period every night.
Reliable mattress stores and manufacturers specify instructions on how often you need to rotate or flip your mattress. If you find any such information, make sure to follow them as needed.
Spot Clean Stains Immediately
Stains are inevitable in mattresses, but when they do, treat them immediately. Rub the stain off with a clean, wet sponge, or some recommend using lemon juice and salt paste. Let it sit for 30-60 minutes, and then wipe it off with a clean towel.
If you have a dark colour mattress, avoid using lemon, as it can bleach and fade the colour. Instead, try using water, dish soap, and baking soda. Some mattress stores have cleaning solutions that can help with stains, if you don’t want to try DIY methods, consider using them.
Get A Separate Bed For Your Pets
Pets are cuddly by nature, and there is nothing like relaxing with your pet by your side on the bed. However, your pet may carry more germs and other ickiness that you don’t want. Once parasites attach to your furry friends, they start hatching eggs into your pet’s hair.
Then, when your pet lies next to you or gets onto your bed, they are more likely to slide those eggs into your sheets and then the mattress. So, it’s a good hygienic practice to have separate beds for your pets.
Avoid Eating Or Drinking On Your Bed
Make it a hygienic practice to avoid eating or drinking in bed. Although often ignored, it can result in small, unnoticeable stains. While you may not be able to spot them, tiny ants and cockroaches can sneak into your bed and damage them, reducing the lifespan of your mattress.
Beware Of Bedbugs
Bed bug infestations can directly reduce the usability of your mattress. Protect your mattress from bed bugs by using a good protector. Besides that, always keep your bedroom clean. This goes a long way in preventing dust, germs, and other harmful factors from seeping into your mattress.
Protect Your Mattress When Moving or Storing
If you are planning to store or move your mattress for relocation purposes, use a protector. This, again, is to keep it away from getting damaged with stains or being infected with dust, bugs, and germs, reducing its usability. After all, you don’t know what has been in the moving truck or storage room.
Deodorize And Clean Your Mattress Frequently
Another simple DIY method you can try to increase the lifespan of your mattress is sprinkling baking soda over your mattress once every six months. It is a simple method that can help you keep the mattress fresh. It also helps get rid of bad odours and accumulated stains, sweat, and dirt.
The manual given by mattress stores and manufacturers is another effective way to maintain your mattress and increase its usability. However, remember that a good-quality mattress can last anywhere from 5-15 or even more years. It all comes down to how well you take the time to clean and maintain it.
Likewise, when choosing mattress stores to purchase your bedding solutions, make sure to check quality standards, technology used, material, and other criteria that directly affect the usability and long-lasting nature of your mattress.
While this sounds like a lot, it goes a long way in making sure your investment in a mattress is worth it.
