How to store a mattress

1. Prepare your mattress for storage

Taking some time to prepare your mattress for storage can prevent mold growth, pest infestations and unpleasant odors.

Clean the mattress before storage

First, remove all bedding. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning recommendations, which are usually found on the tag. If the mattress’ tag is too faded to read, check the company’s website for guidance.

Next, vacuum the entire surface using an upholstery attachment to remove dust, debris and allergens. Don’t forget to pay special attention to the seams, where dust tends to gather.

If you see any stains, mix a small amount of mild detergent (about a teaspoon) with a cup of cold or lukewarm water and gently blot affected areas. Avoid soaking the mattress because excess moisture leads to mold growth. Let the mattress air dry completely in a well-ventilated area.

After cleaning, sprinkle baking soda across the surface and let it sit for several hours to absorb odors. Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly, then flip the mattress over and repeat.

Make sure your mattress is completely dry before moving it to storage. If you’re pressed for time, set up a fan or use a hair dryer to speed up the process.

Protect the mattress

Mattress bags made for storing or transporting mattresses are relatively inexpensive and typically include a built-in sealing system. You can find mattress bags wherever moving supplies are sold, such as hardware stores, moving companies and online retailers.

Look for breathable plastic mattress bags instead of thick, nonbreathable plastic wrapping, which can contribute to bacterial growth. To get the bag on the mattress, stand it upright against a wall and slide the bag over the top, pulling it down gradually until the mattress is fully covered. Be sure to smooth out any air pockets before resealing the bag.

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2. Choose the right storage location

Excessive moisture, high humidity and extreme temperatures can all damage your mattress. Finding a good storage unit will help you protect your investment and maintain the mattress's structural integrity.

Find a climate-controlled unit

Climate-controlled storage units are equipped with high-powered HVAC systems and dehumidifiers to prevent temperature-related damage and stop mold or odors from accumulating. Fluctuations in temperature cause materials to expand and contract, potentially damaging the internal structure of your mattress.

Some facilities also offer humidity-controlled units that help keep mattresses moisture-free by maintaining consistent conditions year-round.

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Avoid garages or basements

High-humidity areas without temperature control breed mold and bacteria. Garages and basements create storage challenges, especially for mattresses.

Without proper ventilation and insulation, garages experience drastic temperature swings and attract moisture, pests and dust. Basements can often retain moisture, creating the perfect environment for mold and mildew.

If you must use these spaces, you can take steps to protect your mattress. Ensure the area stays clean, dry and well-ventilated. Check for plumbing leaks or signs of moisture before storing. You can reduce moisture levels by using a dehumidifier. To improve airflow and protect your mattress against moisture on the ground, you can store it on a pallet.

Preventing moisture damage

Elevating your mattress onto pallets allows air circulation underneath. This helps stop mold and mildew from forming during long-term storage.

3. Transport your mattress safely

Never strap a mattress to the top of your car. Not only will it bend the coils, but it can also get damaged in transit by road debris. Instead, transport your mattress in a covered moving truck.

When loading the mattress into the truck, avoid placing most items on top of it. Heavy objects create permanent indentations or damage internal components. Place lighter items like pillows or bedding alongside the mattress rather than on top. Once it’s in position, cover it with blankets or sheets and use tie-down straps or nylon ropes to secure it in place.

Memory foam mattresses should always be transported flat and never bent or folded. For spring or coil mattresses, side transport is fine as long as it’s strapped securely against the wall. To get a little extra stability, you can place a tall piece of furniture in front of the mattress to help prevent shifting.

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Storing different types of mattresses

When it comes to storage, different mattress materials can create different challenges.

Storing memory foam mattresses

Memory foam mattresses contain a high-density polyfoam core. These cores provide better motion isolation and noise control but also make moving and storage more challenging.

These mattresses need special storage because they are more sensitive to damage. For example, memory foam is temperature-sensitive. It can become brittle in extreme cold or too soft in extreme heat. The foam is also more sensitive to permanent denting, which is why it's so important to make sure you don’t rest any heavy objects on memory foam during storage.

Storing innerspring mattresses

Innerspring mattresses can be stored on a clean, flat surface. If you’re going to be storing the mattress for a long time, you’ll need to flip the mattress every few months to avoid uneven wear.

While spring mattresses handle slightly more weight than foam mattresses, heavy items can still damage the coil system. It’s best not to rest items on your mattress during storage.

Storing hybrid mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine foam and coils for comfort and support, offering the best of both worlds when it comes to sleep — and the worst when it comes to storage. The mix of materials makes hybrids vulnerable to damage from moisture and temperature changes.

Like all other mattresses, hybrids should be stored flat to prevent the inner layers from shifting and creating an uneven surface. Because they contain metal coils and foam layers, they’re susceptible to both rust and heat damage.

Use a breathable mattress bag and place the mattress in a climate-controlled or dehumidified space to protect it from humidity and heat.

Always store flat

No matter what your mattress is made of, flat storage prevents sagging and damage to the internal structure.

Long-term mattress storage tips

Long-term storage gives mattresses more time to develop mold, mildew or structural wear, which makes proper storage even more important. To prevent permanent damage, you’ll need to do a little extra maintenance if you plan to store your bed for an extended period.

Keep your mattress elevated and flat

Placing a mattress directly on the storage unit floor keeps it from breathing. Place the mattress on wooden pallets to allow airflow from all angles. This prevents moisture from building up under the mattress and allows air to circulate.

Keeping the mattress flat and level will prevent damage to the internal structure. Items placed on top can create permanent dents or tears. If you need extra space, raise the pallets and keep items underneath instead.

Protect the mattress from light and heat

UV rays degrade fabric and foam materials. Position your mattress away from windows, doors or direct sunlight.

Inspect and air out the mattress regularly

Air out the mattress every few months, then reseal it. This helps prevent moisture from building up inside your mattress bag and allows you to check for damage or pest activity.

Watch out for mold, mildew or unusual odors. Check the storage environment for temperature or humidity changes. Any sign of dampness should be addressed immediately to prevent moisture damage.

Inspect the mattress bag or protective cover for tears or gaps and replace or repair it as needed. Damage can occur during moving or from sharp objects in storage, and even small openings can let in pests or moisture.

Check in on your mattress regularly

Long-term storage doesn’t mean store it and forget it. Check on your mattress every few months.

Look for:

• Moisture: Signs of dampness or condensation inside the bag
• Mold or mildew: Dark spots or musty odors
• Pests: Holes, droppings or gnaw marks on the mattress bag
• Tears or gaps: Rips in the protective covering that could let in air or insects