How to extend the life of your mattress

Your mattress is one of the most important things in your home. You spend about 8 hours on it every night, which means you use it for roughly one-third of your life. A good mattress helps you sleep better, and better sleep makes you feel healthier.

Most mattresses should last between 7 to 10 years, but this depends on what type you have.  If you put a little effort now, it can save you money later and help you sleep better, too. Taking care of your mattress isn't hard; you need to know what to do and make it a regular habit.

Understand Your Mattress

Before you can take good care of your mattress, you need to know what kind you have. Different types of mattresses need different care, just like other types of clothes need different washing methods.

The Main Types of Mattresses

1. Memory Foam Mattresses: These are made from special foam that moulds to your body when you lie down. These mattresses are soft and comfortable, but can trap heat.
2. Innerspring Mattresses: These are the traditional mattresses with metal coils inside. They're bouncy and sleep cooler than memory foam. Many can be flipped over, which helps them last longer.
3. Hybrid Mattresses: Think of these as a combination – they have both coils and foam layers. Hybrid mattresses try to give you the best of both worlds: the support of springs and the comfort of foam.
4. Latex Mattresses: These are made from rubber (either natural or synthetic). They're very durable and naturally resist dust mites and mould.
   

Essential Daily and Weekly Care

To take care of your mattress is easy. Most of the best things you can do only take a few minutes and can easily become part of your routine.

Daily Care Tips

• Make Your Bed the Right Way: When you make your bed, pull the sheets tight, but don't yank them so hard that you stress the mattress edges. Smooth out wrinkles gently instead of tugging.
• Let Your Mattress Breathe: After you get up, pull back the covers for 10-15 minutes before making the bed. This lets moisture from your body evaporate instead of getting trapped in the mattress.

Weekly Care Tips

• Rotate Your Mattress: Turn your mattress 180 degrees every week or two so the head end becomes the foot end. This prevents you from always sleeping in the same spot and creating permanent body impressions.
• Change Your Sheets Regularly: Fresh sheets aren't just nice to sleep on – they protect your mattress from oils, sweat, and dead skin cells.
• Quick Vacuum: Use your vacuum's upholstery attachment to cover the mattress surface quickly. This removes dust, crumbs, and anything else that might have accumulated. 
  

Deep Cleaning and Maintenance

Even with good daily care, your mattress needs a deeper clean from time to time. Let’s have a look at how to do deep cleaning to enhance the life of your mattress:

• Monthly Deep Vacuuming: Once a month, take off all your sheets and vacuum your entire mattress. Make sure to get the sides and even the bottom if you can flip it over. Use the crevice tool to clean corners where dust hides.
• Deal with Spills: If something spills on your mattress, blot it immediately with a clean towel. Don't rub, as that pushes the liquid deeper. For most spills, a little cold water and gentle blotting will do the trick.
• Remove the stains: Act fast when you see a stain! Mix a small amount of dish soap with cold water. Dab this mix onto the stain using a clean cloth. Then, use a damp cloth to blot away the soap. Let the area air dry completely.
• Handle Different Mattress Types Carefully: Memory foam should never be soaked. Use very little liquid when you clean it. However, innerspring mattresses can handle a bit more moisture, but they still don't absorb it.

Protection Strategies

The best way to keep your mattress lasting longer is to prevent problems before they happen. A few simple protective measures can add years to your mattress's life.

• Get a Good Mattress Protector: A waterproof mattress protector is one of the best things you can buy for your mattress. It stops spills, sweat, and dust mites but still allows your mattress to breathe.
• Choose Quality Fitted Sheets: Buy fitted sheets that fit your mattress well. If they're too small, they'll pull off the corners. If they're too big, they'll wrinkle and feel lumpy.
• Use Proper Sheet-Changing Technique: When you're putting on a fitted sheet, don't try to stretch one corner at a time. Instead, put the sheet on opposite corners first, then work your way around the rest of the mattress. This stops you from pulling too hard on any one spot.
• Handle Food and Drinks Carefully: Try to avoid eating or drinking in bed. If you must do so, use a tray and keep drinks in containers with lids. Even small crumbs can attract bugs, and spills can create stains and odours.

How To Address Common Problems?

Even with great care, mattresses naturally develop issues over time. The good news is that many common problems can be fixed or made better if you catch them early. Before you think you need a whole new mattress, try these simple solutions first.

1. Fix Minor Sagging with Support: If you notice a slight dip in your mattress, try placing a firm pillow or folded towel under that spot between the mattress and the box spring.
2. Strengthen Weak Edges: If your mattress edges feel soft or you find yourself rolling off, try not to sit on the very edge of the bed. Also, think about getting a bed frame that offers better support around the sides.
3. Repair Small Tears Quickly : For small rips in the mattress cover, use fabric glue or a patch kit designed for upholstery – don't use regular tape, which can make the problem worse.

Know When to Stop Trying: It's time to buy a new mattress if:

• The dip in your mattress is deeper than 2 inches.
• There are many big rips.
• The middle of the mattress has completely lost its support.

You may also like to read: Why use a mattress topper? Are they worth it?

Final Remarks

Caring for your mattress is simple when you know the right steps. A few easy habits will make it last years longer. For instance, rotate it regularly, use a protector, and clean spills quickly. These small steps save you money and help you sleep better every night. Your mattress is important for your health and comfort, so taking a few minutes to care for it is worth it.