How to Properly Store Your Mattress: A Step-by-Step Guide

Properly storing your mattress is key to protecting it from mold, compression, and other damage, ensuring it’s ready for use whenever you need it.

Whether you’re upgrading your mattress and want to keep the old one as a backup, or temporarily moving in with friends or family, knowing how to store your mattress correctly is essential. Storing it improperly could damage the frame or surface, making it uncomfortable or even necessitating a replacement.

Improper storage could also lead to mold or mildew, creating even more problems. We spoke to two experts—Katie Lambert, owner of Clean Queen, a residential cleaning service in Westminster, Colorado, and Nick Valentino, vice president of operations at Bellhop, a moving company based in Atlanta—to get their advice on how to properly store your mattress. Here are their tips.

Tools & Materials:

• Microfiber cloths
• Vacuum
• Mop
• Mattress bag
• Pallets
• Dehumidifier
• Baking soda
• Duct tape

Before You Begin

Understanding the best way to store your mattress will ensure a clean and comfortable sleep surface when it’s time to set it up again. Storing a mattress is straightforward, but it requires the right space, a thorough cleaning, and attention to the storage conditions for optimal results.

Step 1: Choose a Storage Location

First, decide whether you want to store your mattress in your home or in a separate storage unit. The ideal location should be temperature-controlled, protecting the mattress from extreme heat, cold, or humidity. Avoid storing it in a garage or basement, especially if those spaces are prone to temperature swings. When choosing a spot, ensure the area has enough space, and remember that mattresses should be stored flat on the ground—not propped up against a wall.

Step 2: Prepare the Storage Area

Before placing the mattress in storage, clean the space thoroughly. Wipe down walls and ceilings, and vacuum and mop the floors to remove dust, dirt, and debris. Make sure all surfaces are dry before bringing in the mattress.

Step 3: Clean the Mattress

Before wrapping your mattress, clean it thoroughly. Lambert suggests using a vacuum attachment to clean the surface. “Spot-clean any stains following the mattress manufacturer’s instructions,” she advises. Removing as much dirt and stains as possible helps prevent attracting pests. If you notice any odors, sprinkle baking soda over the mattress, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then vacuum it up. Allow the mattress to dry fully before proceeding.

Step 4: Wrap the Mattress

To protect the mattress, Valentino recommends sealing it inside a plastic bag or mattress cover. This will help prevent spills, mold, mildew, and other potential hazards. A mattress bag is the most straightforward solution, but you can also use a plastic sheet or tarp. If you opt for a sheet, fold it to cover the mattress completely and secure it with duct tape to seal all openings and any tears.

For a mattress topper, wrap it in plastic to keep it free of dirt and debris. You can also roll up foam mattress toppers and store them in a vacuum bag to save space while protecting them from dust.

Step 5: Move the Mattress to Storage

Once wrapped, carefully transport the mattress to the storage location. For moving the mattress to an external location like a storage unit, it’s best to use a moving truck. Avoid tying a mattress to the roof of your car as this exposes it to dirt, rain, and the risk of falling off or getting damaged during transit.

If you’re simply moving the mattress within your home, take care to avoid tearing the plastic or cover. Using a mattress storage bag with handles or zippers makes carrying it easier, especially when navigating stairs.

Step 6: Store the Mattress Properly

Valentino advises against storing a mattress vertically, as this could damage it over time if not properly supported. Unless the mattress is foldable, always store it flat, as this maintains its shape and avoids pressure on the sides. Memory foam and latex mattresses may tolerate being stored upright better than other types, but it’s still best to store them flat when possible.

If you must store the mattress vertically, Lambert recommends placing it on a slatted bed frame or wooden pallets. This promotes air circulation beneath the mattress and helps prevent moisture buildup. If you need to store it against a wall, cover the wall side with cloth or plastic, and place heavy furniture on the other side to support the mattress.

Step 7: Monitor Storage Conditions

Even after storing your mattress, it’s important to monitor the conditions in the storage area. Keep an eye on the temperature and humidity, as extreme conditions could lead to mold or mildew. If the storage area is prone to dampness, consider using a dehumidifier. Lambert emphasizes the importance of climate control, as moderate temperatures and humidity levels prevent mold growth.

It’s also a good idea to open the mattress cover periodically to allow airflow and reduce the chances of mold or mildew. Lambert suggests rotating the mattress every few months to prevent sagging, especially if it’s stored upright.

Step 8: Clean Before Use

When you’re ready to use the mattress again, give it one final cleaning. Vacuum it and treat any spots or stains that might have appeared during storage. Let the mattress air out for at least four hours to allow any lingering odors to dissipate before covering it with bedding.

Final Thoughts

Proper mattress storage is crucial for preserving your bed in top condition when you need it. Whether you’re storing a memory foam, innerspring, hybrid, or latex mattress, following these steps—selecting the right storage space, cleaning the mattress thoroughly, covering it securely, and placing it flat—will ensure that your mattress remains in great shape for future use.