Are you moving into a new place or undertaking renovations in your home? Your mattress may need to be put into storage for a while until it is ready to be slept on again. The good news is that latex foam mattresses can be stored for months or even years at a time without losing its physical condition.
Mattresses can be an expensive investment especially natural latex models from renowned brands. After shelling out several hundred dollars or more, the last thing you want is to put the physical and structural condition of your latex mattress in jeopardy during storage.
This is why knowing the right storage ideas can come in handy so the mattress can look new again by the time you’re ready to put it back in use.
How do you Store a Latex Mattress?
The right techniques will have to be followed to get the best results during latex mattress storage. Shall we delve into a few of the best storage tips for these mattresses?
1. Strip The Mattress Bare
This may sound like common sense but you cannot bundle the mattress together with bed sheets, comforters, and pillows for storage. This is why it is important to strip it bare of any bedding and accessories before as a first step.
The stripped off sheets, pillowcases, and comforters can be washed and stored differently but make sure the mattress is completely bare before moving onto the next step.
2. Clean the Mattress
The first step to putting any mattress into storage is to conduct a thorough cleaning job on it. You can start by vacuuming every inch of the foam surface to eliminate dust particles, dead skin cells, pet hairs, and debris that may be trapped in any of those areas.
Then you should spot clean any traces of stains on the mattress using hydrogen peroxide, liquid dishwashing soap, and baking soda. The ingredients can be mixed into a solution and filled in a plastic spray bottle for treating the affected area.
Use a clean rug to blot the region in question until the stains are completely removed, using a bit of energy if necessary. For stubborn stains, natural enzyme cleaners such as Simple Solution can help break them down chemically.
Have you read the article we wrote on How To Clean A Dirty Mattress? We outline the best techniques for removing every type of stain ranging from urine to blood as well as dirt and many others.
3. Dry It In The Sun
The best way to complete a mattress cleaning job is to dry it in the sun. Allowing the mattress some love from the sun’s rays may not only speed up the drying process but any lingering odors can be removed quickly.
During late Spring or Summer, residents of the suburbs with large backyards get enough space to dry the mattress. Even if you live in an apartment with a balcony that gets a lot of direct sunlight, leaving the cleaned mattress there should get it dried completely.
In the absence of sunlight access, a hand dryer can also get the job done. Just make sure to choose a low-heat setting to eliminate the risk of damaging the mattress.
4. Plastic Storage Bags
Once the latex mattress dries up completely, it is time to place it in a plastic storage bag. These bags come in different sizes so it is up to you to choose one that can completely cover your mattress’s dimensions.
We recommend ordering a waterproof plastic storage bag if possible. Especially if you live in an apartment or home that floods up easily. Do not forget to wrap duct tape around the plastic cover to ensure little chance of moisture getting into the mattress.
Wrapping up your mattress in a plastic cover also offers protection against dust, dirt, molds, and mildew which may also be a source of stains during transportation or storage.
The CalmNite Extra Thick Mattress Storage Bags from Amazon makes moving and transportation easier. The Adhesive seal keeps the mattress secure and can offer protection for furniture and other household items as well.
5. Place in An Attic, Basement, or Store Bedroom
Congratulations on a clean and dry latex mattress that is firmly wrapped and ready for storage. It is time to decide which area of the house to store it. The majority of consumers store their mattresses in their attics, basements, and spare bedrooms.
Wherever you choose, make sure it is completely clean, airy, and dry. Additionally, do not forget to clean whichever part of the home your latex mattress is being stored periodically.
Also, be sure to check up the storage area a few times each week to ensure everything is working well. Any signs of water spills or moisture should be wiped dry right away.
6. Store Flat
A huge mistake many consumers make when storing latex mattresses is to place them on the side. It usually happens in situations where there’s a lack of adequate space but this can cause significant wear and tear on the mattress.
Thanks to the effects of gravity, mattresses stored on the side typically become distorted with uneven edges and surfaces. Leaving a latex model on the side for a few days may not be a big deal but if you intend to put it in storage for months or even years, it is important to store flat.
Latex should be placed on a raised frame or cushion of some sort if possible.
7. Avoid Stacking Up Any Load On The Mattress
The temptation to stack other items on your latex mattress during storage can be high for those with limited space. However, this may backfire spectacularly by causing dips and sags in the mattress resulting in limited sleeping comforts.
Instead, the aim should be to keep the mattress free of everything including books, boxes, and bags. Any items should be placed underneath so the mattress is rather stacked up on top.
8. Temperature Control
Keeping latex mattresses dry during storage is one of the most important moves you can make. This is why proper measures should always be put in place to limit the risk of molds and mildew forming on the mattress.
A temperature-controlled storage unit can be your best bet to keeping the mattress in mint condition after storage for several months or years. However, they can be quite expensive which is why keeping your mattress stored in a spare bedroom or another part of the main house can work well too.
Have you read the article we wrote on the 19 Ways To Keep Your Body and Your Bedroom Cool Without AC? Click the link for some insane tried and tested hacks for keeping cool.
How To Find A Storage Unit For Your Mattress
Do you live in an apartment or home with so little space that storing a mattress internally is not possible? A storage unit may be your best bet to keeping the mattress safe and secure until the next time it becomes useful.
If you live near a major city or town, chances are there are a few storage unit rental places around. Here’s a step by step instruction for finding the perfect storage unit for mattresses.
Google It: It is no secret that Google can be your best buddy when searching for any service. A quick search with queries such as “storage rentals near me” should provide a list of businesses close by that offer those services.
Make A List: It is time to make a list of the storage rental places Google came up with. Some of these businesses may have websites that can be visited to find out more details about their services including operating hours and rental fees.
Contact them: The next step is to contact a few of the ones you prefer and talk to them about their rental rates as well as additional services on offer such as climate-controlled storage.
Transport the Mattress: Once you settle on the preferred storage facility, go ahead and transport the mattress making sure the storage bag wrapped around it is intact by the time you arrive.
Inspect the rented storage unit thoroughly to make sure everything looks good before leaving.
Check Up On It: Do not forget to check up on your latex mattress regularly after putting it in storage. This can ensure the mattress maintains its shape and appearance for as long as possible.
Conclusion
Here’s everything you need to know about how to store latex mattresses for either short or long periods. Always make sure the mattress is properly cleaned and dried before putting it into storage.
Sure, leaving the mattress alone for a few days in an airy room can get it completely dried. But never underestimate the power of the sun’s rays for not only drying up the mattress but removing any odors and killing allergens and mold spores.