Mattresses are a huge investment, so you want to extend their lifespan as long as possible. Proper care and maintenance can help to do just that.

Using a mattress protector, rotating and flipping the bed regularly, not eating in bed, keeping it clean, avoiding direct sunlight, and more can all add up to extending your mattress’s lifespan.

Keep It Clean

Conventional wisdom says that you should replace your mattress every seven years but if you take good care of it, it can last much longer.

Use a mattress protector they are inexpensive easy to wash and do wonders for your mattress’s longevity. They keep the mattress clean by absorbing sweat, bodily fluids, dust mites, dead skin cells, pet dander and food crumbs.

Vacuum your mattress regularly with a brush attachment. This removes dust and hair and helps prevent a build-up of mold.

When stains occur, spot clean with enzyme cleaners or a homemade solution made from hydrogen peroxide (3% 10vol) and baking soda (mix in a spray bottle). Both can be found at your local drugstore or supermarket.

Rotate It Regularly

Mattresses are under a lot of pressure every night. Over time, areas that are subjected to the most pressure will begin to sag and lose their shape. Rotating your mattress regularly helps to spread out this stress so that your bed lasts longer.

In addition, it can prevent indentations from forming on one side of your mattress. It also reduces the chances of sagging and lumpiness. While recent innovations in mattress design have mostly removed the need for flipping newer mattresses, rotating yours is an important step to extending its lifespan.

Keep It Free of Allergens

Your mattress has nooks and crannies where dirt, germs, and odors can hide. Dust mites feast on dead skin cells and thrive in humid environments, while mold and mildew can eat away at your mattress’s surface.

If you suffer from allergies or asthma, these contaminants can trigger respiratory problems. Keeping your mattress clean and allergen-free can prevent them from settling in.

Wash your sheets and pillowcases regularly to remove sweat, body oils, and allergens from your bed. You can use a natural solution to deodorize your sheets, such as vinegar or baking soda mixed with a few drops of eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, or lemon essential oil. This will leave your bed with a fresh, calming scent and eliminate odors. You should also invest in a high-quality mattress encasement that can keep moisture, stains and dust mites from entering your mattress.

Avoid Bed Bugs

Conventional wisdom recommends replacing your mattress every seven to 10 years. But a well-maintained mattress can last longer than that if you follow these tips.

Adding a mattress protector is one of the best ways to extend your mattress’s lifespan. It acts as a barrier to sweat, makeup, dirt, dust mites, dead skin cells and other items that could nestle into your mattress and cause damage. It also prevents your mattress from staining, which may void your warranty.

Aerating your mattress is essential to extend its lifespan, too. Moisture encourages mold and mildew, which can be harmful to your health. Check for signs of moisture regularly, including rust-colored spots that may be bed bug blood and black spots that might be droppings. You should also look for molted skin casings, which appear as pale yellow skins that bed bugs shed as they mature.

Keep It in Good Condition

Taking good care of your mattress is essential for extending its lifespan. Routinely cleaning it, rotating it, and using a mattress protector are the best ways to do this.

If you use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment, you can clean the entire surface of your mattress, removing dirt and debris. Wash the mattress cover regularly, as well.

It is a good idea to rotate foam and latex mattresses every three months or so. This will ensure that they wear evenly and prevent certain areas from wearing down faster than others. Do not jump on your bed, either. This will cause the mattress to wear down and could void your warranty. Avoid eating or drinking in bed, too, as food crumbs can attract pests and spilled drinks can soak into the mattress and lead to sagging.