A mattress topper can increase the lifespan of your mattress by at least three to five years. If your mattress is too hard or has developed dents, or you do not want to change your mattress right now, you can use a mattress topper.
After all, mattresses can be expensive, and using a mattress topper can help you get the most out of them because it prevents the wear and tear of mattresses over time.
However, there may be times when you would need to store your mattress away. This could happen when you are moving or a guest wants to sleep without the topper.
Although the toppers are not as expensive as a mattress, they still cost a considerable sum. Storing them incorrectly will lead to damage, and your topper may deteriorate faster.
Hence, knowing how to protect your mattress topper correctly can help protect your investment. Or else, you will be quite disappointed when you take your mattress topper out of storage, hoping to get a good night’s sleep, only to find it damaged beyond repair.
Why Should You Use a Mattress Topper With Your Mattress?
The primary reason for using a mattress topper is to sleep more comfortably. However, even if you are completely satisfied with your mattress, using a topper can help you prolong its lifespan.
After all, if you find the most ideal and comfortable mattress, you will want to use it for as long as possible. And a topper is the best way to keep your mattress in good shape for years.
This is because the topper handles most of the wear and tear, and your mattress remains free from dents and damage for extended periods. It protects your mattress from sagging and improves spine alignment, preventing lower back pain.
In addition, if you have a waterproof mattress topper, then it can also protect your mattress from spills and stains. And if you invest in a cooling mattress topper, the gel layer will regulate your body temperature and keep you cool during excessively warm nights.
How to Store a Mattress Topper Correctly?
You must be mindful of some things to store your mattress topper correctly. Following a few steps will help you get the most out of them.
Cleaning the Mattress Topper
Cleaning the mattress topper before storing it is essential. If you were using the mattress topper, it is most likely ridden with sweat, dead skin cells, hair particles, and dust. There could also be some marks from stains and spills.
You must get all of them out before storing them, or there are high chances of bacterial and fungal growth in the topper. As a result, when you bring it out of storage, it could smell awful and have greenish patches on them.
Vacuum Cleaning
To clean the mattress topper, you should first vacuum it thoroughly. That will help you eliminate loose dust particles and dead skin cells. Remove all the bed sheets, top covers, or any other mattress pads you may be using, and only strip it down to the topper to vacuum it. You can toss the rest in the washing machine.
Spot Cleaning
Next, try spot treatment to remove any spills or stains. To do that, you may spray some mild detergent from a spray bottle and use a brush with soft bristles to clean the stain.
Or you may also use lime juice or white vinegar to remove the stains. Blot any excess liquid with a paper towel and leave the topper to dry.
Odor Removal
In the next stage, deodorize your mattress. Take some baking soda and sprinkle it all over the mattress. Let it sit for two hours, and use a vacuum cleaner to draw it all out.
If you still notice any odor from any particular part of the topper, then make a paste of baking soda and vinegar and leave it on for a few hours. Later scrub off the paste, and the odor should be gone.
Air Drying
Air-dry your mattress topper thoroughly before storing it. It would be best if you did it outdoors and your topper also got some sunlight. That would thoroughly disinfect the topper and also get rid of any residual odor.
Rolling the Mattress Topper
Once your mattress topper is completely dry, it is time to roll it. Roll it tightly so your topper does not develop any creases or wrinkles when storing it. Rolling it will also take up less space in your storage.
You may put a wooden stick inside the topper and move around it to properly align the edges and to keep the topper from sagging in the center.
Storing the Mattress Topper
Once the topper is rolled up, it is time to store it away. To do so, you should invest in a vacuum-sealed bag. These bags are designed to keep air and moisture from your precious belongings, especially those prone to bacterial or fungal infestation.
In the absence of a vacuum-sealed bag, you could also wrap the topper up in a big plastic bag and use a vacuum cleaner to suck out all the air. Then you could use duct tape to secure the opening. That will also keep your mattress topper relatively safe and dry.
Or else, you could visit the manufacturer’s website and check if they have any instructions on how to store their mattress topper.
Climate Control
It is vital to store your mattress topper in a dry place. The place should not be dark, damp, or hot. So do not store your mattress topper in a basement that you seldom open or an attic that freezes. An ideal space would be under the bed or above a cupboard in any room with adequate ventilation.
Points to Remember While Storing Your Mattress Topper
While storing your mattress topper, you must be mindful of a few things. Here are some of them.
- Do not fold your mattress topper while storing it. Always roll it before sealing it in the vacuum bag. Or else, the mattress topper may wrinkle or even crack along the lines of the fold and cause irreversible damage.
- Do not store the mattress topper in any place with extreme temperature variations, for example, near an HVAC or a metal cabinet that may face the sunlight. Extreme temperatures often cause the mattress toppers to warp, especially if it is foam.
- Do not keep the mattress toppers stored away for a prolonged period. Try to bring it out and unroll it once every couple of months. This is because the longer you keep your mattress topper rolled up, the harder it will be to straighten it out again. There may also be some dents, depending on how old your topper is.
- Do not store any other heavy object on the topper after storing it. Anything heavy will cause the mattress topper to compress further, and even the best memory foam topper may not bounce back into shape when you are ready to use it again.
FAQ’s
Here are some commonly asked questions to help you understand why you should store your mattress topper properly.
Can damp and dark places damage mattress topper?
Yes, damp and dark places can damage mattress toppers because the chances of mold and fungal infestation increases manifold under these situations. Hence, always try to store your toppers in a clean cupboard in your bedroom or living room that has sufficient ventilation.
Can mattress toppers develop dents like mattresses?
Yes, mattress toppers may develop dents like mattresses as well. That will make it difficult for you to sleep on, defeating the purpose of buying it. Hence, it is important to keep them away from sharp objects while storing them. Make sure your topper is not pushing against any sharp object in the storage or you are not putting something heavy over it.
Are mattress toppers easy to clean?
Yes, mattress toppers are easy to clean and you should disinfect them before storing them. Or else, it may result in odor build up while in storage and can also cause infections and allergies when you try to use them again.
Conclusion
Mattress toppers will change your sleeping experience. The best thing about them is that they can improve your sleep quality if your mattress is not very high-end. Hence, investing in one is worth it, but only if you care for it properly.
Even when your mattress topper is in use, you should vacuum it, clean any stains as soon as possible and put it out in the sun. With adequate care and proper storage, you can extend the lifespan of your mattress topper and your mattress.
