Storing mattresses and bedding long-term might seem simple. However, when it comes to long-term storage of these essentials, careful planning is important. You will want to make sure that your mattress and bedding remain clean, undamaged and ready for use down the road. The overall goal here is to prevent potential problems like mildew, pests and permanent deformities. With that in mind, here are a few long-term storage tips for mattresses and bedding.
Prepare Your Mattress and Bedding for Proper Storage
Before you store, you need to clean. It’s important to thoroughly clean and inspect your mattress and every bedding item before you commit it all to long-term storage. This should include stripping all bedding, individual sheets, pillowcases and comforters as well as mattress protectors. Simply launder according to your preferences. While you might often use cold water the recommendation here when it comes to long-term storage is to apply hot water instead. This will help to kill off any bacteria, mites or possible allergens.
When it comes to cleaning a mattress, you should vacuum both sides and the edges with a clean upholstery vacuum attachment. You will also want to spot clean any stains using a mild detergent with minimal water. Be sure to let those cleansed areas dry completely before actual storage. However, if you have a memory foam or latex mattress then you are advised to avoid any saturation as moisture can both compromise the foam while also encouraging mold growth. Consult your mattress’ manufacturer for specifics.
Choosing the Right Storage
Next up on our list of long-term storage tips for mattresses and beddings is selecting the ideal storage facility for your items. When it comes to storing mattresses and bedding, the recommendation is to seek out a climate-controlled space. If you choose to keep these items in your home, be sure to avoid areas that lack environmental controls such as attics, basements and garages. These locations are prone to humidity and damaging temperature fluctuations. Hello mold and mildew. Goodbye mattress and bedding.
Another quick long-term storage tip for mattresses and bedding is to keep these items off the floor. Use pallets, storage racks or sturdy cardboard sheets. A little elevation will protect your mattress and bedding from accidental leaks and potential pests. Also, never store these items near chemicals, paints or anything that might have or emit a strong odor. As you may know fabrics have a tendency to absorb odors over time.
Proper Storing Techniques for Long-Term Mattress Storage
When you commit to the long-term storage of your mattress, you will want to make sure that it lies flat and never on a side or standing upright. This will help to keep the structure of your mattress intact. It will also help prevent foam or springs from shifting during long-term storage.
Also, it is recommended that you wrap a mattress in a breathable mattress storage bag. You can also use covers made from cotton if that is a preference. The point here is to be sure to use a material that “breathes” and does not allow moisture to become trapped. Proper ventilation prevents the accumulation of mold.
As mentioned, when possible elevate the mattress. This will also improve circulation. You should also check on the mattress from time to time, especially if it is stored for more than a few months.
How to Store Beddings and Linens Safely
Like mattresses, once your bedding is clean and ready to pack you will want to store them in breathable materials such as cotton bags or plastic bins with lids. If you would like to go the extra mile, you can also consider adding cedar blocks or lavender sachets. This will repel pests such as moths while also keeping your bedding smelling fresh. It’s worth nothing that you will also want to avoid vacuum-sealing bedding when it comes to long-term storage. This procedure can compress and damage some of your bedding’s more delicate fibers.
When it comes to long-term storage tips for mattresses and bedding, pillows are often overlooked. As you may presume, it is important to keep pillows fluffed and dry. You will want to store them in large cotton bags or, again, plastic bins, so long as your pillows are not compressed. For other items such as a duvet or heavier blankets, space-saving bags are helpful but they are not ideal for long-term storage. This is because compression over the course of many months can impact loft and overall comfort.
Retrieving Your Mattress and Bedding from Long-Term Storage
When you retrieve and use your mattress and bedding, be sure to do a thorough inspection of your items for signs of pests, moisture or damage. You will then want to air out your mattress and bedding in a well-ventilated room for several hours before use. If your mattress has been in storage for more than a year, you should allow it to rest flat for 24-28 hours before sleeping on it. This will allow the materials to properly settle while decompression takes place. Bedding and linen should also be washed if you note any discoloration or odor.
In conclusion, long-term storage of mattresses and bedding can be a simple process. However, it does require diligence and attention to detail. There’s more to it than you may think.
To start with, the storage environment is crucial. Make sure that storage devices are breathable so as to prevent moisture from gathering. Maintain regular checks so that you might be aware of any issues before they settle in and become problems.
If you have any other questions about long-term storage tips for mattresses and bedding or if you are in need of a portable storage container, please let us know. Your free quote is just a click or call away.