Mattress care guide
A good mattress will give you around 8 years of wear if it is looked after. After investing in such an important item for your home and your health, it really is worth doing your best to keep it in tip-top condition.
Top tips for a new mattress
Unwrap your mattress as soon as you get it home. Leaving a mattress wrapped for too long can eventually lead to mould and rot. Unwrapping also gives a chance for the mattress to be aired to get rid of the chemical smell that most new mattresses have. This smell will disappear after the mattress has been aired for a few days.
Add a mattress topper. These can be an inexpensive way of adding an extra layer of memory foam or cushioning to your mattress for added comfort and more protection.
How to clean a mattress
Our mattress cleaning tips will help to remove mattress stains and keep your mattress fresh.
Remember: whether you have open coil spring, pocket spring or a memory foam mattress, always check the washing instructions.
- If your mattress is stained, use a cloth with mild detergent and warm or cold water. Never soak a mattress
- For simple stains, use a citrus based cleaning agent or diluted washing up liquid in a spray bottle. Cover the area but don’t over wet it and leave for 10 minutes. Then blot with paper towel to remove the excess liquid.
- If your child wets the bed firstly blot the area with a white cloth then apply a small amount of laundry powder directly onto the stain and brush vigorously. If there is still an odour, cover with bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) and rub in. Leave for half an hour then vacuum the area and you should find the soda has lifted the odour. This baking soda method can be used every now again just to freshen your mattress too.
- For bloodstains use the above method but only ever use cold water or the bloodstain will set.
How to care for your mattress
- Airing your mattress daily is a good habit to get into. Just pulling the covers back for 20 minutes each morning (or whenever you wake) allows body moisture to evaporate and means it will last longer.
- Nowadays not all mattresses need turning. However, if the manufacturer advises it, it should be turned over and rotated end-to-end weekly for the first three months. After this period turning and rotating every three or four months is sufficient. This will help the upholstery fillings to settle down more evenly. Some memory foam mattresses need rotating only and have handles, which make this easier to do.
- Don’t allow children or pets to bounce on mattress. Plus, to keep your mattress at its best, don’t sit on the edge of the bed regularly.
- Use a mattress cover. A washable cover will protect your mattress from spills and stains and will help to keep it in good condition. Anti-allergy covers are also available for those that suffer with dust mite allergies.
- Vacuum your mattress and base regularly to keep it free of dust and dust mites. Always use the brush attachment on your cleaner otherwise you risk dislodging the fillings in your mattress.
- Add a mattress topper. These can be an inexpensive way of adding an extra layer of memory foam or cushioning to your mattress for added comfort and more protection.
What are the best tips to care for your mattress?
DO
Vacuum mattress and bed base regularly
Air the mattress for 20 mins a day
Only use cold water on blood stains
Use a mattress topper
Rotate/turn if advised
DON'T
Over wet the mattress if attempting to remove stains
Sit on the edge of the mattress regularly
Allow children to bounce on the mattress
Browse our range of mattresses
Even with all the care in the world, there will come a time when your mattress can no longer give you the restful sleep you need.
If that’s the case, why not take a look at our range of mattresses to find one that’s right for you?
If you’re trying to find the perfect mattress but feel you need a bit more guidance, read our mattress buying guide for more advice.
All of our mattresses come with our sleep tight guarantee, so you can rest assured you’ll find both comfort and quality.