So you think you’ve found the perfect mattress. You’ve given it a lot of thought, and you’ve carefully considered all the factors to ensure that the mattress you have is really the right one for you. It doesn’t end there. Some of the most popular mattress brands include Leesa, Casper, Duxiana, Hastens, and Kluft.
If you want your perfect mattress to last, you will need to care for it properly. And while most of us are aware of the basics of mattress care, there are things that we tend to take for granted and rules that we somehow neglect.
If you’re not sure if you’re doing the right thing in caring for your mattress, the best thing to do is to understand what you shouldn’t be doing. Below are the 10 don’ts of mattress care:
1. Don’t ignore instructions.
Proper installation is the first step to making sure that your mattress will last the test of time.
Improper installation can cause irreversible damage to both your new mattress and its foundation, so it’s better if you have it installed by the professionals. Otherwise, you need to make sure you’re following the step-by-step instructions to the letter.
2. Don’t bend it or fold it.
Never fold your mattress. The only exception is if it’s a special type of mattress that was built to be folded, or if it’s made of material that’s completely soft – like foam.
Folding or bending your mattress especially if it has wire, springs, or a rigid border will surely ruin the material, and you don’t want this to happen.
3. Don’t allow your mattress to get wet.
Getting your mattress wet is a definite no-no, because liquid could cause the compression of some of the upholstery materials. Accidents do happen but they can be prevented, so you should set some rules like no drinking or eating in bed.
You can also invest in a mattress protector especially if it will be used by someone who’s prone to accidents, like a small child for instance.
Even if you’re cleaning a stain, don’t make the mistake of soaking the mattress or its foundation because you will only do more harm than good.
4. Don’t jump on it (or allow your kids to jump on it).
If you’re an active and playful child, it will be very tempting to use the mattress as a trampoline. Never allow this to happen.
For one, jumping on the bed can be dangerous and can cause injuries. Aside from that though, jumping can damage the material inside the mattress or tear the stitching apart.
5. Don’t dry clean.
To clean your mattress, vacuuming is the way to go.
The problem with dry cleaning is that there are chemicals that might be harmful to the fabric and materials, so try not to clean it this way.
6. Don’t put a board between your mattress and its foundation.
Some people commit the mistake of placing a board between the mattress and the foundation, mainly because they think it gives them additional support.
This may be the case initially, but over time, it makes the problem worse. That’s because it interferes with the job of the box spring and ruins the entire dynamics.
7. Don’t underestimate the power of a good mattress pad or protector.
A good quality mattress pad that’s washable will protect your mattress from stains and keep it fresh all the time.
Investing in one is definitely a good decision especially if you’re prone to accidents. Even if you’re not, it’s still a good way to extend the life of your mattress without much effort on your end.
8. Don’t sit on the edge of your mattress.
Your mattress is there for you to sleep on, not to sit on. It may be tempting to use the edge of your mattress as a chair, but this something that is bad for your mattress in the long run.
Sitting on the edges (and doing it all the time) will cause the sides to slope and the mattress shape to change.
9. Don’t remove the tag.
Your mattress tag assures you, the consumer, that you’re buying a product that’s really new and has never been used before.
If you look at that tag closely, it gives you useful information like what it’s made of. It’s not illegal to remove the tag, but keeping it there will help you identify it easily if ever you have a warranty claim.
10. Don’t hesitate to replace it if you think it’s time.
If your mattress is showing signs that it needs to be replaced, don’t hesitate to do so. Say you’ve noticed that it’s sagging more than usual, or it’s been causing you to wake up with all these aches and pains because of the uneven material, lumps, or craters.
You should think no further and just replace it with a new one that can really give you the support you need.
