How to Store a Mattress, Box Spring, and Bed Frame

Getting a new mattress can be an exciting time. Maybe you’re upgrading your mattress to one that’s more comfortable and bigger. Or maybe you’re moving in with that special someone.

Either way, before you can buy a new mattress, you need to figure out what you’re going to do with your old one.

Luckily, we did all the homework for you. That’s right. We’re going to show you step-by-step how to clean and store a mattress, box spring, and bed frame.

Because if you value your space, and don’t want to deal with selling your old mattress on Craigslist, you know that keeping it around is not an option.

Schedule a pickup with Clutter now!

5 Reasons Why Properly Storing a Mattress is Important

1.Prevention of Mold and Mildew:

Proper mattress storage, along with a box frame for mattress storage, is crucial to preventing the growth of mold and mildew. These harmful fungi thrive in damp and poorly ventilated environments. Storing your mattress in a dry, cool place with adequate airflow will help keep these issues at bay, preserving the integrity and hygiene of your bed.

2. Maintaining Structural Integrity:

A mattress’s internal structure, including springs and foam layers, can be easily compromised if not stored correctly. Storing your mattress flat on a mattress box frame or bed frame box ensures that the weight is evenly distributed, preventing sagging or bending that could lead to permanent damage.

3. Prolonging Mattress Lifespan:

Proper storage extends the life of your mattress. Using a boxed bed frame or a box frame for a mattress protects it from dust, dirt, and pests that could cause wear and tear over time. Ensuring your mattress is clean and well-protected while in storage will keep it in good condition for future use.

4. Avoiding Unpleasant Odors:

Storing a mattress without proper ventilation or protection can result in unpleasant odors from trapped moisture or exposure to contaminants. Using a box spring with storage or a dedicated storage space ensures that your mattress remains fresh and ready to use when needed.

5. Protecting Against Physical Damage:

A box for bed or storage box springs can shield your mattress from accidental physical damage, such as tears, punctures, or compression marks. This is particularly important when moving or storing for extended periods, as even minor damage can affect comfort and usability.

5 Potential Damages from Incorrect Storage

1. Mold and Mildew Growth:

Your mattress can develop mold and mildew if stored in a damp or humid environment. These cause health issues and permanently damage the mattress materials, leading to costly replacements.

2. Structural Deformation:

Without a bed frame for a box spring and mattress or storing it upright for long periods, the mattress may bend or warp, causing the springs or foam to lose their supportive qualities. This deformation can make the mattress uncomfortable and reduce its lifespan.

3. Pest Infestation:

Improper storage can leave your mattress vulnerable to dust mites, bed bugs, or rodents. These pests can cause significant damage, making the mattress unsanitary and unusable.

4. Odor Absorption:

A mattress stored in a poorly ventilated area or without protection can absorb odors from its surroundings, making it unpleasant to sleep on later. Properly enclosing the mattress in a box spring with storage can help prevent this issue.

5. Surface Damage:

Without protection, a mattress can suffer from surface damage, such as tears, stains, or dirt accumulation. This not only affects its appearance but can also compromise its comfort and hygiene.

5 Tips to Prepare Your Mattress for Storage

1. Clean Thoroughly: Before storing your mattress, clean it thoroughly by vacuuming both sides and spot-cleaning any stains. This helps stop dirt build-up and lowers the chance of mold or mildew.
2. Use a Mattress Cover: Encasing your mattress in a breathable, waterproof cover protects it from dust, moisture, and pests. Avoid plastic covers as they can trap moisture, leading to mold growth.
3. Store Flat: Always store your mattress flat on a mattress box frame or bed frame box to maintain its shape and prevent structural damage. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the mattress during storage.
4. Elevate the Mattress: If possible, elevate the mattress off the ground using a box frame or a bed frame for the box spring and mattress. This improves air circulation and prevents moisture accumulation on the floor.
5. Climate-Controlled Storage: Consider placing your mattress in a climate-controlled storage unit for long-term storage. This ensures that the temperature and humidity are kept at optimal levels, preventing mold, mildew, and other types of damage.

 
By following these preparation tips and using the proper storage methods, including learning how to store a box spring and the best way to store a mattress and box springs, to guarantee the longevity of your mattress for future use, it’s crucial to maintain its excellent condition. Proper storage is essential for keeping your mattress’s comfort, cleanliness, and longevity, whether you are moving, downsizing, or need to free up space.

How To Clean A Mattress, Box Spring, And Bed Frame

Disassemble your bed frame and headboard before cleaning them.

Before you clean your mattress, box spring, and bed frame, we recommend taking apart the bed frame and headboard.

After you’re done, put all the screws, nuts, washers, and other small pieces in a Ziploc bag. Then, tape the bag to your headboard. That way, all the pieces are in one place, which makes moving, storing, and re-assembling your bed frame much easier.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to wash your bedding. Especially if you’re going to use it on your new mattress or put them in storage.

Easily clean your mattress, box spring, and bed frame using things you already have at home.

Once you’ve disassembled your bed frame, separate your mattress from the box spring. If you’re like most people and clean your mattress never, you’re probably wondering:

How the heck do I clean a mattress?

It’s pretty simple actually. Grab your vacuum and use the brushy nozzle to vacuum all the dust, crumbs, and dead skin that’s settled into the mattress.

Next, use an upholstery cleaner like Bissell’s Pet Stain Pretreat for Carpet & Upholstery (recommended by Good Housekeeping) to remove stains and obliterate odors.

Just make sure to do this in a well-ventilated area and let your mattress air out before you put it in storage.

Prefer to go a more natural route?

Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a container of baking soda and sprinkle it on top of your mattress. Give it a good massage, leave it there for an hour, and then vacuum it off.

Learn More: Want more easy cleaning hacks like the one above? Check out our list of 5 insanely easy cleaning hacks that are ridiculously effective.

Though your box spring gets much less direct use than your mattress, you should still vacuum it like you did with your mattress.

Oh, and don’t forget the bed frame. Mix some water with dishwashing liquid, dip a rag into the solution, and then wipe your bed frame with it.

Next, go over your bed frame with a wet cloth, let both of them dry, and that’s it. You’re ready to move on to the next step:

How To Store A Mattress, Box Spring, And Bed Frame: 3 Easy Ways

Protect your mattress, box spring, and bed frame before moving it.

Now that you’ve cleaned your mattress, box spring, and bed frame, the last thing you want to do is to get anything dirty or scuffed up while in transit.

Put your mattress and box spring in separate mattress bags to protect them against dust, dirt, stains, water, and damage while they’re in transit or storage.

To protect your now-disassembled bed frame, wrap the pieces in moving blankets.

Lift and carry your mattress without breaking a sweat.

 

If you’re the Hulk, skip to the next section.

If you’re not the Hulk, skip nothing because you’re going to need help from a friend. And moving straps like Forearm Forklift’s Mattress Mover straps so the both of you can easily lift your mattress, carry it downstairs, and load it into a moving or rental truck without breaking your backs.

Why the emphasis on “moving or rental truck”?

Because tying a mattress to the top of your car is dangerous (Who wants to crash into a flying mattress? Oh right, no one), and you run the risk of bending your mattress beyond repair.

Put your mattress, box spring, and bed frame in storage.

And now for the fun part:

Haul everything to a storage unit. Pack everything into a storage unit. Make sure your mattress lies flat (so the padding and coils don’t settle). Return your rental or moving truck. And then treat your friend to dinner as a “thank you” for taking time out of his/her weekend to help you. Right?

Wrong. We had you for a minute. This is the MakeSpace blog. And with MakeSpace, you haul nothing. You lift nothing. You pack nothing into a storage unit. You rent no truck. And you treat no one (although we do like food).

See for yourself:

 

With MakeSpace, the only thing you actually have to do is follow these four simple steps:

1. Schedule a free pickup
2. Disassemble your bed frame and headboard
3. Wrap your items in their appropriate covering.
4. Relax. We’ll take care of the rest.

We’ll pick up everything, store it in our secure and temperature-regulated storage facility, and create an online photo catalog so you never forget that you stored a full-size mattress, not a twin.

The best part:

When you need your old mattress and bed set back, you can just log into your MakeSpace account, click the items’ photos, and we’ll deliver everything to you. Which gives you more free time to do whatever you want, like anything but visit a self-storage unit.

Schedule a pickup with Clutter now!

Conclusion

In conclusion, properly storing your mattress is essential for preserving its comfort, cleanliness, and longevity. By ensuring your mattress is thoroughly cleaned, protected with a breathable cover, and stored flat on a suitable mattress box frame or bed frame box, you can prevent common issues like mold, mildew, structural damage, and pest infestations. Utilizing climate-controlled storage and elevating the mattress off the ground further enhances its protection. By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your mattress remains in excellent condition, ready to provide a restful night’s sleep whenever needed.

FAQs for how to store a mattress:

Is it advisable to store my mattress in a garage or attic?

It’s generally not recommended to store your mattress in a garage or attic due to the potential for extreme temperatures and humidity. These conditions can lead to mold, mildew, and structural damage. It’s best to store your mattress in a cool, dry, and climate-controlled environment.

Which position is better for storing my mattress: flat or upright?

Storing your mattress flat is the preferred method, as it helps maintain its shape and structural integrity. Storing it upright for long periods can cause the materials inside to shift or compress unevenly, leading to discomfort and reduced lifespan.

Is it safe to stack items on top of my stored mattress?

It’s not advisable to place items on top of your stored mattress, as the added weight can cause it to lose its shape, develop indentations, or damage the internal springs and foam. Keeping the mattress free of heavy objects ensures it stays in good condition.

How frequently should I check on a mattress that’s in storage?

It’s a good idea to check on your stored mattress every few months to ensure it’s in good condition. Look for signs of moisture, mold, or any pests that could have entered the storage space. Regular checks can help you address potential issues before they cause significant damage.

Is it necessary to clean the mattress again after taking it out of storage?

Yes, it’s recommended to clean your mattress after storage to ensure it’s free from dust, odors, or any other contaminants it might have picked up. A thorough vacuuming and spot-cleaning can help refresh the mattress before use.

Top image via GreenHome123

This article was written by Hannah Van Arsdale, a freelance writer and dog person based in Portland, OR.