How To Prolong the Life of Your Mattress: Care Tips

You invested in a nice mattress (and finding the right one is rarely an easy task!). Why not invest in its longevity, too? These mattress care tips will not only preserve your mattress but might even enhance your sleep experience.

by Andrea Norris-McKnight

The lifespan of any mattress is only 7–10 years, but it may be much shorter without proper care. These easy care tips can help you extend the life of your mattress.

Buying a high-quality mattress is an investment in your health, contributing to a good night’s sleep. But whether you spend $200 or $2,000 on your mattress, you want to get your money’s worth and use it for as long as possible.

Proper care is essential to ensure a mattress’s longevity, comfort, and support. Although mattresses only last seven to ten years, that time may be much shorter without proper care. Below are some simple care tips that can prolong the life of your mattress. You should also consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper care tips.

Care Tips for Prolonging the Life of Your Mattress

Some of these tasks may take some time to complete, but it will be well spent if it means getting another year or two out of your mattress.

Provide Proper Support for Your Mattress

Ensure your mattress has adequate support from a bed frame, foundation or box spring. This can help prevent sagging and extend the lifespan of your mattress. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific support requirements.

Also, avoid jumping on the mattress. Jumping or using it for activities for which it wasn’t designed can damage the internal structure and reduce its lifespan.

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Rotate and/or Flip Your Mattress

Rotate your mattress 180 degrees every three to six months to distribute wear and prevent sagging.

If it is “flippable” (double-sided), also flip it every six months. Some modern mattresses are designed to be one-sided and should not be flipped.

Keep It Clean

Perhaps you regularly wash your bedding every week, but how often do you clean your mattress? According to The Spruce, you should vacuum your mattress once a month to remove dust mites or twice a year if you use a dust-proof mattress protector. Consumer Reports also recommends cleaning your mattress at least twice yearly.

Vacuum your mattress using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove dust, allergens and debris. Be careful not to damage the mattress fabric while vacuuming.

Before vacuuming, you may wish to sprinkle the mattress with baking soda. This can help eliminate odors. Allow the baking soda to dry entirely before vacuuming.

Editor’s note: Whenever we recommend using baking soda with a vacuum cleaner, we receive a few emails that baking soda ruins vacuum cleaners. However, many reputable sources state that using baking soda on carpets and mattresses is OK, provided it is done occasionally rather than regularly. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your vacuum.

If you’d rather not use baking soda on your mattress, spray it with diluted white vinegar after vacuuming. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle, lightly mist it over the mattress top and then allow it to dry completely.

Spot Clean as Needed

If you need to clean a stain, use a mild detergent and a damp cloth. Gently dab the stain, avoiding rubbing or scrubbing, as this can damage the mattress fabric.

Allow the mattress to air dry completely before replacing the linens.

Air Out Your Mattress

It can be beneficial to air out your mattress whenever you clean it. Letting your mattress occasionally breathe with all bed linens removed can reduce moisture and odors and the need to use baking soda, vinegar or other deodorizers.

Use a Mattress Protector

A waterproof, breathable mattress protector shields your mattress from spills, stains, allergens and dust mites. Wash the protector regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Take These Simple Steps To Prolong the Life of Your Mattress and Protect Your Investment

By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your mattress and ensure that it provides you with the support and comfort you need for a good night’s sleep.

With proper care, you should be able to get seven to ten years of comfort from your mattress. If you notice significant sagging, loss of support or persistent discomfort, it may be time to invest in a new mattress.

Reviewed March 2024

About the Author

Andrea Norris-McKnight took over as the editor of The Dollar Stretcher and After 50 Finances after working under the site founder and previous editor for almost 15 years. She has also written for Money.com, GOBankingRates.com, HavenLife.com and The Sacramento Bee.