A good mattress that is properly maintained should last 10-20 years, depending on the quality of the mattress. The following steps should help prolong the life of your mattress.

Flip Your Mattress Regularly

To prolong the life of your mattress, you should flip the mattress on a regular basis, approximately every three months. Every time you flip your mattress, you should alternate side-to-side flipping with end-to-end flipping.

Believe it or not, there is a right way and wrong way to flip your mattress. For best results, please follow these general guidelines:

1. To prevent injuries to yourself or your mattress, have someone assist you in flipping your mattress.
2. After stripping the bed completely, vacuum the mattress top to remove all dust and debris. Use a small hand vacuum or a brushless attachment to avoid rubbing in the dust.
3. Slip a large garbage bag under the mattress on the side or end that will be flipped under
4. Carefully pull the mattress toward you, until it is on its side.
5. Go to the other side of the mattress and lower the mattress slowly. Do not bend the mattress.
6. Remove the plastic bag and put mattress in place.
7. Vacuum the mattress top before adding the bedding.

Keep Your Mattress Clean

Dirt and debris can build up on your mattress, lowering its life span. Following the guidelines below will help keep your mattress clean. If you have purchased a Mattress Protection Plan, please contact them before trying to clean up the stain yourself.

1. Do not eat or drink in bed.
2. Even though it is tempting at times, do no allow your pets to sleep in bed with you. Pet dander can embed itself in mattresses and stay there forever.
3. Use a mattress pad and wash it in hot, soapy water at least 3 times a year.
4. Vacuum your mattress regularly. We recommend vacuuming every time you flip your mattress (see instructions above).
5. To clean organic liquid spills (urine, vomit, etc.)
1. Blot with a clean dry towel. Apply as much pressure as possible without rubbing the spill (rubbing may cause the spill to absorb deeper into the mattress).
2. When most of the liquid is removed, clean with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and cold water.
3. When the mattress is completely dry, vacuum the entire mattress.
   
6. To clean non-organic spills (food, etc.)
1. Vacuum any crumbs or debris so they don’t get rubbed into mattress during the cleaning process.
2. Using an upholstery cleaner, lightly spray the mattress.
3. Blot the cleaner with a clean, dry towel.
4. When most of the moisture is removed, sprinkle baking soda over the area, which will absorb the moisture and eliminate odors.
5. Be sure to vacuum the mattress when it dries.
   
7. As your mattress ages, it may develop a slight stale smell. To keep your mattress smelling fresh, try the following:
1. Spray the mattress with a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and cold water.
2. Blot dry with a clean, dry towel.
3. When dry, sprinkle baking soda over the mattress.
4. Wait 24 hours and vacuum entire mattress.

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General Mattress Maintenance

Follow these simple steps to protect and prolong the life of your mattress.

1. Change the sheets frequently.
2. Vacuum your mattress regularly.
3. When moving a mattress, be sure to carry it on its side. This will minimize damage to the mattress. Some mattresses have handles, which generally are not strong enough to handle the weight of the mattress; they are made for positioning the mattress, not moving it. Do not use the handles to move the mattress.
4. Do not fold or bend your mattress.

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Consider Purchasing a Mattress Protection Plan

The Guardsman Mattress Protection Plan includes a free mattress pad. Click here for more information on our protection plan.

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