A soft mattress feels like sleeping on a cloud, with its plush, contouring top gently cradling you into a restful, deep sleep. Indulge in this luxury as an investment in your health. In order to keep your soft mattress providing that cloud-like feeling for many years to come, it needs proper care. Without it, even a premium quality soft mattress can sag, lose its shape, and get less comfortable over time.
This manual will help you through all you should know about how to care for your soft mattress. We will touch on regular care, deep cleaning methods, having a good base, and those mistakes to steer clear of. By adhering to these useful tips, you can safeguard your investment and appreciate superior comfort night in and night out.
The Foundation of Soft Mattress Care: Support is Everything
Before we dive into rotating and cleaning, let’s begin with the foundation. A good foundation is important for any mattress, but it’s particularly vital for a soft mattress. Soft mattresses are more pliable and need a firm, even foundation to avoid premature sagging and wear.
Choose the Right Bed Frame and Foundation
A poor or weak foundation is the biggest foe of a soft mattress. No matter how old the box spring is, an antiquated one or a bed with slats set too far apart will not give the uniform support required. In doing so, it will allow the luxurious comfort layers to sag between gaps, creating dips and lumps.
- For Memory Foam or Hybrid Mattresses: A firm platform bed or a slatted base with slats no more than 3 inches apart would be best. This provides even support throughout the whole surface.
- For Traditional Innerspring Mattresses: A newer, supportive box spring is typically what the manufacturer recommends. Ensure that it’s not worn out and sagging itself.
Consult your mattress warranty for particular support needs. Installing the improper foundation not only harms your mattress but could also invalidate your warranty.
Routine Maintenance: The Key to Longevity
Regular, uncomplicated steps can make a vast impact on how long your soft mattress lasts and how well it performs. Including these habits as part of your routine will keep its softness intact.
Rotate Your Mattress Regularly
Body impressions are natural, particularly on a soft mattress where the upper layers are made to mould to your shape. But to ensure that these impressions do not develop into permanent sags, rotation on a regular basis is essential. A turn of 180 degrees (head to foot) makes the wear and tear evenly distributed.
- How frequently? For a new soft mattress, turn it every two weeks for the initial three months. Thereafter, every three to six months is enough.
- A word on flipping: The majority of new soft mattresses, especially layered foam or hybrid mattresses, are constructed from foundation to surface and shouldn’t be flipped. Always refer to the manufacturer’s directions. If it’s not specifically a double-sided mattress, you’ll merely need to rotate it.
Protect It with a High-Quality Mattress Protector
A waterproof mattress protector is a non-negotiable for any mattress, but it’s a godsend for a soft one. The soft, luxurious comfort layers of a soft mattress can be like a sponge, soaking up spills, sweat, and body oils. When these sensitive foams get wet, moisture permeates them and become impossible to fully remove, even with the best cleaning efforts, and become grounds for mold, mildew, and bacteria growth.
A quality protector forms an impenetrable seal against liquids, dust mites, and allergens without affecting the sensation of your mattress. It’s an insignificant investment that provides total protection, ensuring the inside materials remain clean and fresh.
Cleaning Your Soft Mattress: Spills, Stains, and Freshness
Things do go wrong. Learning the best way to clean your soft mattress will keep it from being ruined permanently. The golden rule is to be quick and apply little moisture.
Immediate Spill and Stain Treatment
- Blot, Not Rub: When a spill happens, take a dry, clean cloth or paper towel and gently blot the area. Rubbing only drives the liquid further into the mattress layers.
- Mild Cleaning Solution: Combine a little mild laundry detergent or dish soap with cold water. Gently dampen a clean cloth with the solution and apply the stained area.
- “Rinse” Sparingly: Damp a fresh cloth with plain water and blot the spot again to take away any soap residue.
- Dry Thoroughly: This is the most important step. A soft mattress may take hours to dry because of its thick foam layers. Use a hairdryer on the cool setting, point a fan at the area, or open windows to provide more air flow. Make sure the area is totally dry before placing sheets back on to avoid mold buildup.
Deep Cleaning for a Fresh Feel
As a general refresh, you can deodorize your mattress every few months.
- Remove all bedding and mattress protector from the bed.
- Sprinkle lightly with baking soda on the whole surface of the mattress.
- Allow the baking soda to stand for several hours, or even overnight if you can. It will soak up dampness and odors.
- Vacuum with an upholstery attachment to get all the baking soda out. This also removes hair, dust, and dead skin cells from the surface.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Along with knowing how to take care of your soft mattress is knowing what not to do. Keep these common mistakes in mind and avoid them to prevent damage.
- Never Jump on the Bed: It may be amusing, but jumping on a soft mattress can ruin the foams, fibers, and spring structures. The force of impact can make the layers decompose rapidly.
- Don’t Use Strong Chemicals: Bleach or ammonia, or other cleaners of great strength, can weaken the fine foam and fabric of your mattress. Use only mild soap and water.
- Avoid Folding or Bending: When you’re rolling over your mattress, try not to bend or fold it. Folding or bending could ruin the inner structure, particularly in hybrid or innerspring mattresses.
- Don’t Ignore Airtime: When you’re swapping your sheets, expose the mattress for about an hour or two. This helps evaporate any moisture that might get trapped, keeping it clean.
A Lifetime of Plush Comfort
An ultra-plush mattress is a blissful haven after a long day. By putting it on the proper foundation, shielding it from spills, and doing routine maintenance, you ensure it stays a supportive and comfortable focal point of your bedroom throughout its lifespan. Acquiring the skills to maintain your soft mattress is a minimal effort that rewards you with thousands of nights of sumptuous, restorative sleep.
