Mattress toppers are incredibly useful. A single topper can make your mattress feel brand new. Mattress toppers are designed to be placed on top of your old mattress so that your sleeping surface is firmer, more comfortable, and more supportive of all the pressure points in the body.
However, here’s the problem; mattress toppers sometimes need to be put away and stored, so that they stay clean and last longer. But, how does one store a mattress topper in a way that it keeps its shape and doesn’t deteriorate while stored? In the following paragraphs, we’ll take a look at some tips and tricks on how you can store your mattress topper quick and easy. So, let’s get started!
How To Store A Mattress Topper: A Step By Step Guide
What You’ll Need
- Storage, plastic bag (or vacuum-sealed bag)
- Additional protective bag (optional)
- Ratchet straps (two should be enough)
- Heavy-duty duct tape
- A vacuum cleaner (in case of the vacuum-sealed bag)
Step no.1 – Cleaning
Before you decide to store anything away for some time, it is essential you clean it first. The same applies to your mattress topper. Make sure to check the topper for any stains, dust, mold, and other accumulated particles that could contribute to its deterioration while stored. Now, you may wonder how can one exactly clean a mattress topper. Here’s how;
To clean a mattress topper, you will need to;
- Remove all the bedding (sheets, covers, blankets, etc.)
- Vacuum the topper thoroughly on both sides (remove dust, hair, and other particles)
- Spot clean any stains on the toppers (use cleaning solution)
- Address the odor of the topper if any (use baking soda to rub the areas of odor)
- Let the topper completely dry after each cleaning treatment to prevent mold and mildew while it’s stored.
Step no.2 – Rolling
After you’ve cleaned the mattress topper thoroughly, it is time to roll it up. By rolling the topper, you will ensure it doesn’t take much space when stored, and it won’t have any creases that could lead to damage.
Therefore, we don’t recommend folding the topper, because it will surely lose its initial shape, develop creases, and damage the foam. After you roll the topper, make sure to secure the roll using some ratchet straps. The straps are a great way of ensuring the topper will stay rolled inside the storage bag, even if you don’t duct tape or vacuum it properly.
Also Read: Can You Roll Up A Memory Foam Mattress?
Step no. 3 – Placing In The Storage Bag
Once you’ve rolled the mattress topper, make sure to place it in a protective storage bag. If you have the original bag in which you received the topper, you can use it as well, or if you have your mattress bag, it could be useful too.
Either way, it is essential you place the mattress in protective plastic, storage bag that is airtight. Make sure that the storage bag is clean from dust, dirt, and liquids so that it can keep the topper clean and bug-free. If your mattress topper is bigger, you may need some help placing the rolled topper inside the bag.
Step no. 4 – Sealing Or Vacuuming
Image Source: Terry Cralle
Now, depending on what kind of storage bag you’ve used in the previous step, you will;
- Seal the storage bag using heavy-duty duct tape. Together with the ratchet straps, the duct tape should do a good job keeping the storage bag closed and the topper rolled. Try to roll and twist the opening of the bag into a little knot so that you can tape it more easily.
- Vacuum seal the storage bag if you’re using a vacuum-sealed bag. You will do this by attaching the vacuum hose to the valve on the vacuum storage bag. Let the vacuum cleaner suck the air out of the bag, and then quickly close the valve. You can even seal the bag further with tape to prevent any air from coming back inside.
Step no.5 – Finding A Good Storage Place
Finding a proper storage place for your topper is essential. It is important you store it in a dry and cool environment to prevent the development of mold or mildew. So, avoid warm and humid places, where such undesirable particles thrive.
So, where exactly should you store the mattress topper? We recommend you go for a dry and cool area like a closet, bedroom (under the bed for example), on top of a closet, even in a larger spare drawer. Overall, choose dry and cool environments, and climate-controlled rooms.
Avoid storing your topper in the garage, cellar or basement, the attic, and similar places which are often too warm, too cool, or almost always humid. Overall, try to keep the topper indoors, away from moisture, humidity, dirt, and bugs.
Mattress Topper Storing: FAQs
How Long Can I Keep My Mattress Topper Stored?
Mattress toppers shouldn’t be stored for too long. The more they stay rolled up, the higher the chance they’ll develop some kind of foam damage, or might be hard to keep unrolled. Considering such factors, you should unpack your mattress topper every 6 months, or twice a year. Even if you don’t plan on using it, simply unroll it, let it air out a bit, and get into its regular unrolled form.
If you’re using a high-quality memory foam mattress topper, you can unroll it once a year, for example. Such toppers are more resilient and durable and are less likely to develop any lumps or crevices while stored.
Can I Fold The Topper Instead Of Rolling It Up?
Technically, you can fold your mattress topper and store it as such. But, folding will only create foam damage and cause creases in every folding place.
If your topper is to stay folded for several months, for example, the foam will crease and eventually be useless due to lumps, crevices, and overall damage. So, the best way to retain the shape and quality of your topper is by simply rolling it up. It will take less space when rolled, and will ultimately last you longer.
Can I Wrap My Mattress Topper With Saran Wrap?
Sure you can! However, if you want to wrap the topper with saran wrap, make sure to do it after you roll it up. The saran wrap will help you compress the mattress topper and ensure it doesn’t take a lot of storing space.
However, saran wrap can cause some moisture buildup, so make sure to store the topper in a dry and cool environment, to prevent mold and mildew due to moisture buildup. We recommend you use the saran wrap together with the plastic storage bag.
When Is It Time To Simply Buy A New Mattress Topper?
You can’t keep storing your mattress topper forever. Even though storing can help its durability, at one point you’ll have to buy a new topper.
We recommend you consider a new mattress topper the moment you notice significant damage (like spots, holes, tearing, thinning out). If the topper also becomes uncomfortable, loses shape, or isn’t as contouring and supportive as it was, consider getting a new one. Mold and mildew should also be alarming signs that you need to throw the old topper in the trash rather than storing it away.
What We Recommend:
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to properly store your furniture is essential in expanding its durability and preventing damage. Mattress toppers can last long with proper maintenance and storage practices. They can even last up to 5 years if made from high-quality memory foam, so always make sure to invest in a good memory topper. It can go a long way and help you get a good night’s sleep.
