How To Store Mattress: Simple Steps to Keep It Fresh and Supportive

If you’re searching for “How To Store Mattress,” you’re likely moving, renovating, or making space and want to keep your mattress in good condition. Proper storage helps protect its shape, comfort, and cleanliness so it’s ready to use when you need it again.

This guide answers the most common questions about how to store a mattress correctly, how long you can store it, and what to avoid.

Why Proper Mattress Storage Matters

A mattress is made of foams, springs, and fabrics that can be damaged by:

  • Moisture and mold
  • Dust, pests, and odors
  • Long-term pressure on one area

Learning how to store mattress properly helps you:

  • Maintain its support and comfort
  • Avoid sagging, warping, or lumpiness
  • Keep it clean and usable for longer

How To Store Mattress Step by Step

1. Clean the Mattress Before Storage

Always clean your mattress before you store it to reduce odors and the risk of mold or pests.

  • Vacuum the entire surface, including sides
  • Spot clean stains with a lightly damp cloth and mild soap
  • Let it dry completely in a well-ventilated area

Storing a damp mattress is one of the fastest ways to cause damage.

2. Use a Protective Cover

A mattress bag or thick mattress cover helps shield against dust, dirt, and moisture.

  • Choose a cover that fully encloses the mattress
  • Seal it as tightly as possible
  • Avoid thin plastic that can tear easily

For long-term storage, some people prefer breathable covers to reduce trapped moisture, especially in humid climates.

3. Store the Mattress Flat When Possible

One of the most important rules in how to store mattress guidance is:
Store it flat and fully supported whenever you can.

  • Lay it on a platform, slats, or clean floor
  • Avoid sharp edges or objects underneath
  • Don’t stack heavy items on top

Storing a mattress on its side for a short move is usually fine, but long-term vertical storage can cause the interior materials to shift or sag.

Can I Store a Mattress Upright or Rolled?

Storing Upright (On Its Side)

  • Short term (a few days to a couple of weeks): Often acceptable, especially during moves
  • Long term (months): May lead to bending, sagging, or misaligned springs

If upright storage is your only option:

  • Place it against a solid wall
  • Make sure it’s fully supported along its height
  • Rotate it slightly every couple of weeks, if accessible

Storing Rolled or Folded

Most traditional mattresses are not designed to be folded for long.

  • Rolling or folding can crack foams, damage coils, or create permanent creases
  • Some compressed or boxed mattresses are manufactured to be rolled once, but they usually should not be re-rolled at home

If you must bend a mattress briefly (for example, to get it through a tight doorway), release it to a flat position as soon as possible.

Where Is the Best Place to Store a Mattress?

Ideal Storage Conditions

The best answer to how to store mattress long term includes choosing the right environment:

  • Dry: Avoid damp basements or areas prone to leaks
  • Cool and stable temperature: Extreme heat or cold can affect foam and fabric
  • Clean: Free from pests, strong odors, and loose debris

Common Storage Locations

  • Spare room: Often the best option; climate-controlled and clean
  • Closet or under a bed (flat): Good for thinner mattresses or toppers
  • Garage or storage unit: Can work if dry and protected, but may require extra precautions like dehumidifiers or raised platforms

How Long Can You Store a Mattress?

There’s no fixed time limit, but the longer a mattress is stored, the more important these factors become:

  • Condition before storage: A newer, undamaged mattress handles storage better
  • Environment: Dry, climate-controlled spaces are safer for long periods
  • Position and support: Flat, evenly supported storage helps maintain structure

If you plan to store a mattress for many months or more, check it periodically for:

  • Any signs of moisture or musty smell
  • Visible sagging or bending
  • Tears or damage to the cover

What Should I Do Before Using a Stored Mattress Again?

When you bring the mattress out of storage:

  1. Remove the cover or bag carefully
  2. Air it out in a well-ventilated room for several hours or a day
  3. Check for odors, stains, or visible damage
  4. Gently vacuum to remove dust before putting on bedding

If the mattress feels uneven, lumpy, or significantly sagged, it may not provide the same comfort or support as before storage.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Store Mattress

  • Clean and dry first: Never store a damp or dirty mattress.
  • Use a full protective cover: Helps block dust, dirt, and pests.
  • Store flat when possible: Best way to avoid sagging or distortion.
  • Avoid long-term upright or folded storage: Can damage internal materials.
  • Choose a dry, stable environment: Moisture and extreme temperatures are hard on mattresses.
  • Don’t stack heavy items on top: Extra weight can compress or deform the mattress.
  • Air out before reuse: Let it breathe and inspect it before sleeping on it again.

Handled with these steps in mind, how to store mattress becomes straightforward, and you give your mattress the best chance to stay comfortable, clean, and ready for future use.