A quality mattress is one of the most important investments you'll make for your home. At Smitty's Furniture, we've been helping Canadian families find the perfect sleep solutions for over 75 years, and we know that with proper care, a good mattress can provide comfortable, restorative sleep for years to come.
Whether you've recently purchased a new mattress from us or you're looking to maximize the life of your current one, these practical tips will help you protect your investment and ensure many years of quality sleep.
Best Ways to Care for Your Mattress
1. Rotate Your Mattress Regularly
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to extend your mattress's lifespan is regular rotation. Most mattresses benefit from being rotated 180 degrees every three to six months. This practice helps distribute wear evenly across the surface, preventing permanent body impressions and sagging in specific areas.
For couples, this is especially important since you likely sleep in the same spots night after night. By rotating your mattress, you're essentially giving different areas a chance to recover and maintain their support properties. Mark your calendar or set a reminder – many people find it helpful to rotate their mattress when they change their clocks for daylight saving time.
2. Invest in a Quality Mattress Protector
Think of a mattress protector as insurance for your sleep investment. A good protector creates a barrier against spills, sweat, dust mites, and other allergens that can penetrate your mattress over time. This is particularly important because most mattress warranties become void if there are stains or moisture damage.
Look for a protector that's waterproof yet breathable, allowing air circulation while keeping liquids out. Modern protectors are designed to be virtually unnoticeable under your sheets, so you won't sacrifice comfort for protection. It's a small investment that can significantly extend your mattress's life and maintain its warranty coverage.
3. Give Your Pets Their Own Sleeping Space
We love our furry family members, but sharing your bed with pets can accelerate mattress wear. Pet hair, dander, oils, and the occasional accident can all take a toll on your mattress. Additionally, pets' claws can cause small tears in the fabric, and their movements throughout the night can create uneven wear patterns.
Consider setting up a comfortable bed for your pet nearby. Many pets actually sleep better in their own space once they adjust to the routine. If you do allow pets on the bed occasionally, ensure they're clean and consider using an additional protective layer during their visits.
4. Maintain Clean Bedding
Regular washing of your sheets, pillowcases, and other bedding isn't just about hygiene – it's about mattress longevity, too. Body oils, sweat, and dead skin cells can work their way through your sheets and into your mattress if bedding isn't washed frequently enough.
Aim to wash your bedding weekly in hot water to eliminate dust mites and bacteria. Don't forget about your pillows and duvet covers, which should be cleaned regularly according to their care instructions. Clean bedding creates a healthier sleep environment and reduces the amount of contaminants that reach your mattress.
5. Let Your Mattress Breathe
Proper ventilation is crucial for mattress health. When you make your bed immediately after waking up, you're trapping moisture and heat that your body released during the night. Instead, pull back your covers for 15-30 minutes each morning to allow air circulation.
This simple practice helps moisture evaporate and prevents the buildup of humidity that can lead to mold, mildew, and dust mite proliferation. If possible, occasionally remove all bedding and let your mattress air out for a few hours. Good ventilation also helps maintain the integrity of the materials inside your mattress.
6. Keep it Clean with Regular Maintenance
Even with a protector, your mattress benefits from regular cleaning. Vacuum your mattress monthly using your vacuum's upholstery attachment, paying special attention to seams and crevices where dust and debris can accumulate.
For spot cleaning, use a mild detergent mixed with water and gently blot (don't rub) any stains. Work from the outside of the stain toward the centre to prevent spreading. Always allow the area to dry completely before replacing bedding. For deeper cleaning, consider professional mattress cleaning services annually, especially if you have allergies or respiratory issues.
7. Support Your Investment with a Quality Bed Frame
Your mattress is only as good as what's supporting it. A sturdy, well-constructed bed frame is essential for maintaining your mattress's structural integrity and ensuring even support across the entire surface.
At Smitty's Furniture, we often see customers focus solely on finding the perfect mattress while overlooking the importance of proper support. A quality bed frame with adequate centre support (especially for queen and king sizes) prevents sagging and premature wear. Whether you prefer a traditional wooden frame, a modern platform bed, or an adjustable base, ensure it's designed to support your mattress type and size properly.
Avoid placing your mattress directly on the floor or on inadequate support systems like box springs in poor condition. The investment in a proper bed frame will pay dividends in mattress longevity and sleep quality.
The Smitty’s Difference
At Smitty's Furniture, we believe in helping our customers make informed decisions about their sleep investments. Our knowledgeable team can guide you through selecting not just the right mattress, but also the proper foundation, protectors, and accessories to ensure you get the most from your purchase.
Whether you visit our Kitchener location or our newer Barrie showroom, you'll find Canadian-made quality mattresses and sleep systems designed to last. We carry trusted brands and stand behind our products because we know that good sleep is essential to good living.
Remember, a well-maintained mattress isn't just about protecting your investment – it's about ensuring you continue to get the restorative sleep your body needs. Sweet dreams start with smart mattress care, and we're here to help you achieve both.