Whether you are preparing to move to a new home, setting up a guest room, or simply freeing up some space, you will likely need to place a mattress in storage at some point. Sounds easy enough, doesn't it? Well, not exactly.
After all, a mattress is a very fragile item. Made up of foam, fibers, and other materials, it absorbs moisture much more quickly than you might expect.
This means you'll need to take precautions when storing your old mattress. Let’s find out how to do it right and prevent mold on the seams.
Without wasting any time, we will guide you on resolving your main concern: How to store a mattress without causing mold or damage?
Why Does Mattress Storage Go Wrong So Often?
Humid air is the main issue, as it will stay in the mattress's fibers. All mold needs for growth is a little moisture, and once a mold spore is stuck in a confined area, such as the layers of your bedding, it can grow.
The recommended RH for indoor air is 30-50%, as stated by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
More than 60% is too high and can contribute to the growth of mold. Many people have an extra mattress in their garage (or other basement) that has a high probability of being at least 60% humid all year long.
If you keep a mattress in this way inside a covered area, such as under plastic, you are essentially creating a mold breeding area.
How to Store a Mattress the Right Way: 6 Simple Steps
Step 1. Clean It Thoroughly Before Packing
Do not store a mattress while it is still dirty. Once it is sealed off, it's basically food for mold and bacteria.
The first thing to do is:
● Using an upholstery attachment, vacuum both sides.
● Use just a mild detergent and cold water to remove any stains if they are found.
● Sprinkle baking soda over the surface and leave for several hours, then vacuum again.
● Allow to air dry thoroughly for a minimum of 24 hours prior to wrapping.
Many people fail to dry it. The residual moisture simply remains on the spot when covered.
Step 2. Skip the Perfectly Sealed Plastic Wrap
This one may sound like a contradiction in terms, but plastics aren't necessarily your friend here.
The sealing of the bag prevents moisture loss in the mattress. This moisture is of no use anywhere, and therefore it will become condensation.
If plastic is your only option for a move, unwrap the mattress the moment it reaches its destination instead of leaving it sealed for weeks.
Step 3. Choose a Climate-Controlled Spot
For this one, it's a big factor and more than anything else on this list.
● Do not store in garages, attics, or storage units that have no temperature control.
● The basement is a much riskier place to keep a spare room or closet.
● Make sure the mattress is not against the outside walls, as they tend to trap condensation.
● Use a dehumidifier if the room frequently gets to over 50% humidity.
Step 4. Store It Flat Instead of On Its Side
Standing a mattress upright saves floor space, sure. But it can also cause the internal materials to shift over time, especially in hybrid mattresses with coil layers.
● Foam mattresses can generally be stored flat, or rolled if space is tight
● Hybrid mattresses should be stored flat to protect the coil structure
● If storing on its side is unavoidable, rotate it every few weeks and keep it evenly supported along its length
Step 5. Keep It Off the Ground
Do not use a mattress on a concrete floor, particularly in a basement.
Concrete will retain moisture in the earth, and over time this moisture wicks right into the fabric.
Lift it off the ground at least several inches high using a bed frame, wooden pallets, or plastic risers. This also ensures that air circulates below, reducing condensation.
Step 6. Don't Box It In
Mold requires more than water to thrive; it wants still and stagnant air as well.
● Keep a few inches of space between the mattress and the wall/bed frame on all sides
● Don't stack heavy boxes on top of it!
● If stored in a damp location, monitor it periodically, every few weeks.
How Long Is It Safe to Store a Mattress?
There's no exact expiration date, but here's a general guide:
➔ 1 to 3 months: Low risk, as long as humidity and airflow are under control
➔ 3 to 12 months: Use a breathable cover and check in on it periodically
➔ 1+ years: Only recommended for a space that is truly climate controlled, as foam will begin to lose some support over time with extended storage.
A Mattress That Doesn't Give You Storage Headaches
Here's the honest truth: a bulky, traditional mattress was never really designed to be stored, moved, or tucked away when it's not in use.
That's exactly the problem Popiee set out to solve. Our Tri Folding Mattress folds down into a compact block you can slide under a bed, into a closet, or against a wall, no wrestling required.
And when it's time to use it, it unfolds into a full 6-inch memory foam sleeping surface with a soft, removable cover.
Prefer a full-size bed mattress instead? Queen Hybrid Mattress ships compressed in a box, so it's easier to move, set up, and store between homes than a traditional spring mattress ever could be.
Ready to stop wrestling with mattress storage? Take a look at Popiee's collection and see which one fits your home!
