A mattress goes bad in storage for three reasons: damp, pressure, and pests. Damp causes mould and a musty smell. Pressure and bad positioning bend the springs or squash the foam. Pests such as moths and bed bugs move into mattresses that are dirty or left uncovered.
You can avoid all three. Clean and dry the mattress, wrap it in a protective cover, lay it flat off the floor, and keep anything heavy off it. This guide covers each step, plus what to do for short and long stays.
How Do You Store a Mattress When Not in Use?
To store a mattress when you are not using it, clean it, let it dry fully, cover it, and keep it flat on a raised surface in a dry room or storage unit. Do not stack heavy items on top, and do not squash it into a tight space.
Follow these steps in order:
- Strip the bed and wash the bedding
- Vacuum the mattress on both sides
- Treat any stains and let the mattress dry
- Put it in a mattress cover or bag
- Lay it flat on a pallet or boards
- Leave it alone, with nothing on top
The sections below explain each step.
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Step 1: Clean the Mattress First
Sweat, skin cells, and crumbs stay in a mattress. In storage they attract dust mites and pests, and the smell gets worse the longer the mattress sits.
Start by vacuuming both sides with the upholstery attachment. Go along the seams and edges, where dust collects.
Then deal with stains:
- Mix a small amount of mild detergent with cold water
- Dab the stain with a cloth, working from the outside in
- Do not soak the mattress, since water sinks into the filling and takes a long time to dry
- Blot with a dry towel
For smells, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the surface, leave it for a few hours, then vacuum it off.
Never use hot water or harsh chemicals on memory foam. They can break the foam down.
Step 2: Let It Dry Completely
Do not put a mattress away damp, even if it feels only slightly moist. Trapped damp is the main cause of mould in stored mattresses.
Leave the mattress in a warm, airy room for at least 24 hours. If you can, stand it near an open window for part of that time, out of direct sun, since strong sunlight can fade fabric and dry out foam. Press your hand into the middle of the mattress. If it feels cool or damp, wait longer.
Step 3: Cover It with the Right Material
A cover keeps dust, dirt, and pests off the mattress. The type of cover makes a difference.
Use a proper mattress storage bag. These are made from thick, tear-resistant material and are designed for this job. A bag with a few small air vents is better for longer stays.
Add a cotton sheet or blanket over the bag. This gives extra protection against scuffs and lets some air move around the mattress.
Seal the bag with strong tape. This stops dust and insects getting in.
A word on plastic. A sealed plastic bag is fine for moving the mattress or for a short stay. For months in storage, damp can build up inside any sealed bag, especially in an unheated unit. If the mattress is going in for a long time, use a breathable cover and check on it now and then.
Step 4: Decide How to Position It
Should a Mattress Be Stored Flat or Upright?
Store a mattress flat. Lying flat spreads the weight evenly across the whole surface, so the springs and foam keep their shape.
Upright storage works for a short time, a few days or a couple of weeks, if you lean the mattress against a wall and make sure it cannot slide or bend. For long stays, upright storage can cause sagging, because the weight pulls the filling downward and puts stress on the support layer.
If you have no choice but to store it upright:
- Keep it fully supported along its whole length
- Do not let it curve or lean at an angle
- Keep it away from other items that could press against it
Do Not Fold or Bend It
Never fold a spring mattress. Folding bends the coils and damages the support layer for good. Memory foam can be rolled for transport, but it should not stay rolled for long. Unroll it as soon as you can.
Step 5: Raise It Off the Floor
Place the mattress on pallets, wooden boards, or a spare bed base. Do not leave it on bare concrete. Cold floors hold moisture, and it rises straight into the mattress.
Leave a small gap between the mattress and the walls so air can move around it.
Step 6: Keep Nothing on Top
Weight on top of a mattress squashes the foam and bends the springs. A few boxes may not look like much, but over months they leave dents that do not come out.
If space is tight, put the mattress at the top of the pile or in its own spot. Never put the mattress at the bottom with furniture above it.
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How to Store a Mattress Short Term vs Long Term
Short term (a few days to a few weeks): A clean, dry mattress in a storage bag, laid flat or leaned upright, is fine. Keep it somewhere dry, such as a spare room or garage that does not get damp.
Long term (three months or more): Choose a dry, clean, well-ventilated unit, ideally climate-controlled. Use a good mattress bag with a cotton cover over it. Lay it flat on a raised surface. Visit every month or two, check for damp or smells, and let it air if you can.
In Leeds, damp winters can make an unheated garage or loft a poor choice for a mattress. A dry, secure storage unit is safer than a shed or garage.
What Happens If You Don’t Wait 24 Hours for Memory Foam?
A memory foam mattress that has been rolled, compressed, or kept in storage needs time to expand and settle back into shape once it is unwrapped. Most makers recommend leaving it for 24 hours, and sometimes up to 72 hours, before you sleep on it.
If you do not wait, a few things can happen:
- The mattress may not reach its full height or shape
- It can feel firmer or uneven in places
- You may notice a stronger smell, since new or compressed foam can give off a gas smell that fades with airing
Sleeping on it early will not usually ruin the mattress, but it may feel odd for the first few days. Give it the full time, keep the room ventilated, and the foam settles on its own.
Will Storing a Mattress Damage It?
Not if you prepare it properly. Most damage comes from avoidable mistakes:
- Storing it dirty or damp. This leads to mould, smells, and stains.
- Folding or squashing it. This bends springs and damages foam.
- Leaving it uncovered. Dust and pests get in.
- Putting it on a bare concrete floor. Damp rises into the mattress.
- Stacking items on top. This leaves dents.
- Storing it in a damp garage or shed. Condensation builds up over winter.
Is 20 Years Too Long to Keep a Mattress?
Yes. A mattress that is 20 years old has almost certainly lost its support. Springs wear out, foam breaks down, and the surface collects dust mites, sweat, and skin cells over time. An old mattress can leave you with back pain and poor sleep.
If you are thinking about storing a very old mattress, ask whether it is worth the weekly storage cost. A new mattress may cost less than a year of storage plus the discomfort of sleeping on a worn-out one.
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What is the Average Lifespan of a Mattress?
Most mattresses last between 7 and 10 years. The exact figure depends on the type, the quality, and how well you look after it.
- Spring (innerspring) mattresses: around 6 to 8 years
- Memory foam mattresses: around 8 to 10 years
- Latex mattresses: often 10 years or more
- Hybrid mattresses: around 8 to 10 years
Signs it is time to replace yours include visible sagging, lumps, noise from the springs, waking up with aches, and allergies that seem worse in bed.
Why are People No Longer Buying Memory Foam Mattresses?
Memory foam is still widely sold, but many buyers have moved toward hybrid and latex mattresses. The common reasons are:
- Heat. Traditional memory foam holds body heat, and some sleepers find it too warm.
- Slow response. The “sinking in” feel makes it harder for some people to change position.
- Smell. New foam can give off an odour that takes days to clear.
- Hybrid options. Mattresses that combine springs with foam layers give support and bounce along with the contouring feel.
Memory foam still suits many people, especially those who want pressure relief. The shift is more about choice than the end of memory foam.
Moving and Storing a Mattress in Leeds
Mattresses are awkward to carry. They bend, catch on door frames, and pick up marks easily. On narrow staircases or in flats with tight corridors, a mattress is easy to damage if you try to move it alone.
Leeds House Removals can collect your mattress, wrap it, and move it into storage or to your new home, all with the same team. If you also have a sofa, bed frame, or wardrobe to store, we can handle those together, so everything is wrapped and moved in one trip.
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FAQs About Storing a Mattress Properly
How long can you store a mattress?
A clean, dry, well-covered mattress can stay in storage for a year or more in a dry unit. In a damp or unheated space, problems can show up within weeks.
Can you store a mattress in a garage?
You can, but only if the garage is dry and does not get cold or damp in winter. Many garages in the UK have condensation problems that can lead to mould. A storage unit is usually safer.
Should you wrap a mattress in plastic for storage?
Use plastic for moving or short stays. For long-term storage, add a breathable cotton cover and check on the mattress regularly, since sealed plastic can trap moisture.
Can you store a mattress on its side?
Only for a short time. For long-term storage, lay the mattress flat so the weight is spread evenly and the filling keeps its shape.
How do you stop a stored mattress from smelling?
Clean it, dry it fully, and sprinkle bicarbonate of soda before you cover it. Use a breathable cover and leave air gaps around it in the unit.
Can you roll a mattress for storage?
Memory foam mattresses can be rolled for transport, but do not leave them rolled for long. Spring mattresses should never be rolled or folded.
How much does it cost to store a mattress in Leeds?
A small unit big enough for a mattress and a few other items often costs around £10 to £25 a week, depending on size and facilities. Ask for a written quote, since prices vary between providers.
Can a removal company store my mattress for me?
Yes. Many removal companies, including Leeds House Removals, offer collection, packing, and storage as one service, so one team handles your mattress from your home to the unit and back.
