How to Store a Mattress — the Smart Way

Mattresses are an investment worth storing properly. Done incorrectly, a mattress can lose its shape, layers could separate or worse, the material can get moldy. And the last thing you want to find when you retrieve the mattress is mold.

Even if you’re careful, you could unknowingly damage the mattress in storage in ways that make it uncomfortable (or unusable) when you need it again. The cleanliness, the method of storage and storage location all make a difference.

How to Store a Mattress

Ready to learn more about what to do when you need to store your mattress? We've got expert-approved tips to make sure your mattress is put away properly.

Clean the Mattress First

Before sending your mattress into storage, give it a quick reset.

• Vacuum the entire thing. Removing dust, dead skin cells and any debris should be a regular part of your chore routine, but be sure to clean both sides and the edges of the mattress before stowing it away.
• Spot clean. If you see any stains, treat them with a mild detergent mixed with water. An enzyme-based odor remover helps with organic stains and smells.
• Let it air dry. It needs to be completely dry before going into storage. Trapped moisture or dirt can lead to mold growth during storage, especially in spaces without climate control.

Always Use a Storage Bag Designed For Mattresses

Protection from moisture and pests is non-negotiable. “You can purchase a mattress storage bag from moving services like U-Haul or on Amazon,” notes Lorie Silva, executive vice president for Jeffco Fibres, LLC, manufacturer of Evaya Organic Mattresses.

These bags are different from your standard mattress protector. They’re heavy-duty, and designed specifically for mattresses. Not only does a sealed mattress keep your mattress pest-free, but it will prevent humidity from seeping in — which is important if you're storing your mattress in a garage or other space without climate control.

It’s also easy to envision rolling a mattress up when it’s not in use. (After all, many new mattresses arrive vacuum-sealed!) Once unbound from the factory wrap, folding or bending a mattress risks damage to the internal support system.

If you’re considering alternatives, don’t buy a roll of plastic to wrap up the mattress. Regular plastic sheeting from the hardware store could result in trapped condensation against the surface of the mattress.

Choose the Best Location for Storage

“It is best to store in a temperature-controlled environment,” suggests Lorie, but she adds that it’s not mandatory. While it’s true that a temperature-controlled environment prevents extreme heat or cold from breaking down materials, many homeowners have an adequate garage, basement or attic. But remember: The space should be dry and well-ventilated.

Aside from location:

• Keep it flat, if possible. “Keeping the mattress flat is best so the wool and latex layer do not migrate from the coils,” shares Lorie. Once the layers begin to separate, it can result in uncomfortable lumps and uneven support.
• Put it on an elevated surface like a pallet or platform. This position prevents the internal layers from shifting or bunching, and keeps it off the ground.
• If you can’t keep it flat, reinforce the layers. “If you must stand it on its end or side, you want to make sure the comfort layers are secure so they do not bunch up,” she says.
• Don't put anything heavy on top of the mattress. If you do, you risk permanent indentations.

How to Store a Mattress Topper

Mattress toppers are easier to store than full mattresses because they're thinner and more flexible. First, clean your topper the same way you would a mattress. Then, roll it up loosely (if it's memory foam or latex) or fold it gently (if it's down or fiberfill).

Avoid vacuum-seal bags for memory foam toppers. While compression for a short period of time is safe for a brief move, compressing them too tightly isn’t good. An extended period of compression can result in structural damage.

Keep the dry topper in a breathable storage bag or large plastic container with ventilation holes. Ideally, it can live on a dry shelf — not on the floor or in a place prone to moisture.

Can You Store a Mattress Upright?

Sometimes space constraints mean you need to store a mattress on its side or end. As our experts specified, if your mattress is standing upright, make sure the comfort layers are secure so they don’t bunch up.

If you go this route, lean the mattress against a wall at a slight angle rather than standing it completely vertical. Check on it periodically to rotate which end is bearing the weight. Don’t think of this as a long-term storage solution, but it could work in a pinch for a few weeks or months.