How to Maintain Your Mattress and Bedding for Longer Life

A quality mattress is an investment in your health, comfort, and daily well-being. Yet many homeowners don’t realize that proper mattress care and bedding maintenance can significantly extend the life of their mattress, sometimes by years. From routine cleaning to correct support, small habits make a big difference.

According to the sleep specialists and home comfort experts at DeWaard & Bode, many premature mattress replacements are caused not by manufacturing issues, but by avoidable wear and improper care. Whether you’ve recently purchased a new mattress or want to protect the one you already own, this guide walks through practical, expert-approved steps to keep your mattress and bedding in top shape.

Homeowners in Bellingham, WA and Burlington, WA, where moisture, seasonal humidity, and temperature changes can impact sleep environments, will especially benefit from these maintenance tips.

 

 

Why Mattress and Bedding Maintenance Matters

Mattresses absorb more than you might expect. Over time, they collect:

• Body oils and sweat

• Dust mites and allergens

• Skin cells

• Moisture from humidity and temperature changes

Without proper care, these elements can break down materials faster, affect sleep hygiene, and reduce comfort. Maintaining both your mattress and bedding helps:

• Extend mattress lifespan

• Preserve comfort and support

• Improve sleep quality

• Protect manufacturer warranties

• Promote a cleaner, healthier sleep environment

 

1. Rotate (and Sometimes Flip) Your Mattress Regularly

One of the simplest and most effective mattress care tips is regular rotation.

Why Rotation Matters

Sleeping in the same position every night causes uneven wear, leading to body impressions and sagging. Rotating the mattress redistributes pressure and helps maintain consistent support.

Expert Recommendation

The DeWaard & Bode team generally recommends:

• Rotating your mattress every 3-6 months

• Flipping only if the mattress is designed to be flipped (many modern mattresses are one-sided)

Rotation is especially important for couples or solo sleepers who favor one side of the bed.

 

2. Use Proper Mattress Support

A mattress is only as good as the surface supporting it. Improper support can void warranties and cause premature sagging.

Support Options That Help Extend Mattress Life

• Solid foundations

• Platform beds

• Slatted bases with proper spacing

• Adjustable bed frames designed for mattress compatibility

According to DeWaard & Bode sleep experts, using the right mattress foundation or adjustable bed frame can add years to your mattress by ensuring even weight distribution and structural stability.

 

3. Protect Your Mattress with a Mattress Protector

If you’re wondering how to clean a mattress, prevention is the first step.

A high-quality mattress protector:

• Shields against spills and stains

• Reduces allergen buildup

• Protects against moisture damage

• Helps preserve warranty coverage

This is especially helpful in homes with children, pets, or allergy-sensitive sleepers. In regions where humidity can fluctuate, moisture protection is even more important.

 

 

4. Clean Your Mattress the Right Way

Regular mattress cleaning improves hygiene and longevity and goes a long way towards extending the life of your mattress and bedding.

Simple Mattress Cleaning Steps

• Vacuum the surface every 3-6 months using an upholstery attachment

• Spot clean stains using a mild detergent and minimal moisture

• Sprinkle baking soda to absorb odors, then vacuum after a few hours

• Avoid soaking the mattress or using harsh chemicals

DeWaard & Bode experts caution against steam cleaning unless recommended by the manufacturer, as excess moisture can damage internal layers.

 

5. Wash Bedding Frequently and Correctly

Your bedding acts as the first line of defense for your mattress.

Best Practices for Bedding Care

• Wash sheets and pillowcases weekly

• Wash mattress pads and protectors monthly

• Follow care labels for temperature and drying instructions

Clean bedding prevents oils, sweat, and allergens from reaching the mattress surface—helping both hygiene and longevity.

 

6. Let Your Mattress Breathe

Moisture buildup is a hidden threat to mattress materials.

How to Improve Airflow

• Pull back blankets each morning to release trapped moisture

• Keep bedroom humidity in check

• Avoid placing mattresses directly on the floor

This is especially relevant for homes in Bellingham and Burlington, where coastal air and seasonal changes can increase indoor humidity levels.

 

7. Avoid Sitting on the Edges Too Often

Repeatedly sitting on the edge of the bed concentrates weight in one area, leading to edge breakdown over time.

Expert Tip

Use chairs or benches for getting dressed when possible, and avoid standing or jumping on the mattress, especially important in guest rooms and children’s bedrooms.

 

8. Maintain Bedding Accessories for Full Support

Your mattress doesn’t work alone. Bedding accessories like pillows, toppers, and bed frames all affect overall comfort and wear.

Replacing worn pillows and toppers helps maintain spinal alignment and prevents unnecessary pressure on the mattress.

 

When Should You Replace a Mattress Anyway?

Even with excellent care, mattresses don’t last forever.

Signs It May Be Time to Replace

• Persistent discomfort or back pain

• Visible sagging or impressions

• Increased allergy symptoms

• Poor sleep quality despite proper care

Most mattresses last 7-10 years, but proper maintenance can help you reach, or even exceed, the upper end of that range.

 

 

Protect Your Sleep Investment with DeWaard & Bode

At DeWaard & Bode, our sleep experts help customers choose the right mattresses, foundations, and accessories, and show them how to care for them properly. Whether you’re upgrading your sleep setup or looking to extend the life of your current mattress, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Contact us or visit one of our appliance stores in Bellingham or Burlington, Washington, to speak with our mattress and bedding experts. For home appliance solutions, ask about our delivery and installation services to ensure your appliances are installed with care and professionalism into your home. 

Related readings from our blog:

• Memory Foam vs. Hybrid Mattresses: Which Is Better for You?

• Which Stearns & Foster Mattress Is the Best?

• When Is the Best Time to Buy a Mattress?

 

FAQs: Mattress Care and Bedding Maintenance

How often should I rotate my mattress?

Most mattresses benefit from rotation every 3-6 months to prevent uneven wear.

What’s the best way to clean a mattress?

Vacuum regularly, spot clean stains with mild detergent, and avoid excessive moisture.

Do mattress protectors really help?

Yes. Mattress protectors significantly reduce stains, moisture damage, and allergen buildup.

Can the wrong bed frame damage my mattress?

Absolutely. Inadequate support can cause sagging and void warranties.

Is mattress care different in humid climates?

Yes. In areas like Bellingham and Burlington, managing moisture and airflow is especially important.