England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland
Interiors
Here’s how long your mattress should last if you look after it
Whether you've just bought a new mattress or looking to extend the lifespan of your current one, here's how to maintain a comfortable and hygienic mattress.
Lydia Lloyd, Homeware Textiles Designer at M&S Home, shares her top tips on keeping a mattress in
tip-top condition.
Marks & Spencer
You've never flipped your mattress
“Whether you need to turn your mattress depends on the type you have. In general, sprung mattresses should be rotated and turned weekly for the first three months, then once every three to four months as this helps the filling to settle. Not only that, but it means general wear and tear will be distributed across the mattress evenly. Memory foam mattresses, however, are commonly designed for only one side to be slept on and, therefore should not be turned. Instead, make sure to rotate these end-to-end every few weeks to allow the mattress to wear evenly.”
Your mattress needs to breathe, don't always make your bed
“While it can be tempting to make your bed straight away, it’s recommended to let your mattress and bedding breathe in between use, as this helps to reduce the chance of dust mites. To let the bed air, throw your duvet back for half an hour each morning so that any moisture or natural build-up of allergens disperse. It’s also recommended to change and wash your bedsheets weekly on a hot wash over 60 degrees to kill any bacteria.”
Yes - your mattress does need a deep clean
“While mattress protectors and toppers help to protect your mattress from stains, they don’t prevent dust mites and other allergens. To keep your mattress fresh, clean it every six months, using the change in seasons as a simple reminder. Use an upholstery attachment on your vacuum to go over the entire mattress, making sure to not forget the sides. Pay extra attention to the seams and use the smaller attachment to get any hidden dirt. For any stains, it’s important to make sure you’re not soaking your mattress with water as certain mattresses, like memory foam, are not designed to get wet. Instead, use a spot-cleaning approach and blot marks with a stain-removal solution.”
Marks & Spencer
Mattress protectors are very important
“Once you’ve cleaned your mattress, it’s important to make sure the right fittings are paired with it to keep it in good condition. Sit a mattress protector on top of the mattress, but beneath the bed sheets, to help protect it from spills, dirt, moisture and other general wear and tear. Layer with a fitted sheet to keep dust at bay, to help keep the area clean. It’s important to make sure to replace your mattress topper every one to two years, to help your mattress last longer.”
A mattress should last you six to eight years
“While it can be tempting to repair mattresses, there are some clear signs it’s time to update yours. If you’re waking up achy, you find yourself rolling into the centre of the mattress or it’s making a noise, it might be time to consider changing. Whether you have a king size mattress, double or single mattress, aim to replace it every six to eight years, to make sure it’s offering the best support.”
