How to store a mattress without ruining it

The best way to store a mattress is clean, dry and sealed in a proper mattress bag, lying flat on a raised, clean surface with nothing heavy on top. Never fold it, and keep it somewhere dry. A mattress that's stored badly can sag, grow mould or pick up smells it never loses, so it's worth getting right.

Clean and dry it first

Whatever is on or in your mattress when it goes into storage will still be there when it comes out, usually worse. Before you bag it:

• Strip the bedding and wash any mattress protector.
• Vacuum both sides and the edges with an upholstery attachment.
• Spot clean stains using as little water as possible.
• Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the surface, leave it for a few hours, then vacuum it off to lift odours.
• Let it air thoroughly. If any part is even slightly damp, wait.

Use a proper mattress bag

A heavy-duty mattress bag keeps dust, dirt and pests off and protects the fabric from snags during the move. You can buy them for every bed size from removals suppliers, DIY shops and most storage stores.

There's one catch. A completely airtight plastic bag can trap moisture if the mattress (or the air inside the bag) isn't dry, which can lead to mould. That's why drying it properly matters so much. Some people prefer breathable fabric mattress covers for long stays. Either way, don't seal a mattress that's even a little damp, and don't vacuum-seal a normal sprung mattress.

Flat or on its side?

Flat is best. Mattresses are designed to spread weight evenly when lying down, and storing one flat lets the filling settle naturally. Lay it on a pallet, a clean bed base or boards so it isn't sitting directly on a concrete floor.

If space means it has to go on its side, that's acceptable for a short time. Stand it on its long edge, keep it upright rather than leaning at an angle, and support it so it can't bow or slump. Check the manufacturer's guidance too, as some brands are specific about this.

Whichever way you store it, don't put boxes or furniture on top. Concentrated weight on one spot causes dents and can damage springs.

Never fold a mattress

Folding a sprung mattress can bend or break the springs and stretch the fabric, and it rarely recovers. Even foam mattresses can crease and lose their shape if folded for long. If a mattress won't fit through a doorway flat, it probably won't fit in a small unit flat either, so plan your storage unit size around it.

The only exception is a mattress specifically sold as folding or roll-up, used as the maker intends.

Memory foam and hybrid mattresses

Memory foam has no springs, but it's heavy, dense and soaks up moisture and smells easily. Keep it flat wherever possible, as long periods on its side can make it sag at the lower end. Don't try to re-roll or vacuum-compress it once it's been unboxed unless the manufacturer says it's safe. Hybrid mattresses (springs plus foam layers) need the same care as both: flat, unfolded and dry.

Damp is the real enemy

Mould is the most common way stored mattresses get ruined. To keep it away:

• Choose a clean, dry unit. Ask the store how they manage damp and ventilation.
• Keep the mattress off the floor and away from the walls so air can move.
• Check on it every few months during long stays if you can.
• Consider moisture absorbers in the unit, placed so they can't leak onto anything.

For bedding and fabrics, an indoor unit in a dry building is usually the safer choice. A well-ventilated container can work, but you'll need to be more careful about condensation. Our guide to container vs indoor storage goes into the differences. If the mattress is going in with a bed frame and sofa, see our guides to storing a sofa and storing furniture during a house move.