Mattress Care 101: Dos and Don'ts That Extend Comfort and Life

Ever noticed how a mattress that once felt like a fluffy cloud now feels like it's judging your life choices with every squeak? Over time, even the best mattresses lose their bounce, not just from age, but from neglect. Just like a well-loved car or favourite pair of shoes, a mattress needs care. Not complicated rituals or expensive treatments, just good old-fashioned care, some attention to detail, and a few habits worth forming.

And let's be honest, with the kind of heat, humidity, and occasional dust storms many cities throw at us, mattresses bear quite the burden. Factor in the ceiling fan's loyal companionship and the occasional curry spill (it happens!), and it's clear: mattresses in our homes have seen things.

So, how does one return the favour? Simple steps can go a long way. Let's dive into the ultimate guide on mattress care, with a sprinkle of humour, some helpful hacks, and a lot of heart. Your mattress can last much longer with these maintenance tips.

Here's how you can maintain your mattresses the right way with simple tips.
Photo Credit: Pexels

Mattress Maintenance Made Easy: 10 Practical Dos and Don'ts To Live By

1. DO rotate your mattress regularly

Imagine sleeping in the exact same position every night, same pillow, same posture, same pressure. Sounds uncomfortable, right? That's what your mattress feels too. Over time, the areas where your body rests most start to sag, losing support and comfort.

Rotating your mattress, head to foot, every 3-6 months ensures even wear. It's like giving your mattress a mini vacation. If it's a double-sided one (not so common now, but still around), flipping it can double its life. A Sunday morning with music in the background and a quick rotation might just do the trick. Think of it as exercise, for the mattress, not you.

This simple habit helps prevent dips, lumps, and that annoying slope that pulls you into the middle like a human sandwich. Not fun.

Tip: Mark your calendar or set a reminder on your phone. Or better yet, tie it to a festival routine, maybe just after Holi or before Diwali cleaning.

2. DON'T jump on the bed (no matter how tempting it is)

Yes, the bed might look like a trampoline. And after a good news or a power cut comeback at 2 am, jumping in joy is understandable. But resist.

Jumping creates undue pressure on the internal structure of the mattress, especially spring mattresses. Over time, this damages the coils, displaces the padding, and leads to squeaks, sags, or worse, warranty voids.

Children, especially, are tiny daredevils in disguise. But encouraging them to use the floor for their acrobatics can save your mattress years of grief (and your wallet a few thousand rupees). Save the energy for pillow fights or blanket forts instead.

Also, if the bed breaks mid-jump, it's not just the mattress that suffers, hospital bills don't bounce like the bed used to.

3. DO invest in a good mattress protector

Let's be real. Bedsheets can only do so much. Between midnight snacks, toddler accidents, sweat during humid nights, and the occasional tea spill while watching that OTT drama, mattresses go through a lot.

A waterproof, breathable mattress protector is your mattress's best friend. It shields against stains, dust mites, allergens, and spills. Plus, it's washable. That's a win-win.

Investing ₹800–₹1500 in a decent protector can save you ₹30,000 in mattress replacement. Not bad maths, right?

And here's a bonus: a protector keeps your mattress smelling fresher. Nobody wants to lie down on a surface that carries the memory of last monsoon's mould incident.

Invest in a good-quality and reusable mattress cover
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4. DON'T eat in bed (as much as you want to)

That piping hot paratha on a lazy Sunday morning, chai in bed while scrolling reels, or even birthday cake slices, eating in bed feels cosy. But crumbs have a sneaky way of inviting ants, cockroaches, and all things creepy.

Food stains also leave behind smells that can linger. Worse, they attract dust mites. And let's not forget how tough it is to get out turmeric stains. Mattress cleaning is no joke, it's expensive and never as effective as one would hope.

Reserve the bed for rest, reading, and the occasional emotional movie night. For everything else, there's the dining table, or that foldable laptop tray you keep meaning to use.

5. DO clean your mattress regularly

No, not just changing the bedsheets. The mattress itself needs some TLC. Over time, dust, dead skin cells, and allergens settle in. While you can't toss it in the washing machine, you can vacuum it once a month. Use the upholstery attachment for best results.

Every few months, sprinkle baking soda on the surface, let it sit for an hour, then vacuum it off. It neutralises odours and gives a mini-refresh. Bonus points if you add a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda. Lavender, maybe?

Also, airing out the mattress in direct sunlight, especially during the cooler months, helps kill bacteria and freshen it up. Think of it as the mattress version of a spa day.

Also Read: Upgrade Your Sleep: Mattresses Under ₹15,000 That Relieve Back Pain

6. DON'T ignore stains or spills

Spilled tea? A bit of dal? It happens. But the key is to act fast. Blot the stain, don't rub. Use a mild solution of soap and water, or a mix of vinegar and baking soda for tougher marks.

Leaving stains unattended not only sets them permanently but can also lead to mould or unpleasant smells, especially in our humidity. And the longer they stay, the harder they are to remove.

Avoid using harsh chemicals. They can damage the fabric and affect your skin too, especially if you sleep without a top sheet in summer.

Always dry the area thoroughly. A wet mattress is a playground for bacteria, and nobody wants bedtime to smell like a forgotten dish in the fridge.

Don't ignore stains and spills on your mattress, and gently blot them to remove them effectively
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7. DO support your mattress with a strong bed base

The base matters. Just like a good dish needs the right vessel, a mattress needs the right foundation. A sagging or creaky bedframe not only affects comfort but also the structural integrity of the mattress.

Ensure the bed slats are close enough (about 2–3 inches apart) to support the mattress evenly. For heavier memory foam or latex options, a solid base is crucial.

Check for loose screws, cracked boards, or termite trouble every six months. A sturdy bed doesn't just support the mattress, it supports your sleep, posture, and peace of mind.

Plus, who wants to wake up in the middle of the night to the sound of a bed giving up under them?

8. DON'T let pets sleep directly on the mattress

Fluffy might be your fur baby, but pet hair, dander, drool, and the occasional muddy paw don't do your mattress any favours. Over time, these can lead to allergies, odours, and hygiene concerns.

If your pet loves sleeping with you (and saying no is impossible), use a separate blanket or designated pet mat on top of the bedsheet. It keeps the fur contained and cleaning easier.

Also, keep their nails trimmed. Sharp claws can tear through bedsheets and even the mattress surface.

Love your pet, protect your mattress. Both can co-exist peacefully, with just a little boundary setting.

9. DO replace your mattress every 7–10 years

Even with the best care, mattresses have a shelf life. After 7–10 years, they start losing their support. Waking up with back pain, uneven surfaces, or just a feeling of not being well-rested are signs it's time.

Newer technologies offer better support, cooling, and even hypoallergenic materials. And honestly, a decade is a good run. Consider it an investment in your health, not an expense.

If budget is tight, watch for festive sales. Many brands offer no-cost EMI options and trial periods. A ₹20,000 mattress over 10 years? That's just ₹5 a day. Cheaper than a cup of chai!

Make sure to replace your mattress once every 10 years
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10. DON'T forget to read the warranty (and actually use it)

Most people toss the warranty card in some drawer, never to be seen again. But it's there for a reason. Most mattresses come with a 5–10 year warranty covering sagging, manufacturing defects, and stitching issues.

Take a few minutes to read it. Understand what voids the warranty, usually stains, damage due to poor support, or misuse.

Register your product if the brand asks you to. And if something feels off early on, raise a complaint. Don't wait till the warranty expires.

It's not being fussy, it's being smart. You paid for it, you deserve every bit of the service.

Products Related To This Article

1. Wakefit ShapeSense Orthopedic Classic Memory Foam Mattress

2. Grassberry Dual Sided HR Foam Mattress

3. Nilkamal SLEEP Lite Dual Comfort 5 Inch Mattress

4. Sleepwell Dual Mattress | Reversible | High Density

5. Kurl-On Orthopedic Mattress

A good night's sleep isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. And at the heart of that lies your mattress. It supports your back, cushions your dreams, and carries you through lazy Sundays and long weekdays. Caring for it isn't just about saving money, it's about valuing your comfort and health.

With a few mindful habits, a bit of discipline, and the occasional baking soda sprinkle, your mattress can remain a cosy haven for years. So fluff those pillows, smooth those sheets, and show your mattress some love, it's earned it. If you are ready for a replacement, you can shop mattresses online and  explore budget-friendly options. 

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.