How to Take Care of Your Mattress: Keep It Fresh, Clean, and Supportive

You spend about a third of your life in bed, yet most of us don’t think twice about how to care for the very thing that supports us through it all. A good mattress can transform your sleep, but if you’re not maintaining it properly, it won’t stay that way for long. So, if you’re wondering how to take care of your mattress, you’re already ahead of the curve.

The good news? Mattress care doesn’t need to be complicated. A few easy habits can extend your mattress’s life by years, improve your sleep quality, and even protect your health. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple things you can do right now to keep your mattress clean, comfortable, and long-lasting, whether you’re using memory foam, latex, or something in between.

1. Use a Mattress Protector from Day One

One of the simplest yet most effective things you can do is use a waterproof, breathable mattress protector. It creates a barrier against spills, sweat, dust mites, and bacteria, all of which can damage your mattress over time.

Protectors are especially important for memory foam mattresses, which are more absorbent than traditional spring beds. We recommend pairing our foam and latex models with a washable protector to maintain hygiene and comfort without affecting breathability.

2. Rotate It Regularly

Even if your mattress isn’t flippable (and most modern ones aren’t), rotating it head to foot every 3–6 months helps ensure even wear. Over time, sleeping in the same spot causes it to dip or create a soft zone, especially if you share a bed and one side gets more use.

Whether you’re using a latex or memory foam mattress, rotation keeps the materials evenly compressed and helps preserve the support your body relies on night after night.

3. Keep It Clean with Routine Vacuuming

You should vacuum your mattress after a couple of months to removes dust, skin cells, and allergens that accumulate on the surface. Use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment and go over the top, sides, and even under the mattress if possible.

This is particularly helpful if your allergic or sleep with pets. It’s also a good habit to adopt alongside changing your sheets; think of it as a seasonal refresh for your entire bed setup.

4. Let It Breathe

Every once in a while, take the sheets off and let your mattress breathe for a few hours. This helps release any trapped moisture, especially if you sleep warm or live in a humid environment. If you can, open a window or use a fan to speed up airflow.

Temperature-regulating mattresses, like those made with breathable foam, perform best when they’re given time to air out. This helps prevent mildew or mould from forming under the surface, especially if you sleep directly on the mattress without a protector.

5. Avoid Jumping or Bending

We know it’s tempting to let the kids bounce or bend the mattress while moving. But foam and latex mattresses, in particular, are designed to stay flat and evenly supported. Rough handling can damage the internal layers, shorten the mattress’s lifespan, or void your warranty.

Always move your mattress carefully and make sure it’s supported on a flat, solid foundation, especially for heavier foam models.

6. Watch for Signs of Wear and Act Early

No mattress lasts forever, but regular maintenance makes it easier to spot early signs of wear. If you notice permanent body impressions, sagging edges, or disrupted sleep, it may be time to evaluate whether a new model would serve you better.

That’s why we at Dr. Mattress Store offer 100-night risk-free trials and long warranties to give you peace of mind that your mattress is still doing its job.

A Little Care Goes a Long Way

Learning how to take care of your mattress doesn’t require special equipment or complicated routines. A few simple habits, like rotating, vacuuming, and using a protector, can dramatically extend your mattress’s life and help you sleep more comfortably every night.

Your mattress is a long-term investment for not just sleep, but your health and well-being. So take care of it, and it will take care of you, night after night, year after year. At Dr Mattress Store, we design every mattress with breathable materials, durable construction, and easy-care features to help you sleep better and keep sleeping better for years to come.

Explore our collection today and experience the comfort that’s built to last.