Do you know the cost of buying a mattress for a double-bed in Pakistan? If you are looking for affordable options, buying a mattress will cost you around PKR 20,000 at the very least. On the other, the lowest price for a high-end mattress with cooling gel and other modern technologies is around PKR 70,000. Since it is one of the household items you must splurge on to ensure a comfortable sleep and prevent backaches, purchasing a mattress is similar to making an investment. Therefore, to make sure your investment lasts for more than 10 years, which is the standard industry warranty on this product, we have put together some tips to make your mattress last longer.
Are you wondering how long does a mattress last?
- Typically, a mattress lasts between 8 to 10 years
- Though with proper mattress maintenance, it can last between 12 to 15 years, or even longer
The lifespan of your mattress depends largely on its type, firmness, materials used, and usage. However, choosing the right mattress for your bedroom is not the end of the story. Proper maintenance and cleanliness are considered the best ways to make a mattress last longer. Taking proper care of the mattress will not only increase its lifespan but also keep you healthy for a long time.
Easy Tips to Make Your Mattress Last Longer
Here are some ways to make a mattress last longer in your home.
- A mattress should be properly supported
- Use a mattress protector
- Avoid eating in bed
- Wash bed sheets regularly
- Get a separate bed for pets
- Rotate the mattress every six months
- Forbid jumping on the bed
- Look out for bed bugs
- Put the mattress under the sun
- Clean it thoroughly
Let’s take a deeper look at these tips on how to extend the life of your mattress.
Mattress Should Be Properly Supported
Your mattress won’t last long without the right kind of support.
While you are not required to buy a matching bedframe and mattress, it is important to check with the manufacturer for recommendations. If a mattress doesn’t have firm and solid support, it might lose its shape within a few years.
A bed frame should be designed to support the weight of the sleeper as well as different types of mattresses. Therefore, double, queen and king-sized beds should always have centre support bars whereas some platform beds may also require wide slats for extra support.
You can find out more about different types of beds in our detailed guide on the topic.
Use a Mattress Protector
Have you ever tried using a mattress stain protector?
A mattress protector is a fitted cover that is not only waterproof but also resists stains and keeps dust, dirt and other debris from settling into the bed. It also guards your mattress against spills and other types of damage, prevents sweat and skin oils from soaking into the material and prevents the buildup of dust mites and other allergens.
Using a good-quality protector is one of the best tips to extend the lifespan of the mattress. These covers are comfortable, available in a wide range of colours, easy to wash and rather affordable.
Avoid Eating In Bed
This one goes without saying. If you are looking for ways to make a mattress last longer, keep food and drinks as far away from it as possible.
It can be tempting to have breakfast in bed on a weekend or eat popcorn while watching movies but remember that no matter how many times you clean the mattress, small crumbs can easily find their way under the sheet and into the layers of your mattress. Similarly, tea and other beverages may also spill and cause damage to your mattress.
Wash Bed Sheets Regularly
Washing your bedding on a regular basis is also one of the most effective tips to make your mattress last longer.
Dead skin cells, fallen hair, sweat, food crumbs, pet dander and other sorts of microscopic debris can make your bed a breeding ground for different bacteria and dust mites. Not changing your bed sheets for a long period can lead to dust and grime entering the layers of your mattress, which can be bad for your health.
Therefore, experts recommend washing bed sheets, pillow covers, blankets and mattress protectors every two weeks or so.
Get a Separate Bed for Pets
Keeping your pets from sleeping with you in the same bed is also one of the most widely-recommended tips to extend the mattress’ life.
Regardless of how well-groomed your pet might be, they will still shed hair, cells and dander on your mattress every time they walk on your bed. Drool can also ruin a perfectly good mattress. So, if you have a furry friend roaming around your house, make sure to get them their own designated bed so that your mattress can last a little longer.
Rotate the Mattress Every Six Months
All sizes, styles and types of mattresses should be rotated every six months or so. Although some manufacturers deem this practice unnecessary, rotating your mattress actually adds to its longevity. It keeps the mattress from softening and promotes even wear.
A rotation means switching the position of your mattress a full 180 degree from head to foot.
Forbid Jumping on the Bed
Children love jumping on the bed. Though it may seem fun, this activity can damage your mattress beyond repair. Jumping on the bed can ruin the foam of your mattress along with loosening the frame boards and affecting the foundations.
If you want to make your expensive mattress last at least a decade, take steps to forbid all the children in your house from jumping on the bed.
Meanwhile, you can also take a look at our guide on picking the perfect mattress for your kids.
Look Out for Bed Bugs
Bedbugs are the biggest enemy of your mattress, so you need to keep an eye out for any signs of these critters. Much like other pests, it’s difficult to get rid of bed bugs once they infiltrate your home.
You can also invest in bed bug-proof mattress covers to make your mattress impenetrable. These covers are slightly different from the regular mattress stain protectors. In case you are wondering ‘can bed bugs go through a plastic mattress cover?’ the answer is no. Quality plastic covers can prevent bugs from penetrating the surface and ruining the mattress underneath.
Put the Mattress under the Sun
To increase the lifespan of your mattress, consider taking off its protective cover and putting it under the sun for a few hours. Do this every month or two to air out the bed and prevent any moisture from seeping into the material. This is one of the best tips to make your mattress last longer as exposure to the sun can also help keep dust mites at bay.
Clean It Thoroughly
Lastly but most importantly, you must clean all the mattresses in your to maintain a hygienic and healthy environment. Make sure to follow the manufacturers’ instructions while cleaning them and only use recommended products to get the job done.
The easiest way to clean a mattress is to strip off the bed sheets and use a vacuum cleaner to remove all the dirt and debris embedded within the material. Do this every month or two to keep the mattress free of dust and bacteria. In case you notice any stains, use a solution of water and mild soap to remove them.
This brings an end to our guide on how to extend the life of your mattress.
If you have more tips to make your mattress last longer, feel free to share them with us by dropping an email at blog@zameen.com. On the other hand, if you have recently moved homes or are planning to redecorate your room, don’t forget to take a look at the cost of decorating a bedroom.
For more home décor tips and tricks, stay connected to Zameen Blog – the best lifestyle and property blog in Pakistan. You can also subscribe to the Zameen Newsletter and Facebook page to receive the latest updates on the real estate trends in the country.
