How to Care for the Mattresses at Your Facility

Like most things in life, mattresses don't care for themselves. And because mattress purchases are a significant investment for any camp, college, rescue shelter or government facility, that seems like a pretty good reason to take care of them.

If mattress care isn't something you've given much thought to, you're in the right place.

You've just found your how-to guide for taking care of your mattress.

Cover it.

Protection is key. A durable mattress cover can help your mattress last longer. It can also add life to an old mattress if you're not prepared to buy a new one quite yet.

While mattress covers keep beds a little cleaner in general, our mattress covers are uniquely designed to accomplish this. Here's how our mattress covers differ from the ones you'll find at a retail store:

1. They're made from wipe-to-clean fabrics.
2. They keep microbes and other "yucky stuff" from settling into the core.
3. They're Bed Bug Proof to keep nasty critters from nesting.

Give it a quality base.

Unless you want to deal with mold, rips or warping, we recommend using a mattress with a properly sized spring base for two reasons:

1. It keeps your mattress in good shape. Using just a box spring doesn't cut it. The frame keeps your mattress from literally getting all bent out of shape.
2. It protects your mattress from mold. Putting your mattress on the floor doesn't allow air to flow beneath it. However, while air can't get under the mattress, dampness can, and that's a perfect recipe for mold! If you are using a bed frame, it's still a great idea to air out your mattress as often as possible. Take off the covers, sheets, and blankets, and give them a breath of fresh air!

Clean it.

For waterproof mattresses, a simple wipe-down is the best approach. Unless you want to turn your mattress cover into shreds of vinyl, do not put it in the washing machine. We recommend spraying the mattress with a disinfectant and wiping it with a damp cloth. This is the best way to remove mold or mildew, too. If you decide to clean both sides of your mattress, make sure to air it out afterward.

For quilted, fabric mattresses, using a handheld vacuum offers the easiest approach.

Pro Tip: To remove odors, sprinkle baking soda on the mattress and allow it to sit for a bit before vacuuming it up.

Rotate it.

For even wear, rotate your mattress. There are two ways to rotate your mattress. You a.) flip it and b.) turn it so the end where the pillow was is moved to the end where your feet go. We recommend doing both about every three months or each time your facility transitions from the "off" season to your busy season.

Ask questions.

American Bedding Manufacturers Inc. has the answers to all of your mattress questions. Don't hesitate to contact us at (800) 203-2507.