It's entirely possible that your mattress will be the most expensive of all the furnishings your purchase for your home. If you think about it, that actually makes a lot of sense: you spend the most time there! With all that money invested into an expensive mattress, it's important to take the time and effort necessary to be sure that the place where you lay your head each night remains as pristine as the day your purchased it. Read the following for instructions on how to make that reality.
The most basic instruction to follow for keeping your mattress in great shape is making sure to flip it once every six months. The manufacturer of the specific model of mattress that you purchase may advise you to flip it more frequently. It's important to follow these instructions carefully, because failure to do so might lead to the voiding of your warranty. If you have a queen or king size mattress, it's very possible that it will take two people to complete this task.
You should also purchase some kind of cover to protect your mattress. This doesn't have to be a tacky plastic wrapping. Instead, buy a soft cotton cover that is easily washable in a machine. This additional layer of protection will help keep your mattress free of stains for as long as you own it. That's important if you ever think about reselling your mattress to generate funds for purchasing a new one. You may also want to consider buying a foam or latex pad. This will make your mattress much more comfortable while also doing wonders to keep the surface clean.
You may also want to set up some rules regarding the mattresses in your home. Don't let children bring drinks or food onto their mattresses and it's likely that they'll remain clean for much longer. Even though it's a classic childhood activity, you should also forbid your children from jumping on the mattress, as this can easily break the springs inside. Perhaps consider purchasing a trampoline instead.
You also need to stay vigilant and make sure to remove dust when it begins to pile up on your mattress. Using the upholstery attachment of your vacuum, gently run it over the surface of the mattress, making sure to pay special attention to the spots that really need it. This is especially important if your children or spouse have an allergy to dust mites.
If your mattress does become stained, use a mild detergent to blot out the spot. It's important to limit the area you're treating to only the affected spot, because mattresses take quite a long time to dry. The quickest way to dry out your mattress is to bring it outside into the direct sunlight. The sun will dry out the entire mattress much quicker than if you leave it inside to dry. If you live in an apartment building and this isn't possible, blow a fan across the surface of the mattress to quickly dry it.