A good mattress is essential to the overall quality of sleep you get and to your general health and well-being. If you are up all night tossing and turning on a bad mattress, you will feel exhausted, you’ll be more vulnerable to illness, and you’ll experience serious mood swings that will impair your quality of life.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a mattress to get good quality. With the right care and the right selection, even an affordable mattress that you buy from an overstock mattress store can last you for years and give you a great night’s sleep. Start by researching the mattress and the mattress store at which you shop, and then learn about the proper mattress care.

Here are 10 facts about mattress care that you likely didn’t know:

Install It Properly

The foundation for your mattress will have a big impact on its life span. Without proper support, the mattress will wear down more quickly. Make sure you have the right box spring, platform, or bed frame to support the type of mattress you have.

You Need a New Mattress Every 10 Years

No matter how well you take care of your mattress, it will collect dust, dirt, sweat and other debris that will make it heavy and, frankly, a little gross. Over time, the mattress will also sag and start to lose its supportive properties. You must replace your mattress every 10 years to ensure you are getting the same support you need for a good night’s sleep. Replace your mattress even if it looks like it’s “fine” and even if you feel like you’re still sleeping “fine.” You’ll be amazed at the difference a new mattress makes when you get it.

You Must Turn Your Mattress Every 3 Months

Sleeping in the same spot night after night will take its toll on your mattress, as will all the dust and sweat that accumulates on it. By turning the mattress every three months, you help to give your mattress a rest and distribute these forces. The mattress will be able to wear evenly on both sides.

It is important that you remember this when you are mattress shopping. Not all mattresses are able to be flipped, such as those that have a pillow top on only one side. You’ll want to weigh that in your decision-making process to ensure you are getting the best mattress.

You Need to Clean It with a Vacuum

You likely don’t think of your mattress as getting very dirty, other than the sheets and blankets. But dirt, dust and even dead skin can build up on the mattress over time. You can’t take a cloth and cleaner to this or you risk wetting it down and making it stick to the mattress. Instead, you need to use your vacuum and an attachment to get as much of it off as you can. Clean it every three months to keep it as clean as possible.

Clean Stains Promptly

Spilling a drink in bed can leave behind a nasty spill that is more than unsightly. Stains can also attract pests and bacteria that undermine your own health and the health of your mattress. Clean all spills promptly to protect your mattress and yourself.

Let the Mattress Dry Thoroughly

When you do clean spills or do other spot cleaning, make sure the mattress is bone dry before you put the sheets or any other bedding back on it. Otherwise, harmful mold or mildew can grow under the sheets where the moisture is trapped.

Use a Protective Pad

Using a protective pad on the top of the mattress will shield it from spills and stains without you having to worry about cleanup. If you have a mess, just remove the pad and wash it instead of spot cleaning the mattress. Some protective pads also have extra padding, which enhances the comfort of the mattress.

Don’t Dry Clean

Dry cleaning might seem like the best way to handle stains and spills on your mattress, but it’s actually not good for the mattress. Dry cleaning uses some caustic chemicals that can be harmful to the mattress’ materials and to your own health. Stick to over-the-counter products that you find at the store to clean your mattress. If you have a really nasty stain, call in the professionals and ask plenty of questions about the cleaning products they use before they begin.

Don’t Sit on the Edge

The edge of your mattress provides vital support for the whole surface during sleep. If you routinely sit on the edge, you will damage the support. If you must sit on the bed to put on shoes or clothes, sit closer to the center. Better yet, sit on a chair in your room instead.

Getting a great mattress is the best thing you can do to get a good night’s sleep, and properly caring for your mattress is the best way to extend its life span. Arizona Mattress Overstock sells a variety of quality mattresses in different sizes and brands, helping you to get the affordable mattress that you need. Our Arizona staff can also answer all your questions about mattress selection and care, ensuring you get the right mattress for your money. Visit us today to find out why we are the overstock mattress store that Arizona residents trust. We’re ready to help you get the sleep you need.