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To keep a mattress clean and in shape in storage, air it out and make sure it is completely dry. Then put it in a fitted mattress bag. Lay it flat on a clean, raised surface with nothing heavy on top, unless the maker's care label says otherwise. Don't fold a mattress that isn't made to fold. Don't seal a damp mattress in plastic.
- How do you prepare a mattress before storing it?
- What should you cover it with?
- Should a mattress be stored flat or on its side?
- Does the mattress type change anything?
- How do you move it into the unit without damage?
- What should you do when you take it out?
- Mattress storage checklist
- FAQs
- Sources and notes
A mattress is one of the most awkward things to store. It's big, it soaks up moisture and smells, and it can lose its shape if it's left bent or under a pile of cartons. It's also hard to get properly clean again. A little care before it goes in avoids most of the trouble.
How do you prepare a mattress before storing it?
- Vacuum both sides, including the seams and edges, to remove dust and crumbs.
- Spot-clean stains with a mild cleaner and as little water as you can, following the care label.
- Dry it completely. Leave it in a sunny, airy room or on a covered balcony for several hours, turning it over halfway. In Delhi NCR's humid months this can take longer than you expect.
- Wash the protector, sheets and pillows and pack them separately in a clean carton or vacuum bag.
A mattress that goes in damp is the most common cause of smells and mould later. If you're unsure, give it another day to dry.
What should you cover it with?
| Cover | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Fitted plastic mattress bag | Keeping dust, dirt and pests out | Only use it on a fully dry mattress, because plastic traps moisture |
| Breathable fabric cover | Longer storage where airflow matters | Gives less protection if it gets knocked or dragged |
| Old bedsheet | An extra layer under a bag | Doesn't keep dust out on its own |
Choose a bag that fits your mattress size. A loose bag tears easily when the mattress is carried. Tape the opening shut without wrapping tape around the mattress itself. Our guide to packing materials lists what's useful to have on hand.
Should a mattress be stored flat or on its side?
For a long stay, flat is usually safer. Many makers suggest storing a mattress flat so the filling and springs stay evenly supported. Standing it on its side for a short move or a few weeks is common and saves floor space. Over months, though, the filling can shift. If you do stand it up, keep it straight and well supported, not leaning at an angle.
Whichever way you store it:
- Keep it off the bare floor, on a pallet, clean boards or the bed base.
- Don't put cartons or furniture on top of it.
- Keep it away from sharp furniture edges.
Check your mattress's care label or the maker's website. Their advice takes priority.
Does the mattress type change anything?
Spring mattresses
These are heavy and can lose their shape if bent. Never fold one. Store it flat if you can.
Foam and memory foam
Foam soaks up moisture and smells, so drying and a clean bag matter most here. Some foam mattresses arrived rolled in a box, but that doesn't mean they can be rolled again at home. Follow the maker's advice.
Coir and cotton mattresses
Coir mattresses are firm and fairly stiff. Cotton (gadda) mattresses take in damp easily. Sun them well before storing and check on them if they'll be stored through the monsoon. Folding cotton gaddas is common, but refluff and sun them when you take them out.
How do you move it into the unit without damage?
- Use two people. Don't drag it along the floor.
- Carry it by the handles only if the maker says they're meant for lifting.
- Bag it before it leaves the flat so it stays clean in stairwells and the truck.
- Load it last into the room, flat on top of a sturdy, even base, or on its own space on the floor.
If you're booking a move, our moving partners can arrange pickup and packing. See also protecting furniture during relocation.
What should you do when you take it out?
Unbag it and give it a few hours of air, in the sun if possible. Vacuum it again. If it was stored on its side, lay it flat for a day before sleeping on it so the filling can settle.
Mattress storage checklist
- Vacuumed on both sides and spot-cleaned
- Completely dry before bagging
- Fitted mattress bag, taped closed
- Bedding washed and packed separately
- Raised off the floor on a clean, flat base
- Stored flat where possible, with nothing on top
- Not folded unless the maker allows it
- Care label checked
A note on care labels: mattress materials differ a lot. Your mattress maker's care instructions take priority over the general tips here, and some warranties need you to follow them.
We have private, lockable rooms with 24/7 CCTV in Gurugram, Delhi and Noida, billed month to month. Use the storage calculator to plan a room with enough floor space to lay the mattress flat. For the rest of your furniture, read tips to preserve furniture in storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
For long storage, flat is usually safer because the filling stays evenly supported. Standing it on its side is fine for short periods if it is kept straight and supported. Follow your mattress maker's care label.
Yes, a fitted mattress bag keeps dust and pests out, but only bag a mattress that is completely dry, because plastic traps moisture.
Vacuum it, spot-clean stains, dry it fully in an airy room before bagging, and store it off the floor. Air it again when you take it out.
Don't fold a spring or foam mattress unless the maker says it is designed to fold. Cotton gaddas are often folded, but sun them before and after storage.
No. Weight on top can dent the filling. Keep the mattress clear, or on top of a sturdy flat base instead.
Plan for floor space the size of the mattress if you store it flat. The storage calculator can help you estimate the room size.
Sources and notes
Checked 31 Oct 2026.
- Rooms, CCTV, monthly billing and moving partners: Self Storage India private rooms and household goods storage pages.
- Mattress cleaning, folding and storage position: follow your mattress maker's care label and warranty terms.
