How to Store a Mattress Topper

Mattress topper plaid on top of thick mattress

The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 30 mins - 2 hrs
  • Total Time: 1 - 2 days
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0

If your mattress feels a little too firm or soft for your liking, try adding a removable mattress topper instead of buying a whole new mattress. While they’re less expensive than mattresses, mattress toppers can still significantly improve the comfort of your bed. And if you sleep hot, a mattress topper made of breathable materials may cool you down and improve your sleep. Not only that, but mattress toppers can also extend the life of your mattress by smoothing out premature lumps and sags.

You may choose to only bust out your mattress topper when guests visit, or you may end up having to store it away when you move. Either way, store it carefully. Because mattress toppers have such a big impact on the comfort of your sleeping surface, storing them properly is crucial. Here’s the best way to do it.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Vacuum with hose attachment
  • Cloth or scrub brush
  • Protective storage bag

Materials

  • Paper towels
  • Mild detergent or stain remover
  • Baking soda
  • 2 ratchet straps
  • Duct tape

Instructions

Materials and tools to store a mattress topper

The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

  1. Clean and Dry Your Mattress Topper

    First things first—it’s time to clean your mattress topper. Remove all of your bedding, including the sheets and mattress protector, and use the hose attachment on a vacuum to suck up any lingering dust, dirt, and debris on your mattress topper. Vacuum on both sides of the topper, making sure to check for stains or dirt buildup that could damage the topper while it’s stored. 

    Spot clean stains with a mild detergent or stain remover and a cloth or scrub brush and use a paper towel to absorb leftover moisture. If your mattress topper smells funky (don’t worry, it’s normal after regular use), tackle odors with baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda onto the topper, let it sit for an hour, then vacuum it up thoroughly. 

    Air dry your mattress for at least 24 hours after you clean it to make sure it’s completely dry before storing it.

    Tip

    If you live somewhere sunny, feel free to hang your mattress topper to dry on a clothesline outside. The sunlight will help it dry quicker and may even kill more germs.

    Mattress topper cleaned with vacuum hose and brush attachment

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

  2. Roll It Up

    Before moving forward, it’s absolutely essential that your mattress topper is completely dry. Once it is, you can roll it up for storage. Never fold your mattress topper, because it could damage it or cause it to lose its original shape, rendering it useless. Rolling is the best way to store your mattress topper. Plus, it makes the topper a more manageable size for storing in even tight spaces, like the hall closet.

    Have the mattress topper’s storage bag ready before rolling it up. Press down and compress the end of the mattress topper and begin rolling firmly until you reach the other end. If you want to make sure the mattress stays rolled up tightly, secure it with two ratchet straps.

    Orange ratchet strap tightened around rolled up mattress topper

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

  3. Seal Your Mattress Topper in a Storage Bag

    Seal your mattress topper in a protective storage bag to prevent damage and contamination during storage. Use a bag with a vacuum seal, whether that’s the original bag your topper came in or a new vacuum storage bag. 

    Vacuum sealing the bag will save space and protect your mattress topper. Vacuum sealing isn’t completely necessary as long as you use a protective storage bag. (A plastic mattress bag will also work.) If you choose not to vacuum seal the bag, seal it with duct tape to keep the bag closed and the mattress topper rolled neatly.

    Mattress topper wrapped in vacuum sealing bag and sealed with duct tape

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

  4. Store It Somewhere Suitable

    Store your sealed mattress topper in a cool, dry environment to prevent mold or mildew from growing. If possible, do not store your topper anywhere that has the potential to get warm or humid, such as your garage or attic. Ideally, store it inside the house. Some examples of suitable storage spaces include:

    • Closet
    • Under the bed
    • Drawer or cabinet
    • Spare room
    • Climate-controlled storage unit

    If possible, try not to store your mattress topper for more than a few months without unrolling it. Keeping it rolled up for too long could damage the material. We suggest unrolling it and letting it air out while it springs back into its original shape every once in a while, even if you aren’t using it. While you do so, look out for signs of damage and other indicators that you need a new mattress topper.

    Sealed mattress topper placed under yellow velvet bed

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo