How to Store Air Mattress: The Ultimate Guide
- By Jessica
- Last Update: Apr 20, 2023
Air mattresses have become an essential item for many people, especially for those who love outdoor adventures like camping. But once you’re back from your trip, what do you do with your air mattress? Do you fold it and stow it away or leave it inflated? Do you store it in the attic or basement?
Storing an air mattress may seem like a straightforward task, but it’s not. Improper storage can lead to leaks, mildew, or even a ruined mattress, and you don’t want to spend money on a new one every time you need to use it.
If you want to ensure the longevity of your air mattress, you need to know how to store it correctly. In this article, we will guide you on the best ways to store your air mattress so that it remains in good condition for your next adventure.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Do Before Storing the Air Mattress
Here is what you need to do before storing the air mattress.
1. Remove Dirt, Dust, and Hair
Since they are made of delicate material, you should practice caution when removing dirt, dust, and hair on your air mattress. You can use clean water and mild soap to clean the air mattress. Dump a clean cloth on the mixture, gently scrub all the stains, dust, and dirt, and allow it to dry.
You can also use a damp cloth to wipe away dirt from the pump and then put it away. If you sense any odor on the air mattress, you can sprinkle baking soda and allow it to stay for some minutes before you vacuum it up. Please, do not allow the rinsing water to accumulate on the mattress since it may cause mold formation.
If your air bed has mold, mix vinegar and water by rubbing over the affected area, rinse it with water, and give your mattress some minutes to dry. Ensure you remove all the dirt, dust, and hair because if left, it can damage and reduce the life cycle of the airbed.
2. Vacuum the Mattress Regularly
It is advisable that if you frequently use your air mattress, then you should vacuum it every month to remove any excess dirt and hair that has accumulated. Vacuuming also helps to remove sticky pet hair and debris. It is also a great way of cleaning your air mattress containing velour tops.
How to Store an Air Mattress Properly?
Storing your air mattress is easy if you do it slowly and accurately. Here is an easy step-by-step guide that you can follow to keep your air bed successfully.
1. Deflate your Air Mattress
Deflating your air mattress is straightforward. First, you must get your bed and lay it on a flat surface free from sharp objects. Ensure you have removed any bedding from the air mattress.
Then locate a valve on the air mattress whose primary function is to release air. Open the valve and allow your air mattress to deflate. Some mattresses usually come with an electric pump to deflate the air bed. So, if yours is one of them, you can take the power cord and fix it in a socket. Locate the control dial, select the deflation mode icon, and switch the pump on. As simple as that, your mattress will begin to deflate.
When deflating is over, you can turn the pump off. Switch the control settings to inflate so you have the right setting for the next time. Remember to unplug the cord from the socket and fix it in its cord compartment.
2. Spread the Mattress
After deflating the mattress and you are sure all the air has come out of your air mattress, you can find a flat surface to spread it.
Ensure there are no sharp objects, hand jewelry, or pet hair that will end up sticking on the mattress. During camping, you can locate a flat area and inspect the surface. If you see any branches, pinecones, or pebbles, kindly pick them out. You can also lay a plastic sheet on the surface to protect your air mattress.
Avoid adding dirt to the airbed at all costs. If you sense, little air is left on the air mattress. You can use your hands to gently iron out the remaining air for it to be completely flat.
3. Fold up the Air Mattress
The next step is to fold up the air mattress. That will be an added advantage if you remember how it was folded up when you bought it. It will help keep the air mattress in good condition for longer and save you space.
Here are different ways you can use to fold your air mattress. Have a look:
Fold and Roll
You can begin by folding it in half lengthwise. Ensure that all the edges are equal and matching. Afterward, flatten the mattress once again. Then roll it gently from one side to the next and ensure the roll is tight enough.
Roll Up
Another way is to roll up your mattress, starting from one end to another and then securing it with straps. You can then put it in a storage sack. Even though this takes some more space, it’s a quick and more straightforward way to roll and unroll your air mattress.
- Fold Only
Under fold only, you start by folding the mattress in half lengthwise and ensure you flatten it out. Finally, you fold it into neat, equal squares that accommodate two folding.
Also See: How to Fold an Air Mattress Like a Pro
4. Packing and Securing the Air Mattress Properly
After finishing the deflating and folding process, it’s time to pack and secure your air mattress. You can use a storage bag or a sack that serves as a carrying bag and storage bag. You can also use a sack built with solid materials to protect your air mattress. A thick plastic bag will also serve you well.
Then Put your folded or rolled mattress into its original box or any other cardboard box you may have. Use duct tape to hold it firmly in place. Do not store your air mattress directly on the floor since it may damage the mattress in case of floods or leaks. If the air bed is in an excellent protective container, you can put other light things on top.
Please remember to inspect the storage room. Ensure it is not wet, and the room temperature should be constant. Avoid rooms with zero temperatures in winter and 110F in summer. These temperatures can damage your air mattress, especially if it is made of a plastic base such as PVC or Vinyl.
If you store your mattress without using a container, fix it away from sharp edges and any other objects that might fall on the air bed and cause damage.
Tips About Storing an Air Mattress on a Flat Surface
Here are several tips you can maximize when storing your air mattress on a flat surface.
Find a Suitable Place to Store
Before you store your air mattress, you must locate a safe surface with a suitable room temperature. Avoid placing the mattress on surfaces full of pointed objects or stones. You can as well clean thoroughly the area before storing the air bed.
- Using a Cardboard Box
A good cardboard box will serve as a great way to give extra protection to the mattress, and if you want to travel with the air mattress, it will be much easier and safer.
Using a Sturdy Container
You can also use a well-built plastic sturdy container to store your air mattress. You can get the containers in the nearest shops. Choose the sealable one and make storing an air mattress much more effortless. Also, ensure it is of the correct size that won’t damage the air bed.
- Securing it Properly with Tape or Straps
The tape or straps will assist in keeping your folded mattress in a rolled state after you have compressed it. You can use 2 to 3 quality straps or tape to be sure they can’t break.
Another good use of the straps is to secure the mattress, and you can hold on to the straps when carrying your air bed. The tape gives extra security and ensures your air mattress bag does not open easily.
Making Sure It Is in an Upright Position
Storing your air mattress upright is an excellent way of ensuring it does not get damaged easily. Also, it minimizes the chances of leaks entering your valuable material. Additionally, it reduces the chances of molds growing and affecting the air bed.
FAQs
What's the best way to store an air mattress?
The best way to store an air mattress is to properly deflate it and clean it thoroughly before packing it away. This involves removing all sheets and blankets, and using a damp cloth to wipe down the surface of the mattress. Once it is dry, deflate the mattress completely and fold it carefully, making sure to smooth out any wrinkles or creases. It’s a good idea to store the mattress in a dry, cool place where it won’t be exposed to temperature extremes or moisture.
Additionally, it’s important to avoid bending or compressing the mattress too tightly, as this can damage the internal structure and reduce its lifespan. Overall, taking the time to properly store your air mattress can help you extend its lifespan and preserve its comfort and quality for years to come.
How do I protect my mattress during storage?
When storing your mattress, there are a few key steps you can take to protect it from damage.
Firstly, make sure it is clean and dry before storing it. Any moisture can lead to mold or mildew growth. Next, wrap it in a mattress cover or plastic wrap to protect it from dust and pests. Make sure to seal the cover tightly with tape to prevent any entry points.
Store the mattress in a dry, cool and dark place where the temperature does not fluctuate too much. Avoid storing it in areas with direct sunlight or high humidity, such as basements or attics. Finally, avoid bending or folding the mattress, as this can cause permanent damage to the foam and springs.
How do you store a mattress without space?
Storing a mattress without space can be a difficult task, but there are a few options available.
Firstly, consider vacuum sealing your mattress. This can be done with a vacuum storage bag, which compresses the mattress to a smaller size. Alternatively, you could store the mattress vertically in a tight space, such as a closet or behind a door.
Another option is to disassemble the bed frame and store the mattress as individual pieces, allowing for easier storage in a smaller space. Additionally, you could consider renting a storage unit or utilizing under-bed storage containers to help free up space in your home. Whatever method you choose, make sure the mattress is stored in a dry, cool, and clean area to help prevent damage or decay.
Summary
Storing an air mattress is simple and easy. First, remove all dirt and dust, then deflate, fold, pack, and secure the air mattress properly. Always store the air mattress in a suitable place free from sharp objects. You can store it in a sturdy container or a cardboard box. Finally, ensure you keep it in an upright position on a flat surface.
Jessica is a lover of both life and gardening. She loves to share his passion for both on social media. He often posts about his latest gardening projects, as well as tips and tricks for others who might be interested in starting their own gardens. She also frequently posts about the different aspects of his life that he enjoys, from spending time with friends and family to exploring new places.
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