Around 8 million mattresses are disposed of every year in Germany alone, 95% of which are incinerated and only 5% recycled, according to conservationists.
It’s not just the sheer waste: This intensity of turnover, here and in other countries, can put a serious dent in your budget, as a new quality mattress doesn’t come cheap.
However, if you take good care of yours, it will last longer – and won’t have to be replaced so quickly. And you help the environment.
“At the end of the day, the best waste is waste not produced in the first place,” reminds Germany’s Association of Local Utilities.
Six mattress care tips that are easy to implement:
Turn regularly: Turn and flip your mattress at least every three months to keep it maximally comfortable for as long as possible.
Remove discolouration: Depending on the model, you can wash the mattress cover to get rid of unsightly discolouration and stains. Be sure to check the textile care label on the cover beforehand to find out at what temperature it can be washed – and whether the cover can go in the tumble dryer or needs to be air-dried.
Germany’s Industrial Association for Body Care and Detergents (IKW) recommends pulling the fabric apart once while it is damp before hanging it up so that it retains its original size.
Vacuuming: The cover can also be cleaned regularly with a hoover when changing the fitted sheet.
Use a mattress topper: This 5-10cm thick layer of memory foam, latex, wool, or feather material is added on top of your bed, beneath the fitted sheet, to provide support and protect your mattress from stains and sagging.
Toppers are usually used with box spring beds. There are also waterproof or water-repellent variants that are suitable for babies and small children, or people living with incontinence.
A mattress pad is similar to a topper but thinner – up to 5cm thick – and provides light support, and won’t change the feel of the bed or alter the temperature.
Use an under pad or protector: These additional pads go between the slatted frame and the mattress to prevent it from slipping and getting scuff marks if it rubs against the frame during movement.
Ventilate properly: According to the IKW, a room climate with low humidity and temperatures between 17 and 19 degrees Celsius prevents mould.
To sleep well on your new mattress for as long as possible, try to test it in the shop and lie on it thoroughly before you buy. This will help you avoid returns.
David Turner is a globe-trotting journalist who brings a global perspective to our readers. With a commitment to shedding light on international events, he explores complex geopolitical issues, offering a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
