We spend around a third of our lives sleeping – that’s a lot of time that we’re spending with our mattresses! It’s very likely some of us take our mattress for granted and don’t give it much of a thought. But when was the last time you replaced your mattress?
It can be tricky to know when to replace your mattress and upgrade your bed. If you’ve decided it’s time, it’s then hard to figure out what to actually do with the old mattress – after all, they’re pretty bulky and awkward to move around. How do you get rid of an unwanted mattress?
For tips on when to replace your mattress, how to find a new home for a mattress that’s still got some life left in it or disposing of an old mattress, keep reading.
General use
For general use, it’s recommended that a mattress be replaced around every 7 to 10 years. However, this can change depending on the mattress type, how often it is used, and other factors such as climate. If you’re asking yourself if it’s time to replace your mattress, here’s a few things to keep an eye out for:
- Sagging and deteriorating cushioning
- Discomfort when lying on it, including springs or lumps digging into you
- Waking up feeling stiff or in pain
- The mattress is starting to smell and needs more regular cleaning
- Your allergies are being aggravated (mold, mildew, and dust mites are the likely culprits)
That being said, there may be other reasons you decide to replace your mattress beyond signs of wear, including health conditions requiring specific support in sleep, a change in relationships such as getting a new partner, or a change in your weight.
There are some things you can do to help increase the life of your mattress to get the full ten or so years of use from it:
- Always use a mattress protector
- Don’t eat in bed (as tempting as it may be)
- Regularly vacuum the mattress
- Rotate and flip the mattress to ensure even wear
- Keep the furry family members off the bed
Severe damage
Signs of severe damage are easier to spot than the usual slow wear our mattresses experience over time. If your mattress is damaged or starts to fail, especially if you haven’t had it for all that long, check with the manufacturer to see if it’s still under warranty. Some mattress companies will offer replacements if your mattress is found to be faulty or breaks under general use within a specific time frame since purchasing.
Some damage to your mattress can be repaired – and this can be a lot more cost-effective than replacing an otherwise fine mattress. Some manufacturers will offer repairs on mattresses, but there are some easy fixes you can complete yourself.
Mattresses can sometimes suffer from a tear to the fabric – but luckily there’s an easy fix, and on it’s own, it’s no reason to get rid of the mattress. Simply sew the tear closed, or use an iron-on patch to securely cover the hole. In a pinch, duct tape can also make a temporary but sturdy fix.
If your mattress is severely damaged, outside of warranty, with no hope for repair – it’s time to replace it.
Tips for finding a new home for your mattress
We’ll preface this part by saying that if your mattress is heavily used, damaged, or very old – go ahead and throw it away. Don’t try to pass it on to be someone else’s problem!
If you have a mattress that is still in good condition, reach out to your family and friends to see if anyone is looking for a spare. It might just be that your neighbor is looking for a spare mattress to have ready for when the kids have friends over for a sleepover. Alternatively, put an ad up on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace to try your hand at selling your spare mattress.
Reach out to your local charity or homeless shelter to see if they accept mattress donations. If you have consistently used a mattress protector, your mattress is likely in good nick and could make a great impact on your local charity.
Disposal tips for old mattresses
Due to their bulk, it can be tricky to throw away old mattresses. Most councils don’t accept mattresses on verge side collections, and if your local tip accepts mattresses, there’s likely an additional fee attached. Not to mention the hassle of having to get the mattress down there to begin with!
One of the simplest and most convenient ways to dispose of an old mattress is to hire a skip bin. As well as giving you the opportunity to clear out other household junk at the same time, skip bins are super handy. The hire company will drop it off at your house, you can load it up with whatever you want to get rid of, and then they will take it away to dispose of the contents properly – ensuring anything that can be recycled, is recycled. This is the most convenient and cost-effective way of getting rid of old, heavily used mattresses that have reached the end of their life.
Take time today to check out your mattress – how long have you had it? Is it nearing time for an upgrade? Is there more you can do to increase its longevity? And if your trusty mattress has well and truly reached the end of its life, book in a skip bin hire to get rid of it – and any other old household items taking up space!
