How to Extend the Life of a Mattress

Use a mattress pad to prevent stains.

Avoid leaving damp towels or other wet objects on the bed.

Put a mattress cover on children's beds.

Clean a stained or dirty mattress with foaming upholstery shampoo and let it dry.

Vacuum your mattress with an upholstery attachment when you do your spring-cleaning.

Take your mattress outside once a year (when you're doing your spring cleaning)and let it air out in the sun for a day.

Turn a regular mattress over once a month. Flip a futon mattress every other week. Alternate between turning the mattress end to end and side to side to prevent sagging.

Keep children from jumping on the bed.