A mattress and base work as a pair, and most of what shortens their life is avoidable. A few simple habits, repeated through the year, keep both comfortable for longer and protect your warranty. This guide covers everyday care, cleaning and what to do when something goes wrong.
Use the right base
A mattress needs even support. A solid platform top divan base spreads the weight across the whole surface and is suitable for pocket sprung, memory foam, orthopaedic and hybrid mattresses. A worn or uneven base shortens a mattress’s life. Make sure the mattress size matches the base, so it does not overhang or slip.
Use a mattress protector
A washable protector guards against spills, sweat and dust mites, and is the easiest way to keep a mattress hygienic. Choose one that fits the size and depth, and wash it regularly according to its label.
Rotate your mattress
Many modern mattresses are designed to be turned head to foot, not flipped, because the comfort layers are on one side. Rotating every few weeks in the first months, and every few months after, spreads the wear and helps prevent body dips. Check the care label, because some mattresses have specific instructions.
Air the bed
When you change the bedding, pull the covers back and let the mattress air for an hour or so. This lets moisture escape. Open a window, but keep the mattress away from damp walls.
Vacuum the mattress and base
Use the upholstery attachment on both the mattress and the fabric of the base every month or two. On the base, work along seams and corners, and clean off dust from the glider feet and beneath the bed.
Deal with spills straight away
- Blot, do not rub, with a clean cloth to soak up as much as possible.
- Use a small amount of mild soap and cold water on a cloth. Test it first in a hidden area.
- Let it dry fully before replacing the bedding. Avoid soaking the mattress.
For fabrics such as velvet, dab gently and follow the care information for your fabric. Avoid strong chemicals, steam and hair dryers.
Protect the base
- Do not stand on the base or let children jump on the bed. It is built for lying and sitting.
- Do not drag the bed, as the glider feet can be damaged. Lift it, or ask for help.
- Do not overload ottoman storage. See our ottoman bed storage guide for what to keep inside.
- Keep the base away from radiators and damp. Heat and moisture can damage fabric and wood.
Sit on the middle, not the edge
Sitting on the edge of a mattress over long periods can wear the edge faster. Reinforced edges, as found on many of our mattresses, cope better, but it is still sensible to avoid regular edge sitting.
Moving the bed
Lift the mattress and base separately and carry them rather than dragging. Handles on the mattress are for adjusting position, not lifting the full weight. Keep the mattress covered when moving. If you have a split or sectional base, take it apart following the instructions.
When to replace
- Visible sagging or hollows that do not recover
- Springs that you can feel or hear
- Waking with new aches that ease later in the day
- Many manufacturers suggest replacement every 7 to 10 years
What does a warranty cover?
Our beds, bases and mattresses are covered by a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty against manufacturing defects under normal residential use. That includes structural problems and, on ottoman beds, the lift mechanism. It does not cover normal wear and tear, stains, misuse, incorrect assembly or sagging from poor support. Keep your proof of purchase. Read the full terms on our warranty page.
A simple care calendar
- Weekly: change bedding, and air the bed in the morning.
- Monthly: vacuum the mattress and the base fabric.
- Every 3 months: rotate the mattress head to foot, if the care label says so.
- Twice a year: wash the protector, check the base for loose fittings and clean beneath the bed.
- Yearly: check the mattress for dips or noise, and review how the bed feels.
Caring for an ottoman base
Ottoman bases have extra parts to look after. Keep the compartment clean and dry, lift and lower smoothly, and do not overload it. See our ottoman bed storage guide for packing tips.
What not to do
- Do not use harsh chemicals or bleach on fabric.
- Do not soak the mattress with water.
- Do not leave the mattress in direct sun for long periods.
- Do not use a steam cleaner unless the fabric label allows it.
- Do not allow pets to scratch the fabric or soil the bed.
Pets, children and everyday wear
Pets and children are the biggest challenge for any bed. Use a waterproof mattress protector, keep nails trimmed, and choose a textured fabric that hides wear. If you share with pets, consider a throw over the bed. For fabric choice, see our fabric guide.
Troubleshooting common problems
The mattress has a dip on one side
This is usually a sign that one person always sleeps in the same spot, or the mattress has not been rotated. Rotate it head to foot if the care label allows, and check the base is flat and supported. If the dip is deep and does not recover, check your warranty terms, which cover manufacturing defects but not normal wear.
The bed creaks
Creaks usually come from loose fittings, a floor that is not level or a headboard that has worked loose. Check the headboard bolts, tighten any fixings and make sure the feet sit flat. On a divan, check whether the mattress rubs on the base edge.
There is a musty smell
Dampness is the usual cause. Strip the bed, air the mattress, and check the room for condensation. Move the bed slightly away from cold external walls, and use a moisture absorber if needed. If you use an ottoman base, check that stored items are fully dry. Our storage guide explains how to pack for airflow.
The fabric has a stain
Blot the stain straight away. Use a small amount of mild soap in cold water on a clean cloth, and test it on a hidden area first. Work from the outside of the stain inward, and let the area dry fully. For stubborn marks on upholstery, use a specialist fabric cleaner that is safe for your fabric type.
Caring for different fabrics
- Velvet: brush gently in one direction with an upholstery brush to lift the pile, and blot spills rather than rubbing.
- Linen-effect and wool-effect: vacuum regularly, and blot spills. Texture hides small marks well.
- Naples and other weaves: check the care label or product page, as fabrics vary.
Always check the care information with your bed. See our fabric guide for more on choosing hard-wearing finishes.
Common questions
Should I flip my mattress?
Only if it is designed to be turned both ways. Most modern mattresses are rotated head to foot instead.
How do I clean a fabric divan base?
Vacuum it with an upholstery attachment, and blot spills with a damp cloth. Check the fabric care information first.
Is a mattress protector worth it?
Yes. It is the cheapest way to keep a mattress clean.
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