How to Care for Your Mattress, Divan Base and Headboard

A good mattress, divan base and headboard are an investment in your sleep. With the right care, they'll stay comfortable, supportive and looking good for years. Here's our complete guide to looking after your bed.

Caring for your mattress

A good mattress typically lasts 7 to 10 years, but how well you look after it makes a big difference to how comfortable and hygienic it stays.

1. Rotate it, and turn it if it's double sided

• Rotate your mattress head to foot every 3 to 6 months so it wears evenly.
• If your mattress is double sided, turn it over as well as rotating it.
• Many mattresses, such as memory foam and pillow tops, are single sided and should only be rotated, never turned. Always check the care label.

2. Use a mattress protector

• A breathable, waterproof mattress protector shields your mattress from spills, sweat and dust.
• Wash the protector regularly, every few weeks, to keep it fresh.

3. Keep it clean

• Vacuum your mattress every 2 to 3 months using the upholstery attachment.
• Spot clean marks with a little mild detergent and warm water. Never soak the mattress.
• To freshen it up, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the surface, leave it for a few hours, then vacuum it off.

4. Give it proper support

• Use a sturdy divan base or bed frame to prevent early sagging.
• Never put a mattress on a broken or unsupportive base, as this can damage it.

5. Let it breathe

• When you change the sheets, leave the mattress uncovered for a few hours to air.
• Open a window to let fresh air circulate and reduce the risk of damp.

Caring for your divan base

Your divan base supports your mattress, and keeping it in good condition helps your mattress last longer too.

1. Keep it clean

• Vacuum the fabric regularly to remove dust and hair.
• Spot clean marks with a damp cloth and mild detergent, without soaking the fabric.

2. Check for wear

• Check the base now and then to make sure it's sturdy.
• If it creaks or wobbles, tighten any loose screws, bolts or feet.

3. Avoid damage

• Avoid jumping on the bed, as it can weaken the base.
• Lift the base rather than dragging it when you move it.

4. Look after the storage drawers

• Don't overload drawers, as too much weight can knock them out of alignment.
• Open and close them gently to protect the runners.

5. Keep it level

• Stand your divan on a flat, level floor.
• If it has castors or glides, check they're secure from time to time.

Caring for your headboard

Fabric headboards

• Vacuum regularly with a brush attachment to remove dust and hair.
• For marks, dab gently with a fabric cleaner or a little mild detergent in warm water.
• For velvet, use a soft brush to keep the pile looking its best, and wipe marks with a slightly damp microfibre cloth.
• Always check the fabric care label before using any cleaning product or steam.

Wooden and metal headboards

• Dust regularly with a dry cloth.
• Use a suitable wood polish on wooden headboards.
• Wipe metal headboards with a damp cloth, then dry thoroughly.

Protect it from wear

• Check the bolts or struts now and then and tighten them if the headboard feels loose.
• Keep headboards out of direct sunlight to stop fabric fading.

Keeping your bed fresh and hygienic

• Wash your bedding weekly, and wash duvets and pillows every few months or as the care label advises.
• Keep your bedroom well ventilated, and use a dehumidifier if your home is damp.
• Avoid eating in bed, as crumbs and spills attract dust mites and cause stains.

When to replace your bed

Your mattress

• It has sagging, lumps or dips that don't recover.
• You wake up with aches and pains.
• It's 7 to 10 years old.

Read the 6 signs it's time to replace your mattress.

Your divan base

• It feels wobbly or creaks.
• It has visible sagging.
• The drawers are damaged or don't close properly.

Your headboard

• The fabric is heavily stained, torn or faded.
• It has become loose or unstable.
• It no longer suits your bedroom.

Ready for an upgrade?

When it's time for something new, explore our mattresses, divan beds and headboards, with free delivery. We can also take your old mattress away for recycling. Find out how in Say No to Landfill.