5 Ways to Care For Your (Low Maintenance) Natural Mattress
Our mattresses are hand-crafted with the finest natural materials to ensure durability and longevity, so if all you did was take one home and sleep on it, you’d never have to pay it a second thought. (Except maybe, “I can’t believe how well I’ve been sleeping!”)
When it comes to being low-maintenance, wool and natural latex mattresses are as good as it gets. They’re naturally flame-retardant, resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites, not to mention efficient at absorbing and releasing moisture. With no effort whatsoever, your Black Sheep mattress will provide you with comfort and support for years to come.
But if you are one of those keeners who wants to spoil your mattress the way it spoils you, we’ve rounded up some top tips that could add even more years to your new investment.
1. Rotate and flip your mattress regularly
Rotating and flipping the mattress can make it last 5-7 years longer, as each time you change the orientation of the mattress, you change the wear you place on it.
At Black Sheep, we recommend doing so once every 3-6 months. To stay consistent, we aim to do this on the Summer and Winter Solstices. It’s also a perfect way to celebrate the changing seasons, with a fresh night’s sleep. (And don’t worry, if you follow us on Facebook or Twitter, we’ll remind you when we flip ours!)
Another (luxurious) way to more evenly distribute the wear on your mattress: If you’re fortunate enough to sneak in the occasional (or regular!) afternoon nap, try sleeping in the centre of your bed.
2. Safeguard with a wool protector
A wool mattress protector preserves the benefits of the mattress’ natural materials, while protecting them from moisture and stains. Our Eco Felt wool protectors provide a soft, luxurious feel, without sacrificing support or breathability. Spills slide right off the surface, and the protector can be shaken or aired out regularly.
3. It’s all in how you frame it
Choosing the right base for your mattress is almost as important as choosing the right mattress.
The right base or frame improves longevity, by allowing for better breathability (flow of air and moisture) as well as proper support and stability. We recommend either a slatted wood frame, or one of our custom solid foundations. (Our solid foundations are built and upholstered in our workshop with organic cotton and hydrocarbon-free jute.)
4. Top it off, and fluff it up
One of the wonderful things about a mattress made from natural materials is it will naturally compress over time. It’s a small change, which most people won’t notice at all. However, with time, you may wish to add a little more lift to your sleeping set-up.
One of our hand-crafted wool toppers can add a soft, luxurious feel, without sacrificing support. Like the wool felt protectors, these toppers can also be periodically fluffed and turned, as well as aired out - keeping your bed feeling fresh.
5. Keeping it clean
Because natural mattresses are more resistant to the usual culprits like dust mites, mold and mildew, there’s not much cleaning needed, particularly if you’re using a wool mattress protector. The occasional vacuuming on the surface of the mattress can help move air through, and remove surface dust.
However, should a spill or stain make its way onto the mattress, simple spot cleaning should do the trick. Use a dry towel to soak up any excess moisture, and a mild detergent with lukewarm water. And always allow to air dry.
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It’s pretty easy and hassle-free to care for your Black Sheep mattress. But rest assured, whether you follow all of these tips or none, your mattress is designed to provide you with long-lasting support and comfort.
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