Good mattress care.... tell me how to do it!!

[ElfOnTheTopShelf]

We have had our mattress seven years (!) and have decided to get a new one, as it looks a little shabby (plus, for the past three and a half years, its been treated to breast milk, baby sick and the odd nappy escaping wee)
So, given that we plan to have another child, short of never allowing the children on the bed, how do I best care for the mattress?

Also, DD has a cot bed, so the mattress is 3.5 years old. We're planning to get her a new bed and mattress when we have another baby, and will get a new mattress for then, but in the meantime, how is best to look after it? She was sick on it the other week, I cleaned it, but I'm not convinced its perfectly clean iyswim.

[pointydog]

you are meant to turn your mattress every month or so to start and then every 6 months. I think.

seven years isn't that long.

Do you have a mattress protector or blanket? That would stop sick getting to it.

[ElfOnTheTopShelf]

No, dont have a protector, going to get one.
We're getting a new mattress on our bed because we're planning on getting a new bed anyway. Plus the mattress wasn't brand new iirc when we got it.

[breaghsmum]

turn it every month, also lengthways aswell.
get a good mattress protector. clean any spills/accidents straight away. i also sprinkle mine with bicarb once a week when i change the sheets and hoover off after about 20 mins. you could also give it a rub down with a damp cloth soaked in a solution of warm water,stardrops,bicarb and a few drops of a favourite essential oil. i do this every few months.

[ElfOnTheTopShelf]

thanks both

we have been turning it fairly regularly over, but not top to bottom.

Will be following these tips when we get a new bed and mattress.