How do I protect a mattress in a seasonal Florida home?

Key points

• • Humidity, not usage, is what ages a seasonal mattress
• • Never seal a mattress in non-breathable plastic for months
• • 78°F with dehumidification is the standard departure setting
• • Air it out on return before sleeping on it

The departure routine

Twenty minutes of work per bedroom protects a purchase worth well over a thousand dollars.

• • Strip and launder all bedding; store it dry and sealed
• • Vacuum the mattress surface and seams
• • Fit a breathable cover — not sealed plastic
• • Leave bedroom and closet doors open
• • Set the thermostat near 78°F with humidity control running

The return routine

Uncover the mattress, vacuum it, and let the room air with the system running for a few hours before you make the bed. A musty smell that lingers after airing means moisture reached the layers and needs a full deodorizing pass.

Buying for a seasonal bedroom

Breathable construction earns its keep here. A hybrid or latex mattress on a slatted platform tolerates a closed-up summer far better than a dense all-foam build on a solid base.