Your mattress is a significant investment and one of your most precious possessions. Therefore, it makes sense to keep it clean and cared for so that it lasts a long time and provides you with years of restful sleep. Mattresses can easily become a repository for dust mites, dirt, mold, dead skin, and more, which can cause allergy and asthma symptoms if left untreated. Cleaning your mattress regularly not only prolongs its lifespan but also prevents the spread of allergies and other diseases. The good news is that cleaning your mattress is relatively easy. Here’s how to clean a mattress so it lasts a long time and stays healthy.
Mattress Cleaners
You will need the following materials to properly clean your mattress:
– Enzyme cleaner or dishwashing liquid
– Sodium bicarbonate
– Detergent
– Coldwater
– Cleaner wipes
– Vacuum cleaner
When using soaps and detergents, be careful not to use products that are too harsh, which can damage the delicate fabric of your mattress. You may also use products with a sweet scent.
Wash the Bed Linens
First, wash sheets, mattress covers, and pillowcases for hygiene reasons, as sweat, grease, and dirt naturally accumulate and will eventually penetrate deep into the mattress if not cleaned regularly. Ideally, wash bedding in hot water to remove dust mites. You can also wash Pillows depending on the type (follow the manufacturer’s instructions).
As a general rule, sheets and pillowcases should wash weekly or more often if you have pets sleeping in your bed. Those who live in warm climates or suffer from seasonal allergies may need to wash their bedding more frequently at certain times of the year. On the other hand, clothes that do not come into close contact with the person sleeping need to be washed less frequently. Therefore, wash duvet covers and pillowcases every 2-3 months, pillowcases every 4-6 months, and duvet covers 1-2 times a month.
Vacuum Your Mattress
Using the vacuum cleaner attachment, thoroughly vacuum the surface of the mattress, including the sides and seams, to remove the last of the hidden dirt and dust. Also, vacuum the underside of the bed. Flip the mattress over if it is double-sided; if it is single-sided, flip it over from head to feet and vacuum both sides.
Clean the Stain with a Stain Remover
Now it’s time to inspect the mattress surface for stains and discoloration and spot clean. There are three basic rules to follow when removing stains:
– Remove stains as soon as they appear.
– Before using a cleaning solution, read the label on the mattress.
– Test the solution on a small area of the stain first to see if it can damage the mattress.
Be careful not to get the mattress wet. Especially if it’s a memory foam or polyurethane foam mattress.
Read on to find out which stain remover is right for the type of stain and type of mattress. Dampen a clean white cloth with the cleaner and blot the stained area. Then continue wiping the stain with another cloth soaked in cold water until the stain is removed. Take care to use as little solution and water as possible. This method is suitable for removing stains from sweat, blood, vomit, urine, etc.
Sprinkle with Baking Soda
After removing visible stains and the mattress is completely dry, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress and leave it for at least a few hours. Baking soda helps break down acids, absorbs moisture, and neutralizes odors. If possible, open windows to let air and sunshine into the room.
Vacuum Again
When the baking soda is absorbed, vacuum thoroughly. If the bed headboard is fabric, vacuum that as well.
Flip and Repeat
Now that the top of the mattress is clean, flip the mattress over and repeat steps 4 through 6 to make sure both sides are fresh and clean. Although the underside is unlikely to have visible stains, dust and germs can still accumulate there. Depending on the type of mattress material and the nature of the stains, you will need to find an effective solution to remove stains from the mattress. You should turn your mattress over regularly, whether you do deep cleaning or not. As mattresses become more and more specialized, it is best to check with the manufacturer for the model for best results.
How to Protect Your Mattress
Once your mattress is completely dry and clean, it’s time to protect it. In most cases, a mattress cover (preferably waterproof) is the best choice, as it protects the mattress from spills and prevents the accumulation of dirt and germs, which makes cleaning much easier.
Use a Fitted Sheet
Using fitted sheets and mattress covers to cover mattresses and spring units prevents the accumulation of dust and other allergens.
The above steps can quickly become a real problem for the average household. It’s best to hire a professional to clean your mattress to ensure everything is done perfectly.
Of course, regular care and maintenance is a surefire way to revitalize and extend the life of your mattress, making these steps a worthwhile investment.
