A clean, comfortable mattress plays a significant role in maintaining a restful night. However, mattresses can accumulate dust, dirt, sweat, and stains over time, affecting sleep quality and even posing health risks. Your bed can soak up sweat and other liquids while you sleep. Regular mattress cleaning helps it last longer and protects you from germs, allergens, and other unwanted pests.
Why is it important to clean your mattress?
Your mattress might last longer than any other item in your home which can provide comfort and support for seven to ten years or more. However, to enjoy this long-lasting support, taking good care of your mattress is important.
Moreover, keeping your mattress clean is not just about making it last longer but is also important for your health and hygiene since you spend about a third of your life in bed. Your mattress can absorb sweat and other fluids, and collect bacteria, pet dander, skin flakes, food crumbs, fungal spores, microbes, and allergy-causing dust and dust mites.
Is it necessary to maintain a regular mattress cleaning routine?
Maintaining a regular mattress helps keep it free from bacteria, allergens, and other contaminants. However, you don’t need to clean your mattress as often as you wash your sheets and bedding.
As we spend a lot of time sleeping on our mattresses, it’s best to avoid strong chemical cleaners, as they can cause long-term breathing issues, allergies, and headaches.
You can use the following items to clean your mattress
- A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
- Baking soda
- Mild laundry detergent or enzyme cleaner
- White vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Soft brush or sponge
- Clean cloths or towels
- Spray bottle
Before cleaning your mattress, check the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations and understand your mattress warranty terms. Many warranties do not cover the damages caused by the owner, such as discoloration, stains, or damages from liquid spills or cleaning products.
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Best Way To Clean Your Mattress Deeply
Before you jump into cleaning your mattress, it is the best idea to make a plan to ensure it has enough time to dry completely before you put your sheets and bedding back on. Bacteria thrive in damp, dark environments, and fungi flourish in moisture, so choose a day when you can clean the mattress and allow plenty of time to dry.
Moreover, it’s even much better if you can clean your mattress on a bright, sunny day. Studies have shown that four hours of daylight exposure can kill bacteria as effectively as UV light. So choose a sunny day, open the blinds to let in the sunshine, and start early to give your mattress plenty of time to dry.
Steps of Deep Cleaning Mattress
Remove and Wash Bedding
It’s a great opportunity to clean your pillows and sheets and even wash your comforter and duvet cover since you will be taking off your sheets and bedding to clean your mattress.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when washing your bedding. Some items can go through the washing machine and dryer, while others might need to be spot-treated or hand-washed. It’s best to use a gentle detergent and wash on a cool, gentle cycle to help protect your sheet, pillows, and bedding though your bedding is machine washable.
Vacuuming Your Mattress?
Vacuuming your mattress is a simple and effective way to remove dust and dust mites that can cause allergies. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter is the best method for eliminating and preventing dust mites. Similarly, a vacuum can be the best idea when it comes to removing other insects, such as lice and bed bugs, from your mattress. If you find any lice infestation, vacuum your mattress and then treat it specifically for lice.
Moreover, vacuuming alone cannot remove or eliminate bed bugs so it’s advisable to proceed with a specific bed bug treatment as well. Regular monthly vacuuming of your mattress helps keep it clean and allows you to monitor for new stains caused by sweat, body oils, urine, or other fluids.
Deodorize and Disinfect
In another step of your mattress, the deep cleaning process is deodorizing and disinfecting to eliminate bacteria, fungi, and odor-causing microbes. You can deodorize and disinfect by mixing equal portions of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Vinegar containing approximately five percent acetic acid effectively kills bacteria and viruses by altering and destroying their cell structures. Its acidity also helps break down body oils, dirt, and soap residues.
Flip or Rotate Your Mattress
Once your mattress has fully dried, consider flipping or rotating it to prevent uneven wear and sagging. Most mattresses benefit from rotation, which involves a 180° movement that switches the head of the bed to the foot. However, advanced mattresses are designed to be one-sided and do not need flipping upside down like the old model did.
How to Get Rid of Sweat Stains on Your Mattress
Your mattresses can absorb sweat stains even though you use high-quality cooling mattresses and breathable bedding fabrics may not fully prevent night sweats. If you discover sweat stains on your mattress, address them by:
Blot the Stain: If the sweat stain is not dry you can start blotting area with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much moisture as possible. However, avoid rubbing as this can spread the stain.
Create a Cleaning Solution: Prepare a solution using vinegar and water in equal proportion in a spray bottle. Vinegar helps in breaking down stains and neutralizing odors.
Spray the Stain: In the next step, spray the vinegar solution lightly on the sweat stain on your mattress. Remember not to oversaturate the mattress.
Let it Sit: Allow the vinegar to be on the stain for around ten to fifteen minutes as it gives it time to break down the sweat residue.
Blot Again: Once your solution has had time to work, repeat blotting the area with a clean dry cloth or paper towel to soak up the moisture and lift the stain.
Air Dry: Keep your mattress in an open space to air dry completely. Or you can place them near a fan or open windows for ventilation to speed up their drying process.
Optional: Baking Soda Treatment: You can also use baking soda over the mattress surface after it has dried if the odor persists. Allow it to sit for several hours or overnight to absorb any remaining odors, then vacuum it off using a brush attachment.
Protect with a Mattress Cover: Always use a mattress protector or cover to prevent possible stains and make cleanup easier.
Frequently Asked Question
How can I remove urine stains from my mattress?
To remove urine stains from your mattress, blot the area with a cloth soaked in a mixture of mild detergent and cold water. However, avoid using hot water, as it can set the stain. After blotting, rinse with a clean damp cloth and blot dry with a towel.
What’s the best way to vacuum my mattress?
Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to vacuum the mattress thoroughly. Pay attention to seams, crevices, and any areas where dust and dirt may accumulate.
How often should you clean my mattress?
It’s advised to clean your mattress every 3 to 6 months. However, if you suffer from allergies or have pets, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.
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