Keeping your mattress clean is very vital for sound sleep and good health, yet it is so easy to overlook when cleaning our house. Considering the amount of time one spends on the bed, it should be just as important to keep it clean as with clothes and everything else in your home. We're here to help you quickly learn how to remove stains, eliminate odors, and take care of your mattress so it lasts longer. Further, we will be suggesting the best way to support your mattress in order for it to remain in tip-top shape.
Method 1: Regular Vacuuming
Keeping your mattress clean starts with regular vacuuming. Here's how to do it:
Why Vacuum?
Just like your carpet, your mattress can collect bits of dust, crumbs, and even tiny mites. Vacuuming pulls all that junk out, keeping your mattress fresh and helping you breathe easier.
Choosing the Right Tool:
Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner—it's designed to gently suck up stuff from fabrics without being too harsh.
Technique Tips:
- Strip your bed down to the mattress.
- Start at the top of the mattress and work your way down in overlapping, narrow paths.
- Don't forget the sides! Stand the mattress up against a wall to get all angles if needed.
How Often?
Aim for once a month. If you have allergies or pets that like to snooze on your bed, consider bumping that up to every two weeks.
Method 2: Spot Cleaning Stains
When a spill happens, quick action can save your mattress from lasting damage. Here's the rundown on tackling those pesky stains:
Act Fast:
The sooner you deal with a stain, the less time it has to set in. A quick response can mean the difference between a temporary spill and a permanent reminder.
Safe Cleaners to Use:
- Cold Water: Often, this is all you need for a fresh stain.
- Mild Dish Soap: Works well for greasy fingerprints and food spills.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Great for blood or urine stains.
- Baking Soda: Perfect for lifting and neutralizing odors while helping to absorb liquids.
How to Tackle Fresh Stains:
- Blot, don't rub! Press down with a clean cloth to soak up the liquid.
- Apply cold water or the chosen cleaner gently to the area.
- Blot again until the stain lifts.
For Set-In Stains:
- Make a paste of baking soda and a bit of water. Spread it over the stain and let it sit for a few hours.
- Gently scrub the paste off with a soft brush.
- Vacuum any residue once the area is dry.
Tips to Remember:
- Always use a gentle touch—scrubbing too hard can push the stain deeper into the fibers.
- Test any cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn't discolor or damage the fabric.
Method 3: Deodorizing with Baking Soda
Over time, mattresses can start to hold onto odors, but a simple baking soda treatment can freshen things up. Here's how to make your mattress smell fresh:
- Get your mattress ready: Strip the bed and wash everything. Now is also a great opportunity to let some fresh air into your room, so throw open those windows.
- Spread baking soda on top: Sprinkle baking soda all over the top of your mattress. You can use about one cup or more, if your mattress smells strongly. Spread it around evenly—a kitchen strainer could work for this.
- Rub in the baking soda: After sprinkling the baking soda, take gentle presses into the mattress to work it in. You can wear gloves or a soft-bristled brush to do this. If you want to give your mattress an extra-special smell, mix the baking soda with a few drops of an essential oil such as lavender before you begin the process.
- Let the baking soda work: Allow baking soda to act for at least 8 hours on the same spot. To absorb all odors takes time. You can do this in the morning and let it sit while you're out for the day.
- Vacuum the mattress: Once the baking soda has been applied for some time, whip out that vacuum cleaner. Using the upholstery tool, remove all that baking soda.
- Airing the mattress or covering it: If at all possible, take the mattress outside for a little while to air out the remaining odors. Once you bring it back in, consider using a mattress protector before putting clean bedding back on.
Method 4: Managing Moisture and Humidity
Moisture is a mattress's enemy. It can lead to mold, mildew, and bacteria, all of which you don't want where you sleep. Here's how you keep your bed dry and clean:
Protection Is Key:
- Get a waterproof mattress protector. It is a savior from spills and especially sweat.
- Choose breathable fabrics mattress to ensure comfort without condensation.
Ventilation Tactics:
- Take your bed, and do not press it against the wall. Let the bed breathe.
- Have a bed base, preferably with proper openings at the bottom so that air circulates underneath.
- Allow fresh air into your bedroom; open your windows periodically.
Beat the Humidity:
- If you happen to live in a highly humid region, consider using a dehumidifier to get rid of excess moisture in the air.
- In colder regions, at least a constant moderate room temperature will help avoid condensation.
- Keeping a mattress dry is not just for current comfort, but for longevity and to avoid those certain musty surprises.
Method 5: Regular Protective Cover Washing
Wash your mattress cover once every one or two months, more often if you have allergies, pets, or eat sometimes in bed. Check your label for specific washing directions, but a cold or warm gentle wash with a mild detergent usually works just fine. Avoid bleach and high heat so that any special waterproof features of your cover don't get damaged. It's a good idea if you have allergies to get a hypoallergenic cover or a new hypoallergenic mattress, especially a dust-mite-blocking one. Being able to wash a freshening cover on a regular basis really extends the life of your mattress and freshens up your bed.
Method 6: Rotate Your Mattress Regularly for Even Wear
Most new mattresses are designed to be one-sided, so forget flipping—rotation is the new name of the game for keeping your mattress great. Turning your mattress 180 degrees every three to six months is what was once the head of the bed is now at the foot. This switch balances use and wear, ensuring no sagging areas occur on the mattress while providing uniform support across its surface. Such simple twisting actions—twice a year—stand to extend the life of your mattress and make the sleep experience comfortable on a continuous basis.
Method 7: Select a Compatible Smart Base, Platform Bed, or Box Spring
To make your mattress last longer, it's important to pick the right base. A good base keeps your mattress firm, stops it from sagging, and helps it keep its shape, which means it stays clean and in good condition for more time.
- If you like things that are easy to put together and offer strong support, then a smart base may be the way to go, especially for memory foam mattresses.
- Platform beds work great with a lot of different mattresses; they are flat, sturdy, and many of them have extra storage space built into them.
- For those who prefer a bit more bounce, like what you get with innerspring mattresses, box springs are a traditional choice that add comfort.
Finding a base that fits your mattress means you'll sleep better, night after night, on a bed that keeps its support.
Make Your Mattress Clean
Keeping your mattress clean is a simple but important part of taking care of your sleep and health. If you vacuum it regularly, remove stains as they happen, keep it smelling fresh with baking soda, protect it from moisture, wash the covers often, rotate it a few times a year, and make sure it's on a good base, you're all set.
All these steps will help make your mattress last longer and provide a comfy spot for you to rest every night. Stick to this easy routine, and enjoy a clean and cozy bed.
