To ensure you get a restful night, it’s vital you look after the surface you sleep on.
However, it’s probably not a priority on your chores to-do list!
But, it’s time to change that, considering most of us spend around eight hours a day in bed.
Unsure where to start? We’ve broken it down for you. Here’s a look at how to clean a mattress.
Best Way to Clean a Mattress
It might surprise you - but there are a number of different ways to keep your mattress in perfect condition.
- Vacuum cleaning
- Baking soda
- Enzyme cleaner
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Airing regularly
- Getting to stains as quickly as possible
- Stripping the bed
- Using a memory foam mattress topper for protection
- Dabbing with a cloth or sponge
- Using warm water
Vacuuming Your Bed
Using a vacuum cleaner on your mattress might be the last thing you’d think of doing. However, it helps ensure it’s a hygenic surface for you to sleep on every night.
Here’s a step by step guide to making sure you get the job done effectively.
Strip the Bed
First things first, remove any sheets or pillows. This also includes any blankets, decorative items or cushions.
It’s best to then put any linen in the washing machine, to make sure you’re using clean bedding on your fresh mattress.
Choose the Right Nozzle
It’s recommended to use a wide brush attachment on the top of the mattress. This will ensure you properly remove any hair, dead skin or dust.
Also - ensure the nozzle is clean before use. If possible, use a specific upholstery attachment, or at least keep it different to what is used on the floor.
Technique
Be gentle, ensuring you cover the full surface area. After you’ve given it the once over, go back to make sure you haven’t missed any spots.
If possible - flip your mattress and vacuum both sides.
Air
Don’t put your bedding back on straight away - let the fabric air for a few hours. Open a window to keep sufficient air circulating around the room.
How to Clean a Mattress with Baking Soda
This is a highly versatile and effective cleaning material, perfect for removing stains and keeping it clean.
This works best after vacuuming, as you’ll know your mattress is free from dirt and dust. Also, always make sure your sheets have been stripped beforehand.
How to Do It
Sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress, applying a generous, even layer if it hasn’t been cleaned in a while.
If there are any affected areas that give off an odour, use more soda to neutralise it.
How Long Should You Leave It?
Ideally, this would sit for around 24 hours. Try not to disturb the soda in that time.
Removal
You can then vacuum the baking soda off, revealing a fresh, odourless sleeping surface. It’s recommended to air the mattress for a few hours afterwards, keeping the windows open.
How to Get Stains Out of a Mattress
Wondering how to remove stains from a mattress?
Depending on the severity of the stain, there are a number of different methods you can use.
React Quickly
If a spillage has just occurred, try to react as quickly as possible. Use paper towels or cloths to soak up the stain, or dab with hot water.
Some will be easier to remove than others!
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Looking for a natural, homemade stain remover?
Another alternative would be to drizzle or spray white vinegar and then apply the baking soda.
- Apply the vinegar first
- Use paper towels to soak it up
- Sprinkle on the soda
- Vacuum off
- Air
This is particularly effective for stubborn bodily fluids, such as blood stains or urine stains.
Prevention
When it comes to mattress care, try to take a proactive, rather than reactive approach. A mattress protector can help ensure that your mattress is long-lasting.
Mattress Cleaning Products
There are numerous cleaning products on the market specifically designed for the task in hand. However, you can also use items that might be lying around the house.
Some of these include:
- Hydrogen peroxide, dish detergent and cold water
- Natural enzyme cleaner
- Lemon juice and salt
Particularly if you suffer from skin conditions or allergies, it’s best to use a non-toxic cleaning solution that won’t cause irritation.
Cleaning Tips for a Memory Foam Mattress
Is the advice different if you have a memory foam mattress?
Try not to use any overly-harsh chemicals, and always react to any stains as quickly as possible.
Your memory foam mattress can be cleaned in very much the same way. Powdered washing detergent, baking soda and vinegar are all acceptable to use! They can also be vacuumed.
In fact, they’re often easier to clean as some have built-in resitance or protective qualities.
How Regularly Should You Do a Mattress Deep Clean?
There are a number of different factors to weigh up here.
Time of Year
Spring and summer tend to have higher rates of pollen. You can reduce your symptoms by regularly cleaning your mattress and bedding.
These times of the year are also hotter, which means you’re more likely to sweat at night. This could make the build-up of dust mites more likely.
Medical Conditions
If you’re asthmatic, you may wanted to consider following at least some cleaning methods at least once a week. Your symptoms could worsen overnight if you fail to take adequate care of your mattress.
When You Wash Your Sheets
You could tie in your mattress cleaning with the time you wash the rest of your bedding. It doesn’t have to be a full deep clean everytime, but you could vacuum while the bed is stripped.
How to Clean a Mattress Topper
Mattress covers are there to keep your sleeping surface protected. However, they need attention too - considering they’ll take the force of the stains!
Many of these are machine washable, so can be thrown in along with your bedding. It’s recommended to read up on what laundry detergent can be used beforehand.
Why Wash Care is Important
It’s vital that you know how to clean your mattress. Here’s why:
- Mattress durability - ensures it’s long-lasting
- Reduces allergy symptoms
- Ensures you get a good night’s sleep
- Maintains hygiene
- Washing your bedding alone isn’t enough
- Neglecting your mattress can lead to bed bugs
Is it Time to Change Your Mattress?
A mattress guide can help you spot any of the tell-tale signs that it’s time for a change. This could be sagging, poor sleep quality, or perhaps you simply fancy something new.
We spend up to a third of our lives in bed, so it’s vital you make the right choice.
It’s a very personal decision; you need to weigh up a number of factors, such as sleeping position, to ensure you get the most out of your bed.
If you’re looking for high-quality and affordability, we can help.
Buy a mattress online here - we have a little something for everyone!