It will get to a point where your mattress is not as clean as it was before. Dead skin cells, dust mites, and other microscopic bacteria can get into it over time. While it’s recommended to replace your mattress every seven years, it’s also necessary to clean it thoroughly at least once a year.
A clean mattress extends the product’s longevity and keeps the air quality good enough to ensure a better sleep cycle every night, just like a travel sound machine that helps you have a quality rest, no matter where you are.
The Simple Supplies You’ll Need to Get Started
You can’t clean your mattress properly without the right tools. Here are some of the things you will need to get started:
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Gentle stain removers
- Vacuum cleaner with furniture attachment
- Clean towels or cloths
- Scrub brush or toothbrush
How to Deep Clean Your Mattress: A Step-by-Step Guide
Fortunately, cleaning a mattress is quite a simple procedure, and it doesn’t need expensive equipment or cleaning solutions. But if you find cleaning your mattress daunting, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your mattress.
1.Remove your bed sheets, pillow cases, and mattress covers, and put them into the washing machine. Pour hot water, as it will remove all dirt, dust, and mites. You would want a clear space to work with so that it’s easier for you to do the cleaning.
2.Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to vacuum your mattress. Start at the head of the mattress and work your way across the surface and down the bottom. Keep your movement narrow so that you don’t miss an area in your mattress, and you will have your mattress vacuumed up in no time.
3. Do not just clean your mattress or put it into the water directly, as this can damage your mattress irreparably. Stain a white cloth with a cleaner and then blot the stain on the mattress with the white cloth. Post that, dip another clean fabric in cold water and continue blotting until the stain disappears. Avoid as much moisture and product as possible. An enzyme-based cleaner will help break things down faster.
4.Use baking soda all over your mattress to neutralize odors and absorb residual moisture, and leave it for several hours. The longer you leave the baking soda, the better result you will get, as it has the ability to absorb moisture and unpleasant odors. You can leave it overnight for the best result, then you can vacuum the mattress all over again to remove the baking soda.
5. Sunlight is a powerful cleaning agent, as the rays from the sun can remove just about any stains, and there is no better way to refresh your mattress than placing it outside for some fresh air and sunlight. Just make sure you check the weather report before you leave your mattress outside.
6. Once you’ve given your mattress a deep clean, you can give it a flip. You might not have to flip it at all, depending on the type of mattress you own; just check its manufacturer’s recommendations. Flipping your mattress can give it new vitality and increase its overall longevity.
The Best Ways to Spot Clean Stains and Spills
You should never apply water or a cleaning solution directly to your mattress. To remove any stains, use some enzyme cleaner on a clean white cloth, and then blot the stained area with the fabric. Then, apply cold water to a different clean cloth and continue blotting until the stain starts to lift. Just be careful not to oversaturate the mattress with water, or you could cause more bacteria to form. Take note of the following for spot cleaning stains and spills:
- Dish soap and a warm water solution for regular stains
- Enzyme cleaner for biological stains. Follow the directions on the product’s label, then blot the spot clean with cold water to lift the stain. Warm water tends to make stains like vomit, urine, blood, or sweat set and make them smell even worse.
- Make a DIY solution of equal parts cold water and hydrogen peroxide as a substitute for enzyme cleaner.
- If you’re using soapy water, make sure to blot clean with plain water to eliminate soapy residue from the mattress after the stain has been removed.
How to Deodorize and Freshen Up Your Mattress
Sprinkling baking soda over your mattress can help deodorize its surface. You can easily clean and deodorize it, or simply freshen it up.
1. Take all the sheets off your bed and sprinkle baking soda over the entire top of your mattress, and leave it for several hours or let it sit overnight. You can sprinkle anywhere from half a cup to the entire box over your mattress. The baking soda actually draws odors, dirt, and moisture out of the mattress surface and the materials beneath.
2. Once the baking soda has worked, vacuum your mattress all over again to get rid of the baking soda. The baking soda will leave your mattress fresh and good as new. If you want a little fragrance, you can mix some of your favorite essential oils into the baking soda before you sprinkle it on. Lemon and lavender oils work particularly well.
A Guide to Protecting Your Mattress from Future Stains
The best way to keep a clean mattress is to protect it from future stains. Here’s how you can protect your mattress.
1. Use Mattress Pads: Also known as mattress toppers, mattress pads are cushioned and will provide you with extra comfort each night. There are various types of mattress pads you can choose from, from thin pads with protective sheets to thicker slabs that can give additional cushion to your firm mattress.
2. Plastic Encasing: A plastic encasing is an excellent way to protect your mattress against dust, dirt, water, or even bending and folding. It is essentially perfect when you are moving your mattress, exposing it to damage and dust.
3. Waterproof Mattress Covers: One of the recommended ways to protect your mattress is by using a waterproof mattress protector against stains and spills, and to protect the integrity of your mattress. It can also protect the inside material of your mattress from body sweat, skin oil, and allergens that build up over time.
The Importance of Regular Mattress Maintenance
Cleaning your mattress is actually super important for your health, especially if you’ve got stains, moisture spots, or dust buildup. So, include cleaning your mattress in your monthly cleaning routine, maybe once every 4-5 times you wash your sheets. You might be even surprised by the amount of stains and spots hiding on your mattress, and you may actually notice the difference a clean mattress makes for your sleep.
When It’s Time to Call in the Professionals
Sometimes, even your best cleaning efforts aren’t enough to restore a clean mattress. Deep stains, lingering odors, or issues like mold and bed bugs require professional help. Mattress cleaning services use specialized equipment and solutions that can penetrate deeper than at-home methods, removing stubborn buildup without damaging the fabric or inner materials.
You should consider calling in the professionals if:
- Stains remain after multiple cleaning attempts
- Odors linger despite deodorizing
- You notice signs of mold, mildew, or bed bugs
- Your mattress hasn’t been deep-cleaned in several years
Professional cleaning can give your mattress new life, but if it’s more than 8–10 years old, replacing it may be the healthier and more cost-effective option.
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