Mattress Cleaning and Maintenance
When it comes to mattress cleaning, most people are at a loss. After all, you can’t put a mattress in the washer, and it’s so big that it’s a pain to even get off the bed. However, before you give up cleaning the mattress as a bad job, think of how frequently you use it. A mattress can contain thousands of dust mites, lots of human skin cells, and more. We recommend vacuuming your mattress every few monthsĀ to control the dust mite and allergen populations. Keep reading for more tips on how to clean your mattress!
How to Clean your Mattress Regularly
Mattress cleaning doesn’t have to be a once-a-year task. There are a few steps you can take to keep your mattress regularly clean. This helps avoid big build-ups of dust and dirt, and can help tackle stains as they occur instead of months later.
Firstly, vacuuming is your friend! From late night snack crumbs to pet hair, a lot of unwanted guests have probably accumulated in your mattress. Once a month at least, remove your mattress cover and take a pass with the vacuum.
Secondly, spot cleaning is a huge help when you stain your mattress in between washes. We recommend cleaning these stains as soon as possible, but sometimes stains go unnoticed for a while. Never fear! You have two easy options. First, you can treat stains with a combination of hydrogen peroxide, liquid dish soap, and baking soda. Just mix them together in a spray bottle and squirt the solution all over the stained area. Then just blot and rub with a clean rag until the stain is gone! If you want to use more natural ingredients, make a paste out of lemon juice and salt. Apply it to the stain, let it sit for thirty minutes to an hour, and wipe it off with a clean towel.
Thirdly, nothing will make your mattress seem fresh and clean like fresh air! If you can haul your mattress out into the backyard or onto a porch for a few hours, then you can eliminate bacteria and let your mattress soak in some nice UV rays.
Fourthly, invest in a mattress cover if you don’t already have one! They’re the first line of defense against dirt and gross stains, and can be thrown regularly in the washing machine (unlike your standard mattress).
Finally, there are a couple more helpful mattress cleaning tips that will keep your mattress feeling newer and comfortable for a longer period of time! Rotate your mattress four times a year to evenly distribute the wear; this helps prevent certain areas from sinking or becoming uneven over time. Whenever you go on vacation, strip your bed to air your mattress out. Finally, as un-fun as it sounds, try to keep children from jumping on the bed. Not only does it ruin the bounciness of the mattress springs, but it can also be potentially dangerous if kids fall off!
Mattress Cleaning Ā with Baking Soda and a Vacuum
- Before you start to vacuum, take the chance to wash your sheets and blankets! This will help get rid of the dust and hair in your bedding. Then, mix up a bowl of one cup baking soda and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Dust your mattress with the baking soda mixture; we recommend using a sifter or strainer for even coverage. Let the baking soda sit for about an hour. During that time, it will soak up dust and dirt and leave a sweet smell behind.
- After an hour, grab your vacuum and an upholstery attachment. Vacuum off all the baking soda left on the mattress; dust and allergens will come up with the baking soda. Now you’re ready for a good (and clean) night’s sleep!
Freshening Your Mattress with Sweet-Smelling Spray
- Now that you’re a pro at how to clean your mattress, you’ll also want to keep it smell sweet in between vacuuming. Grab a spray bottle and a funnel and mix together the following ingredients: 2 ounces of vodka (even flavored vodka!), 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil, and water to top the bottle off.
- When you change your sheets every week, simply spray this mixture all over your mattress for a clean and revitalizing scent!
Comments (5)
Leona Brown
Thank you for the cleaning help please donāt take it off.
Bob
I like your tips about spot cleaning when the mattress is between washes. My wife and I are trying to get our house ready to sell and it needs some cleaning. I’ll have to consider your tips so that our mattresses get cleaned properly.
Louie
The post has actually peaks my interest. Iwill bookmark your website
and keep checking for new tips.
Luke Smith
I really love your tips about how to keep a mattress clean, especially what you said about leaving it outside for some fresh air if possible. If you can’t get it out of the house I imagine even taking the cover off and opening the windows would be a good way to get it some air. My neighbor just bought a used mattress and has been very concerned about how clean it is. I’m sure he’ll appreciate these tips, but I also imagine he would love to have it sanitized by a professional before using it.
Denise Harris
Excellent info for mattress cleaning. I was only familiar with the third one, dragging the mattress outside for sunshine or ultra-violet rays. My mother would leave a mattresses outside all day after a 1/2 day of 4-6 hrs. she would flip it to the other side for the same amount of time. Best freshener yet works with pillows, and upholstery cushions too. Natural Air fresh scent there is and everything is plump like it was new. If you ever did laundry with your Mother as a child I remember the scent of laundry hung out to dry on the clothes line, ultraviolet waves and air gives it a scent that can’t be found no where else not in a can, or bottle. I love the smell of the clothes as we would take them of the clothesline, and when I laid my head on the pillow and the fresh scent of the sheets would put a smile on your face as you drifted off to sweet sleep…