Your mattress is your night host, you should know the best way to clean a mattress else some uninvited guests like dust mites and bacteria, would join the party. To avoid your sleeping mattress becoming a breeding ground for these micro-organisms, keep an eye on it and try deep cleaning it occasionally. Cleaning your mattress keeps it away from illness-causing pathogens. In this blog, we will discuss the best way to clean your mattress with simple homemade steps. Point out some DIY tips for keeping your mattress clean, as well as some other suggestions. Let’s see how.
Why Cleaning Your Mattress is Important
Studies suggest that a US citizen spends almost 1/3rd of his time in bed daily. Over time, if untreated, your mattress gets stains and harmful allergens. If you think your mattress is neat and clean. Think again! Read the steps and know why cleaning your mattress matters.
- Enhances Sleep Quality:
A clean mattress is less likely to accumulate allergy-causing pathogens. A mattress free of these microbes improves your sleep quality and you will hit the sack quickly.
- Reduces Allergy-spreading Germs: Over time, a dirty mattress becomes a sanctuary of microbes. These take a toll on your health as they impact your lungs and cause you to suffer from cough, sneezing, and allergy. But a clean mattress can protect you from all these germs.
- Extends Mattress Lifespan: Want to prolong your mattress life? When you keep a check on your mattress like using a surface protector, rotating it(180 degrees) once every six months. These measures can prolong its life span. If you’re looking for a high-quality mattress that lasts longer and offers superior comfort, check out the Ego Black 14″ Firm Memory Foam Mattress.
- Limits the Spread of Foul 0dor: Regularly keeping your mattress in good condition reduces the likelihood of unwanted odors, and ensures a hygienic sleeping environment. What is more, cleaning your bedsheets helps minimize odor-causing elements.
Pro tip:
Want the best results? Try deep cleaning the mattress every 6 months. If you’re a pet owner or have kids, reduce this cleaning time to 3 months.
Tools and Products for Deep Cleaning
Let’s find out how to gather the necessary tools before deep cleaning the mattress:
Essential Cleaning Tools
- A Vacuum: Having an attached upholstery connector to the cleaner eliminates dirt particles and spoilage from the surface of the mattress.
- Microfiber Fabrics: These clothes have an exceptional absorbing capacity as they easily trap dust and dirt. Bacteria and other bed bugs can also be removed without any hassle.
- A Spray bottle: A Spray bottle containing a mixture enhances the cleaning action as small dust fragments can easily be washed away with this.
- A Brush: A relatively soft brush with bristles removes stains effortlessly without damaging the mattress surface.
Recommended Cleaning Products
- Baking soda: A natural deodorizer that removes persistent stains smoothly.
- White vinegar: Act as a disinfectant and easily cleans the permanent marks.
- Hydrogen peroxide: A bleaching agent and an antiseptic that neatly removes dirt from the affected areas.
- Enzyme cleaner: Removes stains and other odor-causing things like urine, sweat, vomit, and pet accidents.
- Using Oils(essential): They are good for cleaning the mattress as they have deodorizing characteristics that mask unpleasant odors successfully.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Mattress
Here is the breakdown of deep mattress cleaning guidelines:
Step 1: Remove the Bedding
Cleaning a mattress at home is easy. Begin with removing all the bed-clothes, such as bedsheets, pillowcases, and protectors. Gently wash them in hot water. This will eliminate every microscopic-level germ and remove the trapped dust inside the mattress. For a water-resistant mattress, use a piece of microfiber cloth and leave it on until it gets dry.
Step 2: Vacuum the Mattress
Use a vacuum cleaner to clean your mattress. Particularly with the help of upholstery, this works well in crevices, where allergens usually accumulate. This way, your body remains safe from the attack of bacteria and other dust mites or bed bugs.
Step 3: Spot Clean Stains
Spot cleaning the strains is a targeted method to clean specific stains like urine, blood, and sweat without deep cleaning your mattress. Here is how:
- Urine Stains: Mix 1:2 white vinegar and water in a bottle. Now, spray the mixture on the urine stain and clean the bolt with the microfiber. Let it air dry. You can use enzyme cleaner for harder stains.
- Blood Stains: These reddish stains can be whipped away using a mixture of 2 parts H2O2 (hydrogen-peroxide) and 1 part dish soap. Note: 2 tb spoons of H2O2 and 1 tb spoon of dish soap are to be applied on the desired area thoroughly. You may also cleanse it with a clothes brush. Avoid using hot water as it makes the marks permanent.
- Sweat Stains: First, sprinkle baking soda over the targeted area to deal with yellowish sweat stains. Wait for half an hour, then vacuum it up. Add 1-2 drops of essential oils for extra freshness.
Step 4: Deodorize with Baking Soda
Baking soda naturally absorbs odors and moisture and acts as a deodorizer. Here is how to use it:
Evenly spread baking soda over the mattress. Mix 1-2 drops of lavender, an essential oil, or eucalyptus for a fresh scent. Allow the solution to absorb odors. Usually, it takes 5-6 hours. Vacuum the baking soda completely to ensure no residue is left untreated.
Step 5: Mattress sanitizing
To add an extra cleaning layer, sanitize the mattress for a hygienic sleeping environment. Here is how:
- Steam Cleaning: Use a steam cleaner, typically handheld; its heat kills all the bugs in the bed, dust mites, and bacteria. Once done, let the mattress dry to prevent mold growth.
- Vinegar Solution: Mix 1:1 (equal parts) with white vinegar and water solution in a small bottle. Apply this to your mattress and allow it to dry. You will see results after it gets dry.
DIY Mattress Maintenance Hacks
After mattress cleaning, follow our DIY hacks to keep it fresh:
- Use a Mattress Protector
A high-quality mattress cover is used to prevent marks from setting in and protect it against pathogens and allergens. To avoid musty odors choose a breathable mattress protector.
- Clean Spills and Stains Immediately
Immediate cleaning action effectively prevents dirty marks from setting in. Like: Use an absorbent to blot spills, and then use a mixture containing detergent and water to spot-clean the affected area. To prevent unpleasant odors, try not to over-moisturize the surface, or else it will produce a stench. An enzyme cleaner is applied to break down the particles for organic stains like urine and sweat.
- Wash Bedding Frequently:
Your bedsheet transfers dirt, sweat, oil particles, and other liquids into the mattress, causing it to produce reek over time. To prevent this, regularly wash bed coverings, pillow-cases, and mattress covers. Use an anti-allergic solvent if you suffer from allergies.
- Avoid Eating or Drinking in Bed
Do not make bed mattresses for your dining table. The spilled food seeps through the mattress, creating an unpleasant stint. If something gets spilled, clean your mattress sheet immediately.
- Address Pet Accidents Sharply
To all pet lovers, immediately clean up any pet accident to keep your mattress clean and tidy. Typically, an enzyme cleaner works effectively on pet stains. Avoid rubbing the stained area.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up this blog, you are now well aware of the best way to clean a mattress. Proper maintenance eliminates orders, promotes relaxation, and reduces stress, improving sleep quality and comfort. You only need to follow the above-given roadmap and enjoy the benefits of a spotless bed. For more information, visit Egohome today.
