How to Clean a Mattress: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whether it’s from food and drink spills, sweat, dust, or odors, your mattress is inevitably going to get dirty. That’s why we recommend cleaning your mattress at least twice a year—more often if you have pets, kids, or spill something. Beyond hygiene, regularly cleaning your mattress gets rid of dust mites, bacteria, mold, and allergens that can trigger asthma, allergies, and skin problems.
While it is not as simple as tossing your sheets in the washer, cleaning your mattress doesn’t have to be a hassle. If your bed needs a refresh, follow our step-by-step guide.
While it is not as simple as tossing your sheets in the washer, cleaning your mattress doesn’t have to be a hassle. If your bed needs a refresh, follow our step-by-step guide.
Tips for Keeping Your Mattress Clean
1.
Use a mattress protector
Use a mattress protector.
Always use a mattress protector to prevent buildup of moisture, dust, and debris. A waterproof cover can even catch liquids to avoid stains.
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2.
Change your sheets
Dust, dirt, sweat, and debris can build up in your sheets and affect the cleanliness of your mattress. Change your sheets every 1–2 weeks.
3.
Consider flipping your mattress
Rotating or flipping your mattress every three months helps combat indentations.
4.
Clean spills immediately
If you have a larger spill or stain, immediately sop up excess liquids and use a stain remover to avoid it from setting
5.
Air out your mattress between sheets
When changing your sheets, give your mattress time to air out first. Open a window or place your mattress in a sunny area as UV light can help kill bacteria.
What You Need to Clean Your Mattress
You don't need expensive or harsh chemicals to clean your mattress. Common household items are safe and effective. And better yet, these cleaning tips are safe for the four most common mattress types — innerspring, foam, hybrid, and latex. Here is what you need:
What You Need to Clean Your Mattress
You don't need expensive or harsh chemicals to clean your mattress. Common household items are safe and effective. And better yet, these cleaning tips are safe for the four most common mattress types — innerspring, foam, hybrid, and latex. Here is what you need:
1.
A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
2.
Baking soda
3.
White vinegar
4.
A spray bottle
5.
Cold water
6.
A clean cloth or sponge
7.
A fan or a hair dryer
How to Clean Your Mattress in 5 Easy Steps
Now that you have your materials, follow along with these steps to clean your mattress and make it look and smell fresh:
1.
Vacuum your mattress thoroughly to remove dust, dirt, and hair. Pay special attention to the seams and crevices where dust mites and other debris often accumulate.
2.
Sprinkle baking soda on your mattress and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that absorbs odors and moisture from your mattress.
3.
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray lightly over the baking soda to dampen but not soak your mattress. This will create a fizzing reaction that will lift stains and dirt from your mattress.
4.
Blot the mattress with a clean cloth or sponge to remove the excess vinegar and baking soda. You can also use a mild detergent and cold water to spot clean any stubborn stains. Rinse the cloth or sponge frequently and wring it out well. If baking powder remains, do one more pass with the vacuum.
5.
Dry your mattress completely before putting on your sheets and bedding as moisture can promote mold and mildew growth. Open the windows and let it air dry or speed up the drying process with a fan or a hair dryer.
How to Deep Clean Your Mattress
If you have deep stains remain after the five-step regular cleaning, you may need a deep clean. Below are a few more materials you need to get the job done. However, avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or chlorine-based cleaning solutions as they can damage the mattress. And always check your manufacturer instructions before using cleaning solutions or stain removers.
1.
Hydrogen peroxide
2.
Dish soap
3.
White vinegar
4.
Baking soda
Instructions
1.
Fill a bowl with one cup of hydrogen peroxide, three tablespoons of baking soda, and a few drops of gentle liquid dish soap to create the cleaning solution.
2.
Use a clean cloth to apply the cleaning solution to the mattress. Be sure to work in small sections. Let it sit for ten minutes, then blot or rub the stain with a rag.
3.
If the stain remains, spray vinegar directly on the stain and sprinkle baking soda on top.
4.
Place a clean white towel over the area and let sit for 1–2 hours.
5.
Do one more pass with the vacuum. Again, ensure the mattress is completely dry before putting on sheets and bedding.
Refresh Your Sleeping Space with Furniture.com
With proper care and maintenance, a quality mattress should last from 7–10 years. If your mattress is sagging, stained, or worn down, it’s time for a replacement. At furniture.com we curate a wide selection of the best mattresses from trusted retailers to make your shopping experience a breeze. Shop mattresses now at furniture.com.
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