Your dead skin cells are shed every night as you sleep, and these dead skin cells sift through your linens and land on your mattress. The dust mites, which feed on these skin cells, do, unfortunately.
Some mattresses, in particular, if you’re sweating a lot in bed or living in a damp environment, grow mold and mildew as well. A dirty mattress aggravates your symptoms if you suffer from allergies or asthma. Old mattresses also smell unpleasant, and discolored mattresses are embarrassing to have around.
Fortunately, washing a mattress is significantly less difficult than you may expect. Regular mattress cleaning, perhaps twice a year if you have children or pets, can assist in eliminating allergies in your bedroom while also preserving the appearance and smell of the bed for years.
While it is possible to maintain a perfect sleeping environment, it is recommended to replace your mattress every 7-10 years to obtain the best possible the most sleep possible and to alleviate body aches and pains during the night.
How to Clean a Mattress
Before beginning the process of cleaning a mattress, there are various variables to consider. Mattress types and reasons for cleaning are two examples of such considerations. Additionally, different cleaning methods should be utilized for each material and stain to achieve the greatest results.
Type of Mattresses
- Latex mattress
- Innerspring
- Memory foam
- Gel mattress
- Hybrid mattress
Equipment You’ll Need
- Vacuum Cleaner (with attachments)
- Several cleaning rags
- A bowl
- A spray bottle
- Measuring spoons and cups
Materials You’ll Need
- Coldwater
- Liquid dish soap
- Baking soda
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- Table salt – (to remove blood stains on mattresses)
- Powdered white laundry detergent – (for wine or vomit stains)
Common Mattress Stains
- Blood
- Urine
- Vomit
- Food and drink
- Sweat
The majority of mattress types can be cleaned very easily, be careful not to get them too wet. Water can seep into mattresses that are too deep to dry properly, resulting in the formation of mold and bacteria. Memory foam mattresses are an exception to the general cleaning rules.
How To Clean A Mattress At Home Step by Step Instruction
Step 1: Removing loose debris
First and foremost, clear away any debris or dust that has accumulated on the surface. It appears to be a given. However, the method by which you remove the debris is just as crucial as removing it in the first place.
It’s recommended to perform this with either a tiny portable vacuum or a larger vacuum with a brush-grip extension – anything bigger is likely to pull the top of your bed and tear it.
If you have a mattress top pillow, smaller openings in the cover may have to be targeted to pick up particles that are hard to see. Start with slow, even strokes across the whole mattress horizontally and vertically and complete the slow vacuuming process if the debris is pushed into these small places during pre-vacuuming.
With slow and even strokes laterally and vertically throughout the entire mattress, Smooth-top mattresses are probably fine. If you have pets, attempt to pick up pet hair using a vacuum that can be more attached to the fabric than other types of debris.
Step 2: Deodorize Your Mattress
In particular, hot sleepers who sweat all night long typically look for techniques to deodorize the mattress and preserve perspiration and dust odors. Sadly, most How-to-clean mattress guides neglect the mattress smell.
Neither you nor your mattress should have the odor of a gym bag, mothball, or detergent on it at any time. Utilizing natural, long-lasting fresheners that won’t irritate your sinuses before bed is the key to maintaining a fresh mattress smell all year round.
The most common mistake individuals make when attempting to make their mattress smell beautiful is to spray it with strong perfumes and deodorants intended for use on their skin rather than on their beds! Because these synthetic odors linger for a shorter period, they have the potential to disrupt one’s sleeping patterns.
Try 15 to 20 drops of essential oils next time you’re wondering how to clean a mattress and freshen the smell. They’ll leave a pleasant natural perfume that lasts for a while! The best part is that essential oils can be useful for sleep as well as other ailments. They can aid in the relaxation of the mind and body, allowing for deep and peaceful sleep.
So you’re up to speed with how to clean a mattress, but how often should you do it? Depending on the age and style of your bed, it’s good to check in with the state of your mattress every 3-months. After that, spills should be cleaned immediately to avoid long-term stains that can be difficult to remove down the line.
Mattress Guard
A mattress guard is one technique to protect your foam mattress from these stains. The nicest thing about mattress protectors is that you don’t have to clean the entire mattress deeply if anything goes off.
You can instead take the protection and wash it. You can also maintain that “fresh new” mattress feeling using a mattress covering and increase mattress life. If you have no mattress, you may have to replace it before it even ends its life.
While everybody loves to sleep on a fresh mattress, it may sometimes not help you sleep better and healthier, no matter how often the previous bed has been cleaned, as old mattress construction can deteriorate swiftly, causing more harm than good to your back. Moreover, not all mattress marks have been created to last the time test.
If your mattress is too heavy, sagging, or folding at the edges, it’s a very obvious sign that it’s time for an improvement. Sleeping on an unsupportive mattress can place needless strain on muscles and joints, forcing you to wake up in pain each morning. The benefit of investing in a high-quality foam mattress cannot be overstated because individuals who sleep better have longer, healthier, and happier lives!
Step 3: Vacuum It
After deodorizing your mattress, vacuum it. If you have an upholstery attachment, use it for this. Please do not use a rolling brush attachment since it can snack or damage the mattress surface.
Clean your mattress top and sides in narrow, overlapping tracks. Do not press too hard; otherwise, you will reduce the suction of your machine. Ensure that you clean up close to the seams and edges as many dead cells and dust collect.
Also Read: How to Get Pee Out of a Mattress
Step 4: Spot Treat Mattress Stains
How To Help Remove Stains On Mattresses
Sometimes stains on mattresses can be stubborn, but it does not mean that even the worst dry ones can be removed. Fortunately, there are many treatments that you can use to remove the spots on your bed. Here are some steps you should try:
DISTILLED WHITE VINEGAR
Sprinkle baking soda on top of the vinegar soaks to finish it off. In addition to removing the smell from your mattress, baking soda acts as a neutralizing agent, which indicates that it might react with the vinegar, causing the two substances to cake on the surface of your bed. Vacuum off your bed’s extra baking soda.
Allow the remaining baking soda to settle for several hours on the mattress before your vacuum. You’ll not only give the baking soda more time to work its magic, but you’ll also make it easier for yourself to remove mattress stains when you do this.
USE BAKING SODA
Odors will emerge over time from your bed due to the sweat and urine that you can leave behind, especially when you have children and pets around you. It’s possible that you won’t notice the smell at first, but it will eventually waft up and leave you wondering why you didn’t see it sooner.
If that is the case, sprinkle some baking soda on your mattress after it is vacuumed and pay careful attention to the concentration of fragrance. Allow for approximately 10 minutes after applying the powder with a scrub brush. Excess powder vacuum.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
Another method for removing stains from mattresses is to use hydrogen peroxide, which has bleaching capabilities that can help minimize the look of stains on your mattress.
Before using this product, mix it with water and test it on a small segment of your mattress to ensure that it is safe to use. Then you’ll be able to examine what it does to your mattress before applying it to the full surface and risking destroying it.
If it looks better, spray some on the afflicted area and allow it to soak for a few minutes before blotting away any excess. It is an efficient method for removing stubborn mattress stains.
Preventing future stains
Regardless of how careful we are, spills and other accidents are sometimes unavoidable. A wonderful technique to avoid permanent blemishes and damage is to use a pattern or mattress enclosure.
A mattress protector fits similarly to a fitted sheet and is typically composed of fluid-resistant materials that are breathable. Mattress encasements – encasements that completely encase the mattress, protecting it from debris, liquids, and even bed bugs and dust mites.
While surely not necessary, mattress coverings and mattress encasements are a good method to protect your investment and extend mattress life for years.
Also Read: How to Choose a Mattress
Step 5: Drying your mattress
If you’ve been forced to use more aggressive cleaning methods to remove stubborn stains that have left your mattress wet, ensure that the area is well ventilated. Sprinkle a little bit of soda into the damp area and vacuum it once it has absorbed most moisture.
If you have a very moist spot, consider using a hairdryer on a low or medium size but don’t apply the greatest heat since this can damage the top layers of your mattress or cause puckering.
Step 6: FLIP YOUR MATTRESS
The next step is to add 10-20 drops of oil from your choice in the baker’s soda box and shake to distribute the oil. As for the essential oil, ylang-ylang, lavender, sandalwood and chamomile are recommended.
They smell not only wonderful but also have antibacterial characteristics, a plus. Lavender is fantastic since it also can inspire spa-like, relaxing aromatherapy that can aid you to sleep better.
Step 7: Protect Your Mattress
It takes more than a fitted sheet to protect your mattress from stains, molds, and allergens. You will also need a cover with a hypoallergenic, waterproof cover.
It is time to protect it now because you know how to clean a mattress. When completely dry, cover your cool mattress with the mattress protector to make cleaning in the future easier and prevent spills, dirt, and other discomforts (i.e., bed bugs).
How to clean vomit out of a mattress
Vomiting is another typical cause of mattress stains. Like urine, vomiting can penetrate deep into the mattress and leave behind an unpleasant smell so that you want to clean it as completely as possible.
Begin by wiping the vomit as much as possible, preventing it from rubbing into the bedding. Next, use an old bath towel to clean the mess, then clothes or a microfibre to blot as much moisture as you can.
Next, mix the washing detergent with two warm water glasses. The detergent helps break the vomit and cleanse the stain. Finally, the spot cleans the mattress surface. Avoid wetting the mattress with the solution by damping a clean towel and applying the solution.
Dilute three parts with one part of the water of white vinegar, and apply it with a spray bottle to the stained area. Please don’t soak the mattress again; moisten it. The vinegar is rather intense, but the smell dries off as it dries.
Allow the mattress to air dry before repeating the cleaning process if necessary until the mattress has been thoroughly cleaned. Afterward, spray the mattress lightly with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to kill any germs that may still be present and allow it to air dry completely.
If you still notice an odor, sprinkle baking soda over the area and leave it overnight before vacuuming it up.
How to clean urine from a mattress without using baking soda
Baking soda is an excellent ingredient, not just for the blotting of mattress stains but for all types of cleaning purposes. But if you have none, and you have to clean a mattress that is saturated in pee, instead, you can use an unscented litter of cat (unless you have a cat!). Baby powder and talcum powder may also absorb the mattress or pinch plain table salt.
How to clean blood out of a mattress
Blood can be difficult to remove since it is difficult to get out when it has been set. When treating bloodstains, always use cold water since the hot water blocks the stain into the tissue. To put the stain and the blood as much as possible on cold water, use a microfiber cloth.
Then apply a little hydrogen peroxide and let it work on the stain. Blot a clear, dry cloth on it once the fizzing stops. Repeat whether the stain remains visible.
Then create and put on the stain a paste of baking soda, cold water or hydrogen peroxide. Allow it to sit for a half-hour with a damp cloth before cleaning.
Pro Tip: Meat tenderizer is a wonderful remover of blood. Use it to add cold water and apply it to the stain in place of baking soda.
Making Sure Your Bed Stays Protected After A Cleanup
Another approach to guarantee your bed looks brand new is to invest in a mattress protector. High-quality mattress protection can work hard to preserve your mattress, particularly because it can be used to avoid blemishes, damage and debris from sinking into your bed.
Look for waterproof, hypoallergenic and, most importantly, washable protectors.
Also Read: How to Buy Best Mattress – An Ultimate Guide
FAQ’s
Below are some frequently asked questions about cleaning mattresses.
Is there any way to clean a mattress?
There is! It is critical to clean your mattress regularly to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. Maintaining a clean mattress can help keep dust, stains, and mold away. Additionally, a clean mattress will assist you in sleeping better.
Can I Clean My Mattress with a Carpet Shampooer or Steam Cleaner?
Using a steam cleaner forces water deep into your mattress, where it cannot be reached by air or light. Your mattress is the size of a large, thick sponge. Consider the smell of a damp sponge that has been left in a dark, warm area for a few days.
Unfortunately, the moisture inside your mattress may also contribute to mold and mildew inside. Then you’ll require a new mattress.
How Often Should I Clean My Mattress?
If you have a nice mattress protector on your clean mattress, you may never have to clean it deep again. Look for a product that is hypoallergenic and water-resistant. To remove odors and allergies, remove the protection and wash it at least once a month.
It is necessary to vacuum your mattress at least once a month if you do not use a mattress protector to remove dust mites, dead skin cells, and surface allergies. When you have finished, deep clean the area no more than twice a year.
Does it make sense to use essential oils to freshen my mattress?
Although essential oils have a good smell, they are still oils. Dirt is attracted to the cloth when oil is rubbed into it, resulting in a permanent stain. You won’t be able to smell the essential oil once you’ve vacuumed and covered your mattress to keep it safe.
Therefore, why would you want to spend time and effort? Rather than using essential oils, you can use baking soda to refresh your mattress if it begins to smell stale.
What causes yellow stains on a mattress?
In addition to urine and sweat, various other things can produce yellow stains on your mattress. Mattress washing regularly will assist in keeping mattress stains away. Examine the mattress cleaning area and select the options that are most suitable for you.
How Often Should I Flip or Rotate My Mattress?
Turning your mattress means turning it over. If your mattress is the same on both sides, you should turn it to help it wear evenly every three months. It will also avoid lumpy or “valleys” appearing in which you sleep.
Rotate your mattress equally from head to foot. You may use any mattress to achieve that. When you wash your bedding, it is easy to do, and the mattress is naked. Rotate your mattress at least every three months or whenever it begins to feel saggy. If it feels sagging on a more frequent basis than that, it’s likely time for a replacement.
What can I spray on the mattress to clean it?
On your mattress, you can apply a disinfecting spray. Request one that is mattress safe. Additionally, you may create one at home using baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap to remove stains.
