It might not seem like it, but your mattress is one of your most important possessions. Your mattress affects your sleep, which in turn affects nearly every aspect of your life. A quality mattress is also a significant investment – and one you’ll want to protect. That means learning how to clean a mattress, and how to maintain it, can help you get the most bang for your buck.
If left unchecked, your mattress can accumulate dead skin, dust mites, dirt, and a whole lot more. Regular mattress cleaning is important to extend the lifespan of your bed, and also to reduce allergies. Fortunately, cleaning a mattress doesn’t need to be complex. Keep reading to learn how to clean a mattress properly.
Recommended Method
1. Wash the Bedding
First and foremost, you’ll want to completely strip the bed and wash the sheets, pillowcases, and blankets. Check the label on your pillows to see if they are machine washable. Ideally, you’ll want to wash bedding in hot water in order to get rid of dust mites, but it’s important to follow the recommended care instructions to avoid potential shrinkage or fading. We recommend washing sheets weekly to help keep your mattress clean.
2. Assess the Damage
The best way to clean a mattress depends on how dirty it is and what stains are present. The technique for routine mattress cleaning will be different from the technique used to remove a spill or stain. You’ll want to closely check your mattress for stains, discoloration, smells, and other signs that will indicate that a specific area will need extra attention.
3. Gather Supplies
To properly clean a mattress, you’ll want to gather the following supplies:
Cold water
Baking soda
Rags or towels for cleaning
A gentle, bleach-free and unscented laundry detergent
Dish soap, or an enzyme cleaner
When it comes to using soaps and cleaning products on your mattress, it’s important to be careful. You don’t want to use anything too harsh that could damage the delicate fabric of your mattress. Also, keep in mind that it’s difficult to completely remove detergents from a mattress, so you may wish to choose products with a mild scent.
4. Vacuum Thoroughly
Using your vacuum’s upholstery attachment, clean the entire surface of the mattress. Make sure to vacuum the sides of the bed to remove dust, and stretch the fabric to remove debris from seams.
5. Spot-Clean Where Needed
Check for stains and areas of discoloration. Carefully spot-clean these areas using the following method:
Apply a small amount of cleaning solution to a clean cloth
Gently blot the stained area with the cloth
Apply cold water to a different clean cloth
Gently blot the stained area with the water-soaked cloth
Repeat if necessary, until the stain is removed
6. Apply Baking Soda
After you have removed any visible stains and allowed the mattress cover to dry completely, apply a thin layer of baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress. Baking soda helps to absorb moisture and neutralize odor.
Once applied, simply leave the baking soda on the mattress for at least a few hours. If possible, open your bedroom windows to increase airflow.