When was the last time you cleaned your mattress? Or more importantly, have you ever cleaned your mattress? Sure, you might wash your sheets every week – but that’s not enough to keep your bed clean and hygienic.
Your mattress absorbs all your dead skin flakes, sweat and oil every night. It’s also home to dust mites, bacteria and fungi, which can be very harmful to your health.
Experts tell us we should deep-clean our mattresses once or twice every year. This will keep it in top condition and ensure it lasts the expected lifespan. Not only does deep-cleaning remove odours from the mattress and protect your health, but it can also help you sleep more soundly. Cleaning reduces the allergens so you can breathe cleaner air to sleep and feel better.
Deep-cleaning might sound like a daunting task, but it doesn’t need to be. We’ll show you the best way to clean a mattress so you can start sleeping better today.
SIGNS YOUR MATTRESS NEEDS A CLEAN
If your mattress has noticeable spots or stains or a funny smell, it’s a sign that it’s long overdue for a clean. Alternatively, if you’ve been experiencing heightened allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, coughing or sneezing, and washing your sheets has proven ineffective, the mattress may be the cause. Remember: it won’t always be obvious if your mattress needs a clean, so if it’s been a year (or more!), consider it time now.
If cleaning fails to remove stains or odours, or if there is an excessive build-up of mould, your mattress is due to be replaced.
MATERIALS YOU’LL NEED
You don’t need much to deep-clean your mattress. In fact, most of the supplies are most likely already sitting in your cleaning cupboard.
- A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
- Baking soda
- Your choice of essential oils
- Antibacterial spray.
If you’re targeting a particular stain, it’s important to remember stains can either be protein-, tannin-, or grease-based, and they require different cleaning methods to remove. Try to tend to any stain as soon as possible before it has a chance to soak in.
STEPS TO DEEP-CLEANING THE MATTRESS
Before commencing, make sure the room is well-ventilated with the windows and doors all open. Also check the air isn’t too humid or moist, as this can cause mould or mildew to grow.
STRIP BEDDING
Remove all pillows, blankets, sheets, mattress protectors or lining off the bed until the mattress is completely bare. It’s a good idea to wash everything and remake the bed with fresh bedding once the mattress has been cleaned.
VACUUM MATTRESS
To remove any lingering dust and debris, vacuum your mattress completely. A power head vacuum cleaner will achieve the best results as they can effectively reach deeply embedded dust. Protect your mattress by using an upholstery brush and work systematically up and down until you’ve covered everything – including the underside.
DEODORISE
Sprinkle baking soda liberally across the entire mattress surface and leave for at least 1 hour. To leave a pleasant lingering scent for the next few nights, mix in a few drops of essential oils with the baking soda prior to application. You could use oils such as rosemary, lavender, or eucalyptus.
VACUUM AGAIN
Once you’ve let the baking soda sit for a decent amount of time, vacuum the mattress again (using the upholstery tool once more), working methodically to ensure no baking soda remains.
DISINFECT MATTRESS
Disinfect bacteria from your mattress using a high-quality antibacterial cleaner. Be sure to choose a brand that doesn’t have bleach as one of the ingredients as it will harm the mattress fibres. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix solution with the correct amount of water and place in a spray bottle. Spray the solution lightly across the mattress surfaces including the sides.
WIPE DOWN
Use a clean cloth dipped in warm water and thoroughly wringed out to wipe down the mattress after it’s been sprayed. It’s important to use as little water as possible as this can lead to mould build-up. Ensure the mattress is completely dry before remaking the bed.
PREVENTION
If you aren’t already using one, a fully-encased mattress protector will help protect from further dirt and dust from getting it in, keeping your mattress cleaner for longer. There are many different types of mattress protectors available, including hypoallergenic designs that prevent dust mites, and waterproof designs that protect from moisture.
Once you’ve completed the deep-clean procedure, remake your bed with clean sheets. Enjoy better and healthier sleeping in your ultra-fresh bed, free of all the nasties.
Alternatively, you can steam clean your mattress after vacuuming to kill dust mites and germs, and remove odours effectively.
