You spend a lot of time in bed. Almost a third of your life will be spent sleeping. A good mattress will last between 8 and 10 years and, in that time, your mattress might get a little dirty. It's not like you can throw your mattress in the washing machine. You need to know how to clean a mattress.
Food crumbs and spilled beverages will probably make their way to your mattress at some point, as well as dead skin cells and hair, sweat, and other bodily fluids.
Over the years, your mattress can accumulate dust mites, debris, and several stains. If you have never cleaned your mattress before, there’s no time like the present to thoroughly clean it.
How To Clean A Mattress
Step 1: Remove & Wash All Linens
In order to clean your mattress, you will need to remove everything that touches it. Strip all pillows, blankets, and sheets until it’s completely bare. Then, throw all your linens in the washer. This way, at the end of the process you will have a clean mattress and clean sheets to sleep comfortably on throughout the night.
Step 2: Vacuum
Once your mattress is undressed, break out the vacuum and attach an upholstery tool. These effectively pick up lint, debris, and small particles without scratching or hurting the surface of your mattress.
Make sure your vacuum reaches each corner and all sides of your mattress to ensure every stubborn spot is hit.
Step 3: Treat Stains
When you start treating stains, you really dig into how to clean a mattress. Begin by searching for any rough spots that need special attention. Mattresses are typically thick and dense, so spot stains can be difficult to remove. You can either use an upholstery cleaning agent or a home cleaning remedy. Follow the directions on the bottle carefully. It might require you to gentle massage the cleaner into the spot or require a time-sensitive step.
If you are inclined to use a more natural approach, take a washcloth and run it under warm water. Apply dish soap and use the foam to scrub out the stain.
If the stain is fresh, however, do not scrub. Use a cold, damp washcloth to blot the stain. Scrubbing may push the stain even further into and across the surface of the mattress.
To try another home remedy, combine two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide, one tablespoon of liquid dish soap, and mix. Then, use a toothbrush to lightly scrub the affected area.
If your mattress is made of memory foam, keep in mind that it should stay as dry as possible. Moisture can deteriorate the foam, affect its performance and even create a breeding ground for mold. Use the smallest amount of cleaner possible to treat stains on a memory foam mattress.
Specific Stain Solutions
- Urine: If it’s a new stain, it’s best to apply a small amount of vinegar to a paper towel or cloth. Dab the affected area and let it soak. Use cold water to rinse off any excess. If it’s an older stain, upholstery cleaner might be required as well.
- Blood: It should come as no surprise that blood is not an easy stain to remove. While some strong cleaning agents may do the trick, you can also use a cold cloth to repeatedly blot the area. Rubbing into the area with laundry detergent can also help remove the stain.
- Wine: For wine stains, pour sparkling water or salt on the affected area to help soak up the wine. Always blot, never rub. The sooner you treat the wine stain after it is spilled, the more likely it will be able to be removed.
Step 4: Let It Dry
In order to let your mattress dry, it needs to remain in a dry area. If it's sunny, open your windows and let the fresh air waft over the mattress.
If this is not an option due to weather conditions, sprinkle a very light layer of baking soda over the surface of your mattress. It will leave it with a refreshing, clean smell and help soak up any stains or spills. After a few hours have passed, don’t forget to break out the vacuum again to clean up the baking soda.
Step 5: Rotate Mattress
Most mattresses today aren't designed to be flipped, but it is always encouraged to rotate your mattress 180 degrees every few months. This helps prevent not only dips in your mattress, but an accumulation of dirt. This is an important step in how to clean your mattress that is often overlooked.
Step 6: Put Your Linens Back On
Return your mattress to its original state with your freshly cleaned pillows, blankets, and sheets. Your sterile sleeping environment will promote a healthier and more restful sleep.
Protect Your Mattress with a Mattress Protector
If you don't want to deal with the hassle of cleaning your mattress all the time, there's good news. Let mattress protectors do the dirty work for you. Mattress protectors act as a barrier to prevent spills, stains, and everything in-between from reaching your mattress. On top of that, they add a layer of luxury that will make your bed much more comfortable.
Mattress Warehouse’s mattress protectors will increase the longevity of your mattress by maintaining a clean and healthy condition. Your mattress will seem good as new for years to come. If you choose to buy a mattress protector at the time of your mattress purchase, you preserve your warranty should the bed become stained.