How to Clean a Mattress

If you’re like most people, you spend about a third of your life in bed. And while you may change your sheets on a regular basis, have you ever stopped to think about the cleanliness of your mattress? Do you know how to clean a mattress? 

Over time, mattresses become home to grime, mites, bacteria, and allergens, which can impact your health and quality of sleep. But don’t worry – in this ultimate guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about how to clean a mattress and keep it in tip-top condition. So if you’re wondering how to clean a mattress properly, keep reading for our top tips and tricks. With our guide, you’ll learn how to clean a mattress effectively and ensure a healthier, more comfortable sleep environment.

How to Clean a Mattress

Why Cleaning Your Mattress is Important

Before we dive into the specifics of how to clean a mattress, let’s take a look at why it’s so important. 

It may come as a surprise, but the average adult sweats around 118 litres a year in bed. That’s a significant amount of moisture that can accumulate on our mattresses over time. Unfortunately, this warmth and moisture create a perfect breeding ground for fungus and bacteria, which can lead to a host of health problems.

Furthermore, mattresses accumulate dead skin cells, dust mites, and other debris over time. This build-up can trigger allergies, cause unpleasant odors and skin irritation, and even damage the mattress. Regular mattress cleaning can help to eliminate these problems and extend the life of your mattress.

Does a Dirty Mattress Affect Your Sleep?

The short answer is yes, a dirty mattress can affect your sleep quality. Dust mites and other allergens cause sneezing, runny nose, and other respiratory symptoms, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. If you have trouble sleeping or wake up feeling tired and groggy, a dirty mattress could be the culprit.

How Often Should You Clean Your Mattress?

Now that you know why it’s important to clean your mattress, let’s talk about how often you should be doing it. The general rule of thumb is to clean your mattress every six months. However, if you suffer from allergies or have pets that sleep on your bed, you may want to clean it more frequently.

DIY Mattress Cleaning: Tools and Products You Need

Before you start cleaning your mattress, you’ll need to gather a few items:

• Vacuum cleaner
• Upholstery cleaner
• Baking soda
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Spray bottle
• Clean towels or rags
• Dish soap
• Vinegar

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean a Mattress

Now that you understand why regularly cleaning your mattress is important, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on how to clean a mattress.

Step 1: Strip the Bed and Wash the Bedding

The first step in cleaning your mattress is to remove all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and mattress protectors. Wash them in hot water with a mild detergent to kill any dust mites and bacteria.

Step 2: Vacuum the Mattress

Next, use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to thoroughly vacuum the entire surface of the mattress, paying special attention to the seams, crevices, and corners where dust and dirt can accumulate.

Step 3: Spot-Clean Stains

If you have any stains on your mattress, it’s important to spot-clean them before moving on to a deeper clean. For most stains, a mixture of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap can do the trick. Apply the mixture to the stain, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then blot with a clean cloth.

Step 4: Deodorize the Mattress

Baking soda is a natural deodoriser that can help remove odours from your mattress. Sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress and let it sit for several hours, or overnight. The baking soda will absorb any unpleasant odours and help to freshen the mattress. Afterward, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda.

Step 5: Use a Mattress Cleaner

Now that you’ve spot-cleaned any stains and deodorised the mattress, it’s time to use a mattress cleaner. There are several commercial cleaners available, but you can also make your own by mixing equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the cleaner over the entire surface of the mattress, then use a clean cloth to blot up any excess moisture.

How to Remove Stubborn Stains from your Mattress

Mattresses are one of the most frequently used items in our homes, and they can easily accumulate stains from various sources such as sweat, blood, urine, or food spills. Removing these stains can be challenging, especially if they have been set in for a while. However, with the right technique, you can effectively remove stubborn stains from your mattress. Here are some tips to help you out:

• Act quickly: The faster you act on a stain, the easier it will be to remove.

• Use mild dishwashing liquid: Apply one or two drops of mild dishwashing liquid onto the stain and gently blot the affected area with a moist cloth. Repeat the process until the stain disappears. Avoid using too much water, as this can saturate the mattress.

Please note that using hot water to remove blood stains is not recommended, as it can cause the blood to settle into the fabric.

• Try hydrogen peroxide: For heavier stains, you can use 3% hydrogen peroxide. Lightly spray the hydrogen peroxide on the stain and wait for it to start bubbling. Then, gently dab the area with a cloth that has been slightly dampened with cold water. This should lift the stain from the mattress. Let the mattress air dry.

• Use a steam cleaner: Using a steam cleaner is an effective and efficient method for removing stubborn stains from your mattress. The high temperature of the steam penetrates deep into the mattress, killing bacteria and breaking down the stain, which makes it easier to remove. 

It’s important to note that you should use a steam cleaner on your mattress with caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damaging the mattress.

Mattress Maintenance Tips

Apart from knowing how to clean a mattress, there are several other maintenance tips that you should keep in mind to help extend the life of your mattress and keep it in good condition. Some of these tips include:

1. Rotate and Flip Your Mattress

Rotating and flipping your mattress can prevent it from sagging and developing lumps, ensuring that it remains comfortable and supportive. Most mattresses should be rotated every three months and flipped every six months. However, check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific recommendations.

2. Use a Mattress Protector

Investing in a good quality mattress protector helps prevent stains, spills, and other damage to your mattress. It can also help keep dust mites and other allergens at bay.

3. Keep your Bedding and Mattress Clean

Wash your bedding regularly to prevent the buildup of sweat, dead skin cells, and other debris. In addition to regular rotation, it’s important to keep your mattress clean by vacuuming it regularly and using a spot cleaner for spills and stains.

4. Avoid Eating in Bed

uEating in bed can cause spills and stains on your mattress, attracting insects and bacteria. Food particles can seep into the mattress, causing unpleasant odors and attracting pests.

5. Keep Your Bedroom Clean

Keeping your bedroom clean can prevent dust and dirt from accumulating on your mattress, ensuring that it stays clean and hygienic. Dust your room regularly, change your bedding often, and keep your windows open to let fresh air circulate. Check out more cleaning tips for your bedroom.

6. Sunbathe Your Mattress

Sunbathing your mattress can kill bacteria and freshen up your bed. Strip your bed and let your mattress air out in direct sunlight for a few hours. However, avoid leaving your mattress in the sun for too long, as it can cause fading and damage to the fabric.

7. Address Stains and Spills Immediately

If you spill something on your mattress, address it immediately to prevent it from becoming a permanent stain. 

8. Avoid Harsh Cleaning Chemicals

Bleach can damage the fabric of your mattress and potentially harm your health. Stick to safer cleaning solutions such as baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide.

9. Replace Your Mattress After a Certain Period

Even with proper maintenance, a mattress has a limited lifespan. On average, a mattress should be replaced every six to eight years, depending on the type and quality. If you notice signs of wear and tear, such as sagging or lumps, it may be time to replace your mattress.

Cleaning your mattress is an essential task that should not be overlooked. A clean mattress promotes better sleep, prevents allergies, and extends its lifespan.

By following our step-by-step guide on how to clean a mattress, you can ensure that your mattress stays clean, fresh, and comfortable for years to come.

However, if you’re dealing with particularly stubborn stains home remedies are unable to remove, it’s time to call in a professional mattress cleaning service.

At Simply Spotless, we have specialised equipment and the expertise to remove even the most stubborn stains. Whether you need professional mattress cleaning or help with any other cleaning needs, our team is here to take the burden off your shoulders. 

So, why stress over how to clean a mattress when you can sit back and let us handle the job? Contact us now and let’s get started!