How to Clean a Mattress: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cleanliness and hygiene are essential for maintaining good health, and our sleep environment plays a crucial role in this. We spend approximately a third of our lives in bed, so it’s essential to keep our mattresses clean and free from allergens, dust mites, and stains, to ensure a good night’s rest.
In this article, we will explore a step-by-step guide for cleaning your mattress, product reviews, DIY cleaning methods, pros and cons of using cleaning services, and maintenance tips to keep your mattress clean and hygienic.
Step-by-Step Guide
Cleaning your mattress may seem like a daunting task, but with the right materials and instructions, it can be a simple and straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide for cleaning your mattress:
1. Removing the Bedding and Vacuuming the Mattress
The first step is to strip the bedding from your mattress, exposing the surface. Vacuum the entire surface of the mattress, including the sides, to remove any dust and debris. Using the upholstery attachment, go over the mattress slowly, making sure to clean every crevice, corner, and inch of the surface.
2. Treating any stains on the mattress
Next, you’ll need to treat any stains on the mattress. Depending on the type of stain, you may need a certain cleaning solution or method. For example, for blood, urine, or sweat stains, you can use hydrogen peroxide to clean them. Peroxide could discolor colored fabrics, so be sure to test first. On the other hand, baking soda is effective for removing vomit stains on your mattress. Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. It’s also wise to use UV flashlight to inspect your mattress, allowing you to spot any hidden stains easily. Finally, remember to use different methods for different stains, and it is important to act quickly before it dries.
3. Deodorizing the Mattress
Deodorizing your mattress is crucial for freshness and hygienic purposes. Simply sprinkle baking soda onto the entire surface of your mattress, then use a brush to scrub the powder into the fabric. Let the baking soda sit for at least 30 minutes; for best results, let it sit for a few hours. Vacuum up the powder and any excess dust or debris to reveal a fresh, clean surface.
4. Allowing the Mattress to Dry Completely
After cleaning your mattress, allow it to dry completely before putting any linens or bedding on it. Air drying is the preferred method for drying your mattress naturally, to ensure all the layers of fabric and filling are dry thoroughly. Open the windows to allow fresh air to circulate in your room and accelerate the drying process. Under no circumstances should you use a washing machine or dryer.
Product Focus
Several products on the market claim to be the best for cleaning mattresses. Using a mattress cleaner with proven effectiveness is an excellent way to ensure your bed stays clean and hygienic. We will discuss some of the best mattress cleaners and treatment options available in the market and the benefits of using organic ingredients for mattress cleaning.
Mattress cleaning sprays are the most straightforward solution for cleaning your mattress, as most cleaners come paired with easy-to-use spray nozzles and minimal fuss. The proper mattress cleaner is entirely dependent on your needs and the type of mattress you have. Ethical Cleaning Solution by Good Deeds is an organic cleaner that uses simple ingredients such as distilled water, alcohol, and organic essential oil.
For tough stains on your mattress, you might need to use a cleaner. Biokleen is an all-purpose cleaner that is excellent for cleaning stains and organic matter disturbance such as dirt, urine, or blood on a mattress. It comprises natural chemical compounds extracted from ingredients like grapefruit seed, linseed, and chelating agents.
Additionally, organic ingredients like baking soda and vinegar are a powerful tool for cleaning mattresses, as they remove stains, odor, and bacteria. White vinegar works well for cleaning bloodstains on a mattress, while lemon juice is suitable for removing odor and refreshing the fabric.
DIY Cleaning Methods
DIY mattress cleaning methods are inexpensive, and ingredients are readily accessible, making them an excellent choice for people who don’t want to use commercial chemicals or cleaners. Here are some of the best DIY mattress cleaning methods:
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda is a natural odor absorber and cleaner, while vinegar acts as a disinfectant and stain remover. Mix one cup of baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the entire surface of the mattress. Allow to sit for 30 minutes, then spritz the solution with vinegar-water and let it fizzle, removing any stains and smells. Allow the surfaces of the mattress to dry entirely for a few hours, preferably a day or two.
2. Salt and Lemon Juice
Salt and lemon juice are a powerful combination for deep cleaning your mattress. Mix salt and lemon juice into a paste, then spread on the stained area on the mattress. Allow the solution to sit for 30 minutes before using a clean damp cloth to wipe away the paste. Repeat this process until the stain is gone, and then allow the mattress to dry.
Pros and Cons of Cleaning Services
Some people prefer to hire professional cleaners for their mattress, while others prefer to do it themselves. Hiring a cleaning service has its own set of benefits and downsides.
One benefit of hiring a professional cleaning service is that they have access to advanced cleaning equipment and techniques that the majority of people do not possess. Additionally, they take care of everything, leaving you with little to worry about except for how clean and refreshed your mattress will be, and it could also be less time-consuming. The downside of hiring professional cleaners is the cost; it can be expensive to engage such services compared to a DIY method, and you have to place trust on someone else to take care of your mattress.
Maintenance Tips
It is essential to maintain a clean mattress to extend its lifespan, freshness and prevent dust, dirt, and allergen buildup, here are some tips for maintaining a clean mattress:
1. Use a Mattress Protector
A mattress protector is an excellent investment to help protect your mattress from spills, stains, and bedbugs.
2. Rotate the Mattress
Rotating your mattress regularly (once every three months) ensures that it wears evenly, reducing sagging and prolonging its lifespan.
3. Vacuum it Regularly
Vacuuming your mattress regularly helps to prevent the buildup of dirt, dust mites, and allergens, which can cause various respiratory problems.
Conclusion
Keeping your mattress clean is crucial not just for hygiene purposes but also for ensuring a good night’s sleep. In this article, we have explored a step-by-step guide for cleaning your mattress, product reviews, DIY cleaning methods, pros and cons of using cleaning services, and maintenance tips to keep your mattress clean and hygienic.
Hopefully, you’ve learned some tips and tricks for cleaning and maintaining your mattress on your own, no matter if you prefer to use commercial cleaners or eco-friendly DIY methods. Whatever you choose, it’s essential to keep your mattress clean, fresh, and hygienic, and now that you have the necessary information, you’re on your way to sleeping better at night.