Unlock the Mystery of Mattress Rejuvenation!
Chances are, you’re diligent about washing your sheets regularly. But have you ever considered cleaning what lies beneath those sheets? While it may not require as frequent attention, giving your mattress a thorough cleaning every now and then is crucial for maintaining sleep hygiene and ensuring a clean, allergen-free sleeping environment.
Meet Our Experts
Arin Schultz, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Naturepedic
Noah Meicler, Vice President at Texas Mattress Makers
Jacqueline Stein, professional cleaner and owner of Home Reimagined
Why Cleaning Your Mattress Matters
According to Schultz, taking care of your mattress is vital for your health and hygiene. “It can easily become a breeding ground for dust mites, sweat, hair and body oils, residue from cosmetics, food and beverage spills, dead skin cells, and allergens,” he explains. “Over time, these substances accumulate, exposing you to various contaminants while you sleep and inhale them as well.” Apart from discomfort and potential allergic reactions, a dirty mattress can also impact the quality of your sleep. Regular mattress cleaning helps address these issues, ensuring cleaner, healthier sleep and prolonging the lifespan of your mattress.
Key Considerations
The main concern when cleaning a mattress is the risk of saturating the comfort materials, notes Meicler. “The comfort materials, usually polyfoams or memory foams, can deteriorate if they become wet,” he warns. Therefore, it’s safer to use a water-resistant mattress protector and wash it periodically rather than cleaning the mattress itself unless necessary. “Consider cleaning your mattress only in case of specific incidents,” suggests Meicler. “If you don’t have a mattress protector, it’s advisable to get one to prevent accidents.”
If cleaning your mattress is unavoidable, Schultz advises spot-cleaning using gentle cleansers and DIY solutions to avoid introducing harmful chemicals into your sleeping environment. “Ensure the mattress is completely dry before making the bed to prevent mold growth,” he adds. Stein recommends testing any cleaning solution on a small area first to avoid damaging the fabric and emphasizes safety precautions such as proper ventilation and using gloves with potent cleaners.
Essential Tools
– Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
– Mild detergent, enzyme cleaner, or mild dish soap
– Spray bottle
– Baking soda
– Hydrogen peroxide
– Clean cloths or sponge
– Steam cleaner or upholstery cleaner (optional)
How to Clean Your Mattress
Method 1: Removing Surface Stains and Odors
Step 1: Vacuum the mattress to remove loose dirt and debris. Use a clean upholstery attachment or a specialized bed/mattress vacuum recommended by Stein for effective dust and hair removal.
Step 2: Treat stains with a homemade solution or commercial stain remover.
To treat stains on your mattress, you have a few options: a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and a small amount of baking soda, a mild dish soap with water, or a commercial stain remover. Stein advises gently dabbing the solution onto the stain without oversaturating it. Let it sit briefly, then blot with a clean damp cloth followed by a dry, white cloth to soak up excess moisture.
Step 3 involves sprinkling baking soda over the entire mattress to absorb odors and moisture. Leave it for at least 15 minutes as it naturally neutralizes odors and moisture.
Next, vacuum the mattress to remove the baking soda residue. Stein recommends thorough vacuuming with a dustbin vacuum to prevent baking soda particles from causing damage to the motor.
For a deep clean, Meicler and Schultz prefer minimizing the use of wet materials. However, if necessary, Stein outlines the process below:
Step 1: Remove all bedding and protectors for washing as per manufacturer guidelines.
Step 2: Spot clean visible stains using a mild detergent or enzyme cleaner, then blot dry.
Step 3: Use a steam or upholstery cleaner to deep clean the mattress, ensuring it’s safe to get wet.
Step 4: Allow the mattress to dry completely before vacuuming and replacing bedding.
Stein advises ensuring the mattress is fully dry before the final vacuuming. It’s recommended to clean the mattress in the morning to allow ample drying time.
As for how often to clean your mattress, Schultz suggests deep cleaning at least twice a year. Those with allergies may need to clean it every three to four months. Promptly address spills or stains to prevent them from becoming harder to remove. Avoid using bleach on your mattress, as it can be too harsh and potentially damage the fabric or leave harmful residues.
When cleaning your mattress, it is important to avoid harsh chemicals that can damage its fabric or affect your respiratory system if not used properly. It is recommended to stick to mild detergents or baking soda for safe and effective cleaning.
After a deep cleaning session, your mattress will typically take between 12 to 24 hours to dry completely. The exact drying time may vary depending on factors such as the level of moisture present, the type of mattress material, room temperature, and the ventilation in the room. To expedite the drying process, consider using fans to improve air circulation, opening windows to enhance airflow, or running a dehumidifier. It is crucial to ensure that the mattress is fully dry before using it again to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
For more tips and insights on mattress cleaning and maintenance, you can refer to the original article on Southern Living.
