You spend much of your life—almost a third of it—on your mattress. After a long, hard, dusty, dirty day you flop down on it, toss and turn, and fall into a deep slumber.
If you took a microscope to your mattress and observed what isn’t seen by the naked eye, you would probably feel much less comfortable laying your body on it at night!
Mattresses collect sweat, dirt, and oils and attract dust mites, bed bugs, and other tiny creatures. They’re filled with allergens and even bacteria. They also soak up blood, urine, and other bodily fluids—especially if you have kids! Considering all these factors, when was the last time you gave your mattress a deep cleaning?
Cleaning your mattress goes further than just cleanliness. It reduces allergens, promotes more restful sleep, and helps your mattress last longer. It also may prevent infestations by bed bugs, dust mites, and lice. You may be surprised to know that your mattress likely smells—although you may not notice it.
People become accustomed to their smell and often do not readily realise that their mattress has a stench coming from it.
Keeping your mattress in good condition is also better for your health and your household. Getting rid of dirt and little creatures keep the mattress sanitary and also enhances your night’s rest, leaving you more refreshed in the morning.
Try to time your cleaning for when you’ll be going away for the night (you’ll see why in Step 4). While this job is time-consuming, it is very much worth the effort.
Following every step is essential to ensure a good, deep clean. If you follow all steps correctly and to their fullest, you should only have to clean your mattress once or twice a year.
You’ll need:
- Laundry detergent
- Fabric softener
- Dryer sheets
- Vacuum
- Upholstery attachment for vacuum
- Crevice attachment for vacuum
- Upholstery cleaner OR solution of 1 tsp. dish soap + 1 cup warm water
- Clean washcloths
- Upholstery deodoriser OR baking soda
- (Optional) Essential oil (Recommended) Mattress protector
You’ll possibly need (see Step 3):
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Ammonia
Mattress Cleaning Guide
1. Strip It
Begin by stripping your mattress. Remove all pillows, sheets, and blankets. Remove your mattress pad as well if you have one. Check the labels on all your bedding to find out if they can be machine washed with heat. If so, use the hottest water and dryer settings possible.
This will kill any little creatures that may be living in your sheets. It also sanitises the sheets. When washing your bedding, use laundry detergent and fabric softener.
Then use a dryer sheet in the dryer to reduce static. When drying your bedding, make sure you allow them to dry thoroughly before you replace them on your mattress once you’ve completed cleaning it.
2. Vacuum
Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to get rid of all dirt, dust, and dead skin that has collected on your mattress’s surface. Your regular household vacuum cleaner should suffice, but you can also consider renting a heavy-duty cleaner.
Once you’ve finished vacuuming the main surface of the mattress, change the attachment on your vacuum to the crevice attachment. Use this to get the vacuum into all the seams and crevices, as these are where the most unwanted materials collect.
3. Spot Clean
Check your mattress for stains. If you have upholstery cleaner, follow the directions on the bottle. If not, try a solution of 1 tsp: dish soap and 1 cup of water. Use a clean washcloth to blot the stain with your solution, but do not soak it.
It is critical to use your cleaning products sparingly because the excess liquid will take a long time to dry. Let the spot air dry. If the spot persists, try some of the following methods. You will need additional supplies for these stubborn stains.
Blood and Urine
Begin by blotting the stain sparingly with hydrogen peroxide and a clean cloth. If this works, let it air dry. If not, pour a little laundry detergent directly on the spot. Use a clean cloth or toothbrush to brush it vigorously.
Add a little bit of cold water as you scrub. Be sure to use cold water, as hot water will set the stain. Once you’ve finished this task, soak up as much liquid as possible with a clean towel. Then allow the rest of the moisture to air dry. Once the mattress is dry, check again for the stain.
Dried urine
Make a loose paste with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and a drop of liquid dish soap. Use a clean cloth to blot the area. Let the solution dry, then scrape it away. Use a damp cloth to blot away pieces that refuse to leave. If needed, vacuum the area to rid it of all pieces.
Other stains
Use household ammonia to tackle other tough stains. Ensure that you have proper ventilation when using ammonia; it is recommended to open all doors and windows to the room. Using a clean rag, sparingly blot the ammonia onto the stain. Next, sprinkle baking soda over the area and let completely dry. Finish by vacuuming the area thoroughly.
4. Deodorise
You may not notice the stench that comes from your mattress, but sweat builds up over time and doesn’t come out with a vacuum or spot cleaning. Use an upholstery deodorising spray or powder and follow the directions.
You can also use a box of baking soda. Optionally, you can add your favorite essential oil to the baking soda to add a pleasant smell to your mattress. Lavender is a highly recommended essential oil to promote restful sleep and relaxation.
Next, sprinkle the box of baking soda on the mattress’s surface. It’s perfectly fine to use the entire box; you won’t hurt the mattress by using more. Leave it on as long as possible.
This would be an excellent time to take that night away with the family or significant other so that the baking soda can work its magic for 24 hours. If you don’t have that much time, leave it on for at least 30 minutes.
If possible, place the mattress near a window or somewhere that the sun will shine on it. The sun’s UV rays will help sanitise the mattress while it deodorises.
5. Vacuum Again
Use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to clean up the baking soda. When you’re pulling the baking soda from the mattress, you’re also pulling odours that have been sitting in it.
It can even pull up any moisture that was near the top of your mattress. Make sure to vacuum up all the baking soda, leaving none behind.
6. Leave It Be
Now is the time to let your mattress dry. It needs time to air out and release all the moisture that is built up in it, either from before your cleaning or from your cleaning products.
Neglecting to allow moisture to can lead to mould, which is very difficult and often impossible to remove. If you can, open the windows and/or place the mattress near a window where the sun will shine on it. This will help it dry faster and thoroughly.
7. Flip or Rotate
Your mattress should be flipped or rotated at least every six months, so it’s a good habit to do so every time you deep clean it. This will give you a completely fresh mattress once you’ve finished giving it a great cleaning.
If your mattress does not have a pillow-top and can be flipped, the best option is to turn it over. This is often a two-person job. If your mattress has a pillow top or cannot be flipped, rotate it.
Once you’ve finished flipping or rotating your mattress, it is recommended to purchase a mattress protector if you haven’t done so already. Mattress covers keep your mattress safe from everything you’ve just cleaned from it; dirt, oils, bodily fluids, etc.
They will not block out everything 100%, so you’ll still need to make sure to clean your mattress twice a year, but they will ensure that it lasts longer and has virtually zero stains. It should especially save it from liquids.
Complete your hard work by reapplying your clean sheets and blankets. Make sure they are completely dry before you add them to your newly cleaned mattress. Again, moisture leads to mould, which is almost impossible to remove.
Conclusion
Keeping your mattress in excellent condition will lengthen the amount of time it lasts. Mattresses can be expensive, and they should be well-maintained, like any other valuable item in your home.
If you keep your mattress in good condition, you may even be able to sell it for a decent turnover when you’re ready to buy a new one.
Furthermore, when you sleep on a clean mattress, you have a more restful, sanitary, and pleasant sleep. Allergens and tiny creatures will be reduced and you’ll be left with a mattress that smells nice and promotes better sleep.