Why Deep Clean Your Mattress
Keeping your mattress clean is important for your health and the longevity of your mattress. Here are some key reasons why you should deep clean your mattress regularly:
-
Remove dust mites and allergens: Dust mites and other allergens can build up in your mattress over time. Deep cleaning helps remove these allergens so you can breathe easier while sleeping.
-
Prevent mold and mildew: Spills, sweat, and humidity can cause mold and mildew to grow in your mattress. Deep cleaning kills mold and mildew spores.
-
Extend the life of your mattress: Soil, stains, and moisture damage can shorten the usable life of your mattress. Deep cleaning removes these and helps your mattress last longer.
-
Improve mattress hygiene: Lots of dead skin cells, body oils, and other gross stuff accumulate in your mattress over time. Deep cleaning gives your mattress a fresh, hygienic feel.
-
Remove odors: Sweat, moisture, and spills can make your mattress smell bad. Deep cleaning deodorizes your mattress.
How Often To Deep Clean Your Mattress
-
Deep clean your mattress every 6 months for optimal cleanliness and mattress health. This will sufficiently remove allergens and odors.
-
Deep clean every 3 months if you sleep hot, sweat a lot in bed, or spill liquids frequently. The extra moisture warrants more frequent deep cleaning.
-
Those with severe allergies may need to deep clean every 2-3 months to control allergens.
-
Rotate and vacuum your mattress monthly to maintain cleanliness between deep cleans.
Supplies Needed
Gather these supplies before deep cleaning your mattress:
-
Vacuum cleaner: A powerful vacuum with an upholstery attachment.
-
Baking soda: Helps deodorize and neutralize odors.
-
Distilled white vinegar: Sanitizes and removes stains and odors.
-
Hydrogen peroxide (optional): An alternative to vinegar that also sanitizes.
-
Dish soap (optional): Helps remove oily stains. Use a mild, unscented liquid soap.
-
Enzyme cleaner (optional): Breaks down organic matter like protein-based stains.
-
Clean towels: For blotting and drying the mattress surface.
-
Mattress protector (optional): Using a waterproof protector can make future cleanings easier.
How To Deep Clean A Mattress
Follow these steps to deeply clean your mattress:
1. Strip the Mattress
Remove all bedding and mattress protectors. This allows full access to the mattress surface.
2. Vacuum the Mattress
Use the upholstery attachment to thoroughly vacuum all sides and surfaces of the mattress. This lifts dirt, dust mites, dead skin cells, and surface debris.
Vacuum the crevices, seams, and quilted top carefully. Lift the edge of the mattress to reach the sides and underside.
3. Spot Clean Stains
Inspect for visible stains from fluids, oils or other sources. Lightly dab stains with a damp towel and soap or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid scrubbing vigorously.
For tough organic stains like sweat or urine, use an enzyme cleaner according to instructions. Rinse with clean water and allow to air dry.
4. Sprinkle and Scrub Baking Soda
Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the entire mattress surface. The baking soda helps absorb odors and freshens the mattress.
Gently rub the baking soda into the mattress with a damp towel. The baking soda works like a mild abrasive to lift dirt from deep in the fabric.
5. Disinfect with Vinegar
Spray or wipe white vinegar evenly over the mattress surface. As a mild acid, vinegar sanitizes and kills mold, bacteria, and dust mites.
Let the vinegar sit for 1-2 hours before rinsing so it can fully disinfect. Open windows to help with the vinegar smell.
6. Rinse and Dry
Use clean towels to blot and soak up any remaining moisture. Stand the mattress on its side against a wall to air dry fully.
Point fans at the surface to speed drying. It may take 24-48 hours to completely dry.
7. Replace Mattress Protector and Bedding
Once totally dry, put a fresh mattress protector on the mattress. This shields the mattress surface from future stains.
Finally, make the bed with clean sheets, comforter, and pillows! Your mattress is now deeply cleaned and ready for restful, allergen-free sleep.
Deep Cleaning Tips
-
Always check mattress care instructions before cleaning. Some mattresses may have special cleaning requirements.
-
Focus on visible stains and heavy soiling areas but clean the entire surface.
-
Change towels frequently to prevent spreading dirt and bacteria.
-
Allow sufficient drying time to prevent mold growth inside the mattress.
-
Sprinkle fresh baking soda after cleaning then vacuum again before adding sheets.
-
Use an enzymatic cleaner regularly to control pet urine stains and odors.
-
Rotate and flip your mattress periodically to evenly distribute wear and soiling.
With some basic supplies and a little elbow grease, you can keep your mattress fresh and hygienic. Deep cleaning two or three times a year will make your mattress last longer and keep you sleeping soundly.
