Why Deep Cleaning Your Mattress Matters
A clean and hygienic mattress is crucial for getting a good night’s sleep and maintaining overall health. An average person spends 6-8 hours sleeping on their mattress every day. Over time, mattresses accumulate dirt, dead skin cells, sweat, bodily fluids, dust mites, and other allergens that can affect your sleep quality and health. Deep cleaning your mattress regularly removes these contaminants, provides a fresher and more hygienic sleep surface, and gives you better sleep.
Health Benefits of Deep Cleaning Your Mattress
- Removes dust mites and allergens that trigger asthma and allergies
- Destroys odor-causing bacteria, leading to better mattress hygiene
- Gets rid of sweat, dead skin cells and oils that discolor the mattress
- Improves overall mattress cleanliness for better sleep quality
- Reduces risk of exposure to germs that cause illnesses
How Often Should You Deep Clean Your Mattress?
I recommend deep cleaning your mattress every 6 months. Doing it twice a year eliminates most of the accumulated dirt, dust mites, and allergens. Deep cleaning is more thorough than regular mattress maintenance like using mattress covers or vacuuming.
Here are some signs that indicate it’s time for a deep clean:
- You notice stains, discoloration or soiling on the mattress
- There is a musty odor coming from the mattress
- You have been waking up sneezing or wheezing
- You or your partner have unexplained skin irritation
- It’s been over 6 months since you last deep cleaned the mattress
People who sweat excessively at night, have pets that sleep on the bed, or have health issues like allergies may need to deep clean more than twice a year. Listen to your body and deep clean whenever you notice sleep quality deteriorating.
How to Deep Clean a Mattress
Follow these steps to thoroughly deep clean your mattress:
1. Strip the Mattress
Remove all bedding including sheets, mattress protector and pillows. Take off any mattress toppers if you use them. Lift the mattress upright and remove any debris between the mattress and base.
2. Vacuum the Mattress
Use the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner to thoroughly vacuum all sides and surfaces of the mattress. This lifts dirt, dust mites, dead skin cells and other particles. Pay close attention to seams and crevices.
3. Spot Clean Stains
Inspect the mattress for any visible stains and spot clean them. For oil-based stains like sweat or body oils, use dish soap and cold water. For urine, food or beverage stains, use an enzymatic cleaner. Allow stains to fully dry.
4. Steam Clean the Mattress
Steam cleaning is the most effective method for deep cleaning a mattress. The hot steam kills dust mites and bacteria while loosening stubborn dirt and allergens. Slowly go over the entire mattress with a steam cleaner, focusing on areas that see more grime buildup.
5. Allow Mattress to Dry
After steam cleaning, allow your mattress enough time to fully dry before putting bedding back on. This can take 4-6 hours. Leaving it in direct sunlight speeds up drying. Using fans to circulate air also helps.
6. Put On Mattress Protector
Once the mattress is completely dry, put on a clean mattress protector to shield it from future stains and soiling. Fitted, waterproof protectors that fully encase the mattress work best.
Tips for Mattress Maintenance Between Deep Cleans
- Use a mattress protector from day one to prevent soiling
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water to kill dust mites
- Let the mattress air out for 30 mins before remaking the bed
- Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress to absorb odors
- Vacuum the mattress every 2 weeks using the brush attachment
- Spot clean new stains immediately with dish soap and cold water
The Benefits of Sleeping on a Deep Cleaned Mattress
Sleeping on a deep cleaned mattress provides huge benefits for your sleep quality, health, and comfort:
- Less dust mites, dander and allergens for better breathing
- Destruction of odor-causing bacteria leading to a fresher mattress
- Removal of stains, soils and discoloration for better mattress appearance
- Reduced risk of exposure to germs that cause illnesses
- Better sleep from improved mattress hygiene and cleanliness
- Less irritation or risk of skin issues from contaminants
- Extended mattress life span due to proper maintenance
By deep cleaning your mattress regularly, you ensure a more comfortable, hygienic and healthier sleep environment. Making this a biannual habit is a simple way to enhance your sleep quality and wellbeing. The small effort is well worth it for better rest!
