Mattresses can attract dirt, dust mites, and allergens over time, making them less comfortable and potentially unhealthy to sleep on. With a deep clean, you can restore your mattress to like-new condition. Here’s how to give your mattress a thorough cleaning.
Why Deep Clean Mattresses
Mattresses absorb sweat, skin cells, and oils from our bodies as we sleep. Dust mites, mold, and mildew can accumulate in mattresses over months and years of use. A buildup of allergens and irritants in your mattress can lead to:
- Disrupted sleep
- Allergic reactions
- Respiratory issues
- Skin irritation
- Unpleasant odors
Deep cleaning kills dust mites, removes allergens, and freshens your mattress. A clean mattress helps you sleep better and improves your overall health and wellbeing.
How Often To Deep Clean
How often you deep clean your mattress depends on these factors:
- Number of sleepers – More people means more body oils and sweat.
- Pets – Dander and hair also dirty mattresses.
- Smoking – Residual smoke odors sink into mattresses.
- Allergies/asthma – Deep clean more often if allergies are an issue.
- Spills or stains – Clean right away if liquids soak mattress.
For most people, deep cleaning every 6 months is ideal. Do it more often if you sleep with pets or have allergies.
mattress Deep Cleaning Process
Follow these steps to deep clean your mattress:
1. Strip the Mattress
- Remove all bedding – sheets, protectors, blankets.
- Take off the mattress topper if you use one.
- Vacuum the surface thoroughly to remove loose dirt.
2. Spot Clean Stains
- Use an upholstery cleaner or carpet spot remover.
- Lightly dab stains to lift them from the surface.
- Let mattress dry completely before continuing.
3. Sanitize with Baking Soda
- Spread baking soda evenly over the entire mattress.
- Use about 1/2 cup for twin size, 1 cup for full or queen size.
- Let baking soda sit for a minimum of 30 minutes. Overnight is better.
- The baking soda deodorizes and absorbs moisture.
4. Vacuum Again
- Use the brush attachment on your vacuum.
- Go over the entire mattress surface to remove baking soda.
- Run the attachment along seams and crevices.
5. Disinfect with Hydrogen Peroxide
- Mix 2 teaspoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly mist over the entire mattress surface.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes before continuing.
- Hydrogen peroxide kills germs, bacteria, mold and dust mites.
6. Air Out the Mattress
- Stand the mattress upright and lean it against a wall if possible.
- Open windows or point a fan directly at mattress.
- Allow fresh air to circulate for several hours.
Following this thorough 6-step cleaning method removes deeply embedded dirt, sweat residue, dead skin cells, dust mite waste, and other allergens. It leaves your mattress fresh, clean, and free of odors. Plan to deep clean mattresses every 6 months. Doing so improves sleep comfort and creates a healthier sleep environment.
Mattress Cleaning Tips
- Rotate your mattress regularly so all sides get worn evenly.
- Use a mattress protector to keep the surface clean in between deep cleans.
- Let kids eat and drink only in designated areas, not in bed.
- Act quickly on spills – don’t let them set.
- Sprinkle on baking soda before vacations to keep mattress fresh.
- Air out mattresses in the sun occasionally. The UV rays help kill germs.
- Replace mattresses every 8-10 years, or sooner if sagging or worn.
When To Call A Professional
Deep stains, heavy soiling, and severe odors may require professional cleaning. Mattress cleaning services have powerful equipment and products to sanitize thoroughly. They can also treat bed bug infestations.
Call a mattress cleaning company for:
- Tough urine, blood, or feces stains
- Vomit or other biological stains
- Impossible to remove odors
- Signs of bed bugs
Though professional services cost more, they may be worth it to salvage a very dirty mattress or one with an infestation.
Enjoy A Cleaner, Healthier Mattress
Don’t let your mattress harbor allergens, bacteria, and other irritants. Deep clean your mattress every 6 months to keep it fresh and promote a healthy sleep environment. Follow these cleaning steps – vacuum, spot treat, deodorize, disinfect, and air out. A clean mattress helps you breathe easier and sleep better.
