Why Deep Clean Your Mattress?
A mattress is an investment in your health and comfort, so keeping it clean should be a top priority. Here are some key reasons why giving your mattress a deep clean is so important:
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** Removes dust mites, dead skin cells, and other allergens** – These can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms if allowed to build up in your mattress over time. Deep cleaning helps remove these irritants.
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Prevents odors and staining – Body oils, perspiration, and spills can cause odors and stains. Deep cleaning helps freshen up and deodorize the mattress.
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Extends the mattress lifespan – Allowing dirt, dust mites, and moisture to accumulate can break down mattress materials prematurely. Deep cleaning removes contaminants that reduce longevity.
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Improves sleep hygiene – Cleaning a mattress thoroughly helps create a more hygienic sleep environment which can lead to better rest.
How Often Should You Deep Clean Your Mattress?
Most experts recommend deep cleaning your mattress every 6 months to 1 year. However, you may want to clean it more frequently if:
- You sweat a lot at night
- You have pets that sleep on the bed
- Allergy sufferers sleep on the bed
- There are visible stains or odors
- The mattress is older or well-used
During deep cleaning cycles, you should also wash all bed linens, mattress covers, and pillows to remove allergens.
Steps For Deep Cleaning Your Mattress
Follow these key steps to deeply clean and sanitize your mattress:
1. Strip the Bed
- Remove all bedding, including sheets, mattress protector, and pillows.
- Wash everything according to label instructions in hot water to kill dust mites and allergens.
2. Vacuum the Mattress
- Use a vacuum hose attachment to thoroughly vacuum all sides and surfaces of the mattress.
- Lift the mattress and vacuum the underside.
- Focus on seams, tufts, and edges where dust collects.
3. Spot Clean Stains
- Mix a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Avoid bleach.
- Use a soft brush or sponge to gently blot and scrub stains.
- Rinse with clean wet cloth and allow to air dry.
4. Disinfect the Surface
- Mix 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol with 2 teaspoons dish soap.
- Apply to mattress surface using a spray bottle and wipe with clean cloth.
- Allow to air dry completely before replacing bedding.
5. Freshen With Baking Soda
- Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the entire mattress surface.
- Let sit for a few hours or overnight to absorb odors.
- Vacuum up the baking soda.
6. Use Upholstery Attachment
- If you have an upholstery attachment for your vacuum, use it after cleaning to draw out moisture and revitalize the fibers.
7. Flip and Rotate
- Flip the mattress over so it wears evenly and replace bedding.
- Rotate the mattress head to foot every 3-6 months.
Professional Deep Cleaning Services
For a deeper clean, consider hiring professional mattress cleaning services that use powerful equipment and products not available for home use. Look for services that use:
- High-suction vacuums – To thoroughly extract dust and allergens from inner layers
- Steam cleaning – Penetrates and sanitizes on a deeper level
- Anti-microbial sprays – Commercial-grade sprays to kill germs and bacteria
- Ozone treatments – Ozone gas to deodorize and sanitize
Though professional services may cost over $100, they provide an extremely deep clean that can restore a mattress to like-new condition.
Protecting Your Mattress Between Deep Cleans
To stay clean and fresh longer:
- Use a waterproof mattress protector
- Wash sheets weekly in hot water
- Limit food and drinks on the bed
- Rotate and flip the mattress regularly
- Vacuum weekly using hose attachment
- Spot clean stains immediately with mild detergent
Maintain Your Mattress So You Can Rest Easy
With a simple routine of regular care and periodic deep cleaning, you can keep your mattress in optimal condition for many years. Investing a little time into deep cleaning your mattress can pay off with better sleep, improved health, and extended mattress lifespan. Make mattress cleaning a priority so you can sleep better at night.
