Introduction
I think mattress cleaning is an important part of home maintenance that is often overlooked. A clean mattress can help provide a more comfortable night’s sleep and a healthier indoor environment. In this article, I’ll provide an in-depth look at mattress cleaning including how to remove common stains, reduce allergens, clean different types of mattresses properly, and maintain a clean mattress.
How Often Should You Clean Your Mattress?
- Ideally, mattresses should be cleaned every 6 months to 1 year to remove dirt, dust mites, dead skin cells, and other allergens that accumulate over time.
- More frequent cleaning may be needed for mattresses of kids or pets who may soil the mattress more often.
- Mattresses should also be cleaned immediately when spills or stains occur to prevent them from setting.
Here are some signs it’s time to clean the mattress:
- Visible stains or soiling on the mattress surface
- Noticeable odor coming from the mattress
- Waking up congested or with allergy symptoms
- Dander, hair, or dust accumulates even after sheet washing
Supplies Needed
Gather these supplies before beginning the mattress cleaning process:
- Vacuum cleaner – Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment.
- Mild laundry detergent or upholstery shampoo
- Clean cloths/towels
- Mattress protector – If your mattress doesn’t have one already.
- Fan or dehumidifier – To speed drying time.
Optional:
- Baking soda – Helps deodorize and brighten.
- Distilled white vinegar – Disinfects and removes stains.
- Essential oils – Add a light scent. Lavender is a common option.
Step-By-Step Mattress Cleaning Process
Follow these steps for a thorough mattress cleaning:
1. Strip the Mattress
- Remove all bedding including sheets, mattress protector, and pillows.
- If using a mattress topper or pad, remove that as well.
2. Vacuum the Surface
- Use the vacuum upholstery attachment to vacuum all sides and surface of the mattress.
- Vacuum slowly and thoroughly to remove as much dust and debris as possible.
- Lift the mattress and vacuum underside and along sides.
- Open zippers on mattress covers and vacuum inner surfaces too.
3. Spot Clean Stains
- Inspect for any visible stains on the mattress surface.
- Mix mild laundry detergent with warm water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly spray stained areas, then gently blot with a clean cloth. Avoid rubbing aggressively.
- For tough stains, use distilled white vinegar before detergent.
- Allow any wet spots to fully dry before replacing bedding.
4. Deep Clean the Surface
- For a deeper clean, use an upholstery shampoo in the spray bottle instead of detergent.
- Shake bottle well then lightly mist over the mattress surface.
- Gently work the shampoo into mattress with a soft brush or cloth.
- Allow to dry completely before using mattress again.
5. Deodorize and Freshen
There are a couple options for deodorizing and freshening:
- Sprinkle baking soda over entire mattress surface. Let sit for a few hours or overnight before vacuuming away.
- Fill a clean spray bottle with distilled white vinegar to lightly mist as a disinfectant.
- Use 5-10 drops essential oils like lavender into spray bottle for a fresh scent.
6. Put Bedding Back On
- Before putting sheets back on, make sure mattress is completely dry.
- Use a waterproof mattress protector to shield from future stains or accidents.
- Wash all bedding including mattress protector regularly to keep mattress clean.
Tips for Problem Stain Removal
Here are some tips for treating common mattress stains:
- For blood stains, use cold water, salt, and dish soap. Avoid hot water which can set blood stains.
- Urine stains should be treated quickly with an enzyme cleaner to break down odor and prevent setting. Baking soda and vinegar work well too.
- Oil-based stains like makeup or lotion require a solvent like rubbing alcohol to cut through the oil.
- Sweat stains can be pre-treated with diluted vinegar or baking soda paste before washing sheets.
- Mold or mildew stains need a disinfectant like tea tree oil or vinegar along with drying out the mattress fully.
Avoid harsh bleach or hydrogen peroxide cleaners which may damage some mattress materials. Test cleaners on a small hidden area first.
Deep Cleaning Different Mattress Types
It’s important to take mattress material into account when deep cleaning:
- Innerspring – Vacuum crevices between coils. Spot clean stains with mild detergent. Allow to fully air dry.
- Latex – Check manufacturer instructions. Most latex mattresses can be spot cleaned with gentle soap and water. Completely dry.
- Memory foam – Difficult to wet clean. Spot clean gently with soft brush. Deodorize with baking soda.
- Adjustable air – Check manual for cleaning instructions. Typically just spot treat stains and deodorize mattress chamber with baking soda.
- Pillowtop – Focus on spot treating the pillowtop layer. Use gentle circular scrubbing. Don’t oversaturate.
Take extra care not to oversaturate mattresses with inner materials that take longer to dry out.
Maintaining a Fresh Mattress Between Cleanings
- Use a mattress protector to shield from sweat, oils and spills.
- Wash sheets including mattress protector weekly in hot water.
- Rotate mattress every 2-3 months to evenly distribute wear.
- Allow mattress to air out for 30 mins after stripping bedding.
- Sprinkle baking soda before adding sheets back to absorb moisture and odors.
- Vacuum mattress surface frequently using upholstery attachment.
When to Consider Replacing a Mattress
Even with regular cleaning, mattresses do reach the end of their lifespan over time. Here are some signs a new mattress may be needed:
- Visible sagging, sinkholes or misshaping of surface
- Musty, difficult-to-remove odors
- Stains that have soaked deep into the mattress padding
- Consistently waking up with back pain or soreness
On average, mattresses should be replaced every 7-10 years, sometimes sooner for budget mattresses. Shop for quality mattresses made to last longer with proper care.
Conclusion
I hope these mattress cleaning tips help extend the life of your mattress and create a fresher, healthier sleep environment. Just remember to vacuum frequently, spot clean stains promptly, and deep clean every 6-12 months. Proper maintenance will have you sleeping better in no time. Let me know if you have any other mattress cleaning questions!
