How to Clean a Mattress? A Simple Guide

Good mattresses are rather expensive, and more often than not, we don’t want to spend around $800 on them. However, what if you consider it a long-term investment? Your health, sleep, and posture depend on the mattress you buy; spending more than you would want may pay off in the long run. 

With investments, you expect dividends, and with a mattress, you want it to last long and continue giving you a good night's sleep. Mattresses can absorb dust, dirt, and unpleasant odors that may contribute to your mattress losing its quality. 

Regular maintenance is the key to continuing to receive dividends from your investment. Thankfully, cleaning a mattress is not that complicated. Let’s go over a few simple steps that will help you keep your mattress clean and as good as new. 

Cleaning and regular maintenance of your mattress are essential components to keeping it as good as new.

Preparation for Cleaning

Before you begin cleaning your mattress, gather the tools and cleaning products you may need. You don’t need expensive tools or extraordinary solutions, you’d be surprised what a vacuum and baking soda can do. Nonetheless, let’s go over the list of things you will need.

Necessary Supplies

To clean your mattress, you will need the following:

• Vacuum cleaner,
• Baking soda,
• Essential oil (optional),
• Sifter (optional),
• Upholstery cleaner,
• A soft brush or terry towel,
• Clean water,
• Spray bottle.

Most of these supplies can be found in your home or purchased at a local store. If you choose to use essential oil, make sure it is your favorite scent and that it is safe for your skin.

Removing Bedding

Before you start cleaning your mattress, you need to remove all bedding. This includes sheets, pillowcases, and any other covers. You want to have a clean surface to work on, and removing the bedding will make it easier to see any stains or spots on the mattress.

Vacuum Your Mattress 

After removing the bedding, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove any loose dirt, dust, or hair from the surface of the mattress. Don’t forget about the sides of the mattress, as the dirt and dust tend to accumulate there the most. 

Before you start deep cleaning your mattress, vacuum it to remove any loose dirt, dust, or hair from the surface.

Recognizing Common Stains

If your mattress has any stains, it's important to tackle them first before cleaning. Different types of stains require different approaches, so be sure to identify the stain and use the appropriate cleaning method. 

With the right approach, cleaning your mattress can be a simple and effective way to improve your sleep hygiene. Mattresses can accumulate various stains over time, including:

• Sweat: This is the most common type of stain and can leave a yellowish discoloration on your mattress.
• Urine: This stain can leave a strong odor and may require special cleaning products.
• Spills: These can include anything from coffee to wine and can leave a visible mark on your mattress.

Cleaning Stains

After identifying the type of stain you found, it's important to address it immediately. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove. Here's a general guide on how to spot clean stains, especially if it’s fresh:

1. Use a clean, moist towel to blot the stain and remove any extra liquid.
2. Apply a clean cloth soaked in a mixture of a little mild detergent and water to the spot.
3. Use the cloth to delicately blot the stain until it disappears.
4. Use a clean, moist towel to blot up any excess detergent.
5. Before using the mattress again, ensure it’s dry by letting it air dry.

For a better understanding of how to clean older stains, let’s go deeper into the cleaning mode. 

Deodorizing

If your mattress has an unpleasant odor, you can easily deodorize it using baking soda. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can help absorb and neutralize odors. Here's how to deodorize your mattress:

1. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress.
2. Using a soft-bristled brush, gently work the baking soda into the fabric of the mattress.
3. Let the baking soda sit on the mattress for at least 30 minutes.
4. Vacuum up the baking soda using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner.

How to Clean Urine Stains?

If you have pets or children, you are very likely to have urine stains on the mattress. To clean that all up, you can follow these steps:

1. In a spray bottle, combine equal parts water and white vinegar.
2. Apply a thin layer of the vinegar solution to the affected region and let it rest for a few minutes.
3. Using a fresh cloth, dab the area to absorb any residual urine and moisture.
4. Cover the affected area with baking soda and let it soak for at least fifteen minutes to remove any lingering smell.
5. Remove the baking soda with the vacuum.
6. Before making the bed again, let the mattress air dry entirely.

Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning your mattress can help remove dirt, dust, and accumulated allergens over time. Here are some deep cleaning hacks:

1. Wash the bedding in boiling water after removing it.
2. Cover the whole mattress with a thick layer of baking soda.
3. Scrunch the baking soda into the mattress's fabric with a gentle bristles brush.
4. After adding the baking soda, set the mattress aside for at least half an hour.
5. Use your vacuum's upholstery attachment to pick up the baking soda.
6. You should let the mattress air dry entirely before putting it back into use.

Maintenance Tips

To ensure that your mattress stays clean and hygienic, it is important to perform regular maintenance.

Regular Maintenance 

To ensure that your mattress stays clean and hygienic, it is important to perform regular maintenance. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Vacuum your mattress regularly to remove dust and debris. Use a handheld vacuum or the upholstery attachment on your regular vacuum cleaner.
• Rotate your mattress every 3-6 months to prevent sagging and wear. This will also help distribute your body weight evenly across the mattress.
• Wash your bedding regularly to prevent the buildup of sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells. Use hot water and a mild detergent to kill any bacteria or dust mites that may be present.
• Use a mattress protector to prevent spills, stains, and allergens from penetrating your mattress. This will also help extend the life of your mattress.

Protective Measures

In addition to regular maintenance, there are some protective measures you can take to prevent your mattress from getting dirty or damaged:

• Avoid eating or drinking in bed to prevent spills and stains. If you must have a snack, use a tray or placemat to catch any crumbs or spills.
• Keep pets off the bed to prevent hair, dander, and accidents. If you must allow your pet on the bed, use a pet bed or blanket to protect your mattress.
• Use a bed frame or foundation to provide proper support for your mattress. This will prevent sagging and ensure that your mattress lasts as long as possible.
• Avoid jumping or standing on your mattress, as this can damage the springs and cause premature wear.

By following these maintenance and prevention tips, you can keep your mattress clean, comfortable, and hygienic for years to come.