When was the last time you cleaned your mattress? Here’s the truth: we spend almost one-third of our lives on our mattress. From relaxing to sleeping, it’s a place that provides quite a bit of comfort. It might go without saying, but having a clean, cared-for place to rest your head will not only grant you better sleep, it could also help to prevent dirt, germs, and even insect infestations from building up. Plan on cleaning your mattress twice a year (once in the spring and once in the fall) using these helpful mattress cleaning pointers.
- Strip the mattress: It all starts with your sheets and mattress pad. Whether you change your sheets frequently or infrequently doesn’t matter. Toss all of these items (including pillows) into the washing machine for a nice hot spin. Be sure to dry everything on high heat, as well, to help zap any remaining critters or germs.
- Vacuum: It may sound strange, but vacuuming your mattress is hugely helpful in the cleaning process. Using the upholstery attachment, be sure to pay very special attention to cracks and crevices where dust, dirt, dead skin, and even bugs lie. You may not always be able to see all of these buildups, but they’re certainly there.
- Check for stains: Almost no mattress is without a stain or two. Whether your child had an “accident” in the bed or you spilled your beverage while attempting to relax, mattresses are known to show signs of wear and tear. Don’t despair! It’s possible to treat mattress stains with an appropriate cleaner. Use an upholstery cleaner or an enzyme-based pet odour remover to take care of problem areas. Dish soap mixed well with water is another alternative cleaning solution.
- Sprinkle baking soda: Baking soda not only helps to remove odours, it can sanitize, too. For best results, be sure to leave baking soda in place for as long as possible; 24 hours will offer you the best results. Once the baking soda has been in place long enough, use your vacuum to clean it all up.
As you can see, it’s very easy to keep your mattress clean, smelling fresh, and disinfected. Be sure to invest in a mattress cover if you don’t currently have one to help prevent problems such as dust or dirt buildup as well as fleas, mites, and other bed bugs.