10+ Mattress Cleaning Tips For Your Mattress

A well-maintained mattress is essential for ensuring optimal sleep quality and promoting overall health. Over time, mattresses can harbour allergens, dust mites, and bacteria that negatively affect sleep and wellness. This guide offers 10+ practical mattress cleaning tips to help you maintain a cleaner, healthier sleeping environment.

10+ practical mattress cleaning tips for 2024

1. Regular Vacuuming

Regular vacuuming is the foundation of maintaining a clean mattress. Dust, dead skin cells, pet dander, and other debris accumulate on the surface of the mattress over time, creating a breeding ground for allergens. To effectively vacuum your mattress:

• Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to capture fine particles.
• Attach the upholstery tool to vacuum the mattress thoroughly.
• Focus on the seams and crevices, as these areas tend to collect more dust.
• Vacuum both sides of the mattress if it’s flippable.

By vacuuming weekly or bi-weekly, you’ll reduce the buildup of allergens and dust mites.

2. Use Baking Soda for Deodorizing

Mattresses can develop unpleasant odours due to sweat, body oils, or pet smells. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can absorb these odours effectively.

Here’s how to use it:

• Strip the mattress of all bedding.
• Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire surface.
• Let the baking soda sit for several hours (ideally, leave it overnight).
• Vacuum up the baking soda thoroughly.

For a pleasant scent, mix a few drops of your favourite essential oil (such as lavender or tea tree oil) with the baking soda before sprinkling it on the mattress. Regular deodorizing will keep your mattress smelling fresh and clean.

3. Spot-Clean Stains Immediately

Stains on mattresses can occur from sweat, spills, or accidents. The quicker you clean them, the better the results. Here’s a spot-cleaning method to follow:

• Use a clean cloth to blot (not rub) the stain and absorb as much liquid as possible.
• Mix a mild detergent with cold water or use a mattress-specific cleaning solution.
• Apply the solution to a clean cloth and gently dab the stain.
• Afterward, blot the area with a dry cloth to absorb excess moisture.
• Avoid soaking the mattress, as excessive moisture can promote mould growth.

For stubborn stains like blood or urine, use an enzyme-based cleaner designed to break down the stain at a molecular level.

4. Invest in a Mattress Protector

A mattress protector acts as the first line of defence against spills, sweat, allergens, and dust mites. Not only does it make cleaning easier, but it also prolongs the life of your mattress. Choose a waterproof protector made from breathable materials such as cotton to prevent heat retention.

• Wash the mattress protector regularly to ensure hygiene.
• Opt for hypoallergenic protectors if you’re prone to allergies.

Using a mattress protector is an easy and effective way to minimize mattress wear and tear while maintaining cleanliness.

5. Rotate Your Mattress

Mattresses can develop uneven wear patterns due to sleeping positions and weight distribution. Rotating your mattress every three to six months helps even out this wear and prevents sagging.

• Rotate the mattress 180 degrees from head to foot.
• If the mattress is flippable, flip it over to extend its lifespan.

By rotating regularly, you’ll not only preserve the structure of your mattress but also enhance its comfort and support over time.

6. Air Out Your Mattress

Ventilation is key to maintaining a fresh mattress. Regularly airing out your mattress can help prevent the buildup of moisture, which can lead to mould, mildew, and unpleasant odours. Here’s how:

• Strip the mattress and leave it exposed to air for a few hours.
• Open windows to allow natural airflow, or use a fan to circulate the air.
• For best results, air out the mattress when you rotate it.

Airing your mattress every few months ensures a clean, dry, and odour-free sleeping surface.

7. Steam Clean for Deep Cleansing

Steam cleaning is an effective method to eliminate bacteria, dust mites, and deep-seated dirt. It uses hot water vapour to clean and sanitize the mattress without chemicals. For a safe steam-cleaning process:

• Use a handheld steam cleaner with an upholstery attachment.
• Hold the steamer a few inches above the mattress and slowly move it across the surface.
• Make sure to let the mattress dry completely after cleaning to prevent mould growth.

Steam cleaning is especially useful for allergy sufferers and provides deep cleaning without harsh chemicals.

8. Use Enzyme Cleaners for Biological Stains

Biological stains like sweat, blood, or urine are common on mattresses and can be difficult to remove with standard cleaners. Enzyme cleaners are specifically designed to break down the proteins in these stains, making them easier to clean.

Follow these steps:

• Apply the enzyme cleaner directly to the stain.
• Let it sit for the recommended time according to the product’s instructions.
• Blot the area with a clean cloth until the stain lifts.

Enzyme cleaners are gentle on fabric and highly effective for tough stains, so keep a bottle on hand for emergencies.

9. Avoid Excess Moisture

When cleaning your mattress, be mindful of how much water you’re using. Excessive moisture can penetrate deep into the mattress, causing mould and mildew to grow. To avoid this:

• Always use a damp, not wet, cloth for spot-cleaning.
• Dry the mattress completely after any cleaning by airing it out or using a fan.
• Avoid soaking stains; instead, blot them gently.

Keeping moisture at bay will help maintain the integrity of the mattress and prevent bacterial growth.

10. Vacuum Your Bed Base

Your bed base or frame can also collect dust and debris, which can easily transfer back to the mattress. To keep both your mattress and bed clean:

• Vacuum the bed frame, slats, or box spring regularly.
• Dust any hard surfaces to remove allergens.

A clean bed frame enhances overall mattress hygiene, ensuring that your mattress stays fresh.

11. Tackle Odours with Essential Oils

If your mattress still has lingering odours after cleaning, essential oils can offer a natural remedy. Lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils are known for their antibacterial properties and soothing scents. To use essential oils for odour removal:

• Add a few drops of essential oil to baking soda and sprinkle it over the mattress.
• Allow it to sit for several hours before vacuuming the mixture.

This method not only deodorizes but also adds a calming fragrance to your sleeping space.

12. Fight Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are a serious concern, and preventing them should be a priority. Signs of bed bugs include small, dark spots on your mattress or bedding and tiny bloodstains from bites. To protect your mattress from bed bugs:

• Regularly inspect your mattress for signs of bed bugs.
• Use a bed bug-proof mattress encasement.
• If you find evidence of bed bugs, wash all bedding in hot water and vacuum thoroughly.

If the infestation is severe, seek professional pest control services to eliminate the problem.

13. Keep Pets Off the Bed

As much as we love our pets, they can introduce dirt, allergens, and pet dander into your bed. To keep your mattress cleaner for longer:

• Designate a separate sleeping area for your pets.
• Regularly groom your pets to reduce shedding.

Preventing your pets from sleeping on your bed will help maintain a cleaner mattress.

Conclusion

Maintaining a clean mattress is key to ensuring better sleep and prolonging the lifespan of your investment. With these 13 mattress cleaning tips, you’ll keep allergens, stains, and odours at bay while enjoying a healthier, fresher sleep environment. Remember, consistent cleaning and care are essential for long-lasting comfort and hygiene.