How to Clean a Mattress
A good night’s sleep is priceless. And once you’ve chosen and invested in the best mattress for your needs, keeping it in shape should be a priority. Here’s how to deep clean a mattress and more.
First, and maybe most importantly, read the manufacturer’s instructions on the mattress tag. The people who made your mattress may have unique pointers and instructions for keeping it in tip-top shape. Once you’ve looked it over, you can move on to these general mattress-cleaning tips.
Get a good mattress protector.
One way to keep your mattress clean is by protecting it with a mattress cover. There are several types of mattress and pillow protectors that provide protection against pollen, accidental spills, and dust mites. Pillowy mattress pads are not only effective, but they also add extra comfort to your bed. Plastic and vinyl cases are often waterproof and are suitable for anyone who is accident-prone or has pets and kiddos.
Wash your bedding regularly.
A big part of keeping your mattress clean is keeping the bedding on top of your mattress clean, too. Wash bed linens in the hottest water possible (at least 130°) to eliminate germs, bacteria, and dust mites. Launder pillows and blankets according to the manufacturer’s directions, at least seasonally. Tossing pillows and blankets in a hot dryer once a month can also help eliminate dust mites and germs.
Vacuum your mattress.
Grab your handheld vacuum cleaner or pop on your vacuum’s upholstery attachment and give the surface of the mattress a thorough sweep. Doing this regularly – once every month or two – can help eliminate dust, dead skin cells, and other icky things that accumulate on your mattress. And don’t forget those nooks and crannies!
Spot-clean your mattress.
Removing stains is an important step in cleaning your mattress, but it also must be done with care. Some beds are not meant to get wet, so keep in mind that when it comes to cleaning supplies, less is definitely more. Spray your chosen upholstery stain remover onto a clean paper towel or rag and gently blot at any spills and stains. Then, use a second towel to blot the stain with cold water until it lifts. Avoid saturating the mattress with too much water, and allow the area to dry thoroughly before covering it with linens.
Deodorize with baking soda.
Vacuuming and spot cleaning are important, but what if you’re wondering how to deodorize a mattress? For this task, baking soda is your secret weapon. Grab a box of baking soda, and sprinkle it all over your mattress. Gently rub it in so it can really get to work. Let the baking soda sit for as long as possible – a couple of hours is great! – and then vacuum it up. Baking soda neutralizes odors and absorbs moisture, leaving your mattress feeling and smelling as fresh as the day you got it.
Spray a gentle, DIY mattress spray.
Some people would prefer learning how to deodorize a mattress without baking soda, and your best option is a DIY mattress spray. Grab an empty spray bottle and fill it with equal parts water and white vinegar. Then, add a few drops of your favorite essential oils. Spray this mixture over your mattress and let it air dry for a couple of hours.
Don’t be put off by the vinegar smell – it will disappear as the spray dries, and take any yucky mattress scents right along with it.
Flip your mattress and repeat the process!
Don’t forget that there are two sides to your mattress. It might not be possible to clean both sides every time, but it’s important not to neglect it altogether. And if you have box springs, flipping your mattress should be a regular habit to prevent sagging down the road.
Give it some air.
Strip your bed every now and then — for example, while you are away on vacation or on a business trip. Doing so will give the mattress a chance to breathe, as well as allow any lingering odors to escape.
You’ve learned how to clean and deodorize a mattress, but nothing seems to be bringing yours back to life. Even if you clean your mattress regularly and treat it with plenty of TLC, it isn’t meant to last forever. In fact, the typical lifespan of a mattress is around six to eight years.
Time for a new mattress? Shop budget-friendly rent-to-own options online or at your nearest Rent-A-Center today!