Bed sheets are washed several times a month, and many of us remember to wash pillows and duvets regularly. However, cleaning the mattress is easily forgotten. If a mattress is not cleaned at regular intervals, mold may form – and a dirty, musty mattress isn't exactly inviting for a good night's sleep. With a few simple steps, you can easily keep your mattress fresh and clean.
Start the cleaning process by vacuuming. It is best to use the most powerful setting on your vacuum to ensure even the smallest grains of sand are removed. If possible, air out the mattress outdoors. Many modern mattresses come with instructions advising against beating them, so it’s recommended to check if beating is suitable first. Simply letting the mattress sit in the fresh air is often enough.
Freshen up your mattress with baking soda
Baking soda is a versatile tool for many things, and in this case, it is an effective deodorizer. If your mattress doesn't have stubborn stains but smells musty, you can sprinkle baking soda over it. The baking soda absorbs unpleasant odors and moisture. Once you have sprinkled the soda, let it sit for at least 10 minutes, then vacuum it off.
Tip! If you want your mattress to have a pleasant scent, you can mix a few drops of essential oil into the baking soda before sprinkling. Once the mattress is dry, vacuum it thoroughly.
On cleaning day, you can leave the mattress on the bed to air out while the bedding is being washed. This allows the mattress to freshen up a bit before use. Occasional airing also makes cleaning easier, as the mattress won't require a baking soda treatment every time.
If you notice a stain as soon as it happens, you can blot the area with a cloth dampened with cold water. Do not rub, as this may cause the stain to spread or set deeper. Avoid hot water, as it can also worsen the stain. If the stain does not come out with water alone, you can use a small amount of liquid laundry detergent.
Deep clean your mattress from dirt
If your mattress has developed tough stains, it’s time for a deep clean. You’ll need diluted hydrogen peroxide (available at pharmacies), baking soda, liquid dish soap, and a spray bottle.
- Mix 250 ml of diluted hydrogen peroxide and 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a container.
- Add two drops of liquid soap to the mixture and stir.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray it onto the stubborn stains.
- Let the solution sit and work its magic on the mattress.
- Once the mixture has dried, vacuum the entire mattress thoroughly.
If you notice a stain as soon as it happens, you can blot the area with a rag dampened with cold water. Do not rub, as this can cause the stain to spread and worsen. Also, avoid using hot water, which can set the stain further. If the stain doesn't come out with water alone, you can use a small amount of liquid laundry detergent.
Mattress maintenance
You can extend the lifespan of your mattress by flipping it, for example, once every three months. This ensures that weight is distributed to different areas over time, helping the mattress maintain its shape. You can also rotate the mattress so that the foot end is occasionally under the pillows to ensure even wear on both sides.
When removing stains or freshening the mattress, avoid soaking it completely, as the interior may not dry properly. Trapped moisture promotes mold growth. You can protect your mattress from dirt and moisture with a mattress protector, which prevents direct contact with things like sweat. This helps keep your mattress fresh and clean for longer.
If you have taken minimalism so far that you sleep on a mattress directly on the floor, always lean it against the wall during the day. This allows moisture to evaporate and prevents the mattress from molding – a good habit to keep even if you don't feel you sweat much during the night.
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