I make a point of giving my mattress a deep clean every season, in-between I give it a regular vacuum when changing the sheets on clean sheets Sunday.
Your mattress needs a little TLC because it can harbour dust mites, dead skin, dirt, bodily fluids, and other debris, it is important to give your mattress a regularly clean, particularly if you suffer from allergies or allow your pet onto the bed.
Once a month I will give it a quick steam clean. Steam cleaning breaks down odours, remove allergies and removes surface dirt and will give your mattress a fresh clean feeling.
If you have a mattress that you can flip over, do this every time you change your bedding but if your mattress is non flip, rotate instead and this will help keep the comfort fillings evenly distributed, which will improve the lifespan of your mattress.
A good quality thick mattress protector will also help prolong the life of your mattress, these can be removed and washed easily giving your mattress the best protection from bodily odours and allergens.
Cleaning your mattress may come across as a big cleaning job but it is far easier than you may think.
Start by vacuuming your mattress, use the upholstery attachment and go over the entire surface, including the sides, make sure you pay attention to the seams as this is were hidden dirt may hide and dust will settle.
Next spot clean any stains, make up your own a mattress stain cleaning solution using hydrogen peroxide, washing up liquid and water. ¾ fill the spray bottle with water, add in 20 ml or hydrogen peroxide and a drop of washing up liquid. Shake really well and then liberally spray the stained area. If the stains are bad, leave the product on for a while to work. Use a damp microfibre to gently scrub into the mattress and then using a separate white cloth blot dry. I always suggest using white cloths because this way you can see the stain being lifted out. Try not to use too much water if you have a memory foam mattress as they aren’t supposed to get too wet.
If you have a carpet cleaner with an upholstery tool, and your mattress is not memory foam then use this to penetrate the mattress and pull out all the dust, dirt, and debris.
If you don’t have a carpet cleaner or your mattress is memory foam, then use some bicarbonate of soda. This acts to dry clean your mattress. Sprinkle a layer over the top of the entire mattress and then leave for several hours, the bicarbonate of soda will break down acid and absorb any remaining moisture and odour. The longer you can leave the bicarbonate of soda the better. Keep the room well aired during this process, open the windows, and let the sunlight and fresh air through. The sun’s UV rays will act as a natural disinfectant.
Vacuum away the bicarbonate of soda and then spray with a fabric refresher spray, choose your favourite, or make up your own. I make mine using bicarbonate of soda and lavender essential oil. ¾ fill a spray bottle with water, add in a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda and 10 drops of essential oils, shake well and spray all over. I choose lavender as it helps to aid sleep and is a relaxing essential oil.
Cleaning the mattress will extend its life but all good things do come to an end, after 8 years it is time to consider investing in new, body impressions and sagging will indicate that it no longer providing the support you require. Waking up uncomfortable or sleeping badly are signs to move on.
