No matter how carefully you use your mattress, there comes a time when you need to know how to clean a mattress. If you read this, that moment is now. So, take your gloves because I’m going to show you a completely tested method for removing difficult stains, getting rid of the smell, and make your mattress look fresh like new again.
I will demonstrate on my mattress that I have been contaminated for days with dirt, coffee, sweat, fruit bumps, and food stains to show you how to use this method. I will also answer questions about blood, mold, urine, etc.
Let’s begin the battle!
How important is it to clean a mattress?
Even if your mattress does not look dirty, it is important to note that the smell of dust mites, bacteria, and mold increases over time. On top of that, fresh mattresses can also help you get better sleep.
For more specific information, cleaning the mattress can help:
- Dust Mites: Dust Mites are small insect-like pests that feed on skin cells that spill every night. Because millions of skin cells are produced every week, the average mattress contains thousands of dust mites eagerly waiting for their next dinner.
- Allergen: Pulling and lighting the bed can remove dust particles that live on the mattress and release them in your bedroom. Even if you are not allergic to dust, breathing all night can cause nasal congestion, itching, or edema in the eye and irritation of the throat.
- Night Sweat: Whether you run hot or cold, it is likely to sweat while you sleep. Sweat from your body goes directly to the mattress’s surface, making it a wetter germ breeding ground.
- Sleep quality: Finally, you may sleep more peacefully if you know that the mattress does not crawl with dust mites. Keeping sheets clean in the morning and then lying on a clean mattress can help you fall asleep faster and sleep all night comfortably.
How often should I clean my mattress?
It is better to clean the mattress every half year. But if you have time, thoroughly clean it every three months. If there is a stain, treat it immediately to avoid the permanent ugly look of your mattress.
However, deep cleaning mattresses at least every six months will reduce the accumulation of bacteria and help keep these allergens at bay. Accidents happen, of course, and sometimes your bed becomes so messy that it needs to be cleaned immediately.
Now, let’s talk about the supplies you need to clean your mattress.
DIY Mattress Cleaning Accessories
There are some good ways to clean your mattress including some chemicals engineered to serve this specific purpose. But I’m showing you this DIY method because it’s the simplest, highly effective, non-toxic, and involves basic household items that you already have.
Let’s look at all that is needed to start cleaning:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Some boxes of baking soda (depending on the size of your mattress, but I would suggest that at least three boxes are on the safe side)
- Clean dish soap (not green or blue, as it can stain your mattress)
- Distilled white vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Toothbrush
- Some white rags
- Vacuum cleaner
- Filter (optional)
- Essence oil (optional)
Everything mentioned here for cleaning a mattress is safe and non-toxic. Once you have assembled your accessories, it’s time to go to the room and remove all the mattresses from the bed. When you pick up all your sheets and pillows, let’s talk about expectations.
What to expect from cleaning a mattress?
Though it doesn’t sound good, but the truth is, cleaning your mattress will not make it look new again, and it is important to set reasonable expectations before you start. After all, every stain and mattress is different, and there are key factors to consider when cleaning.
Old and New: It is important to remember that the stains you just had on your mattress can disappear faster and deeper than years old stains there.
Light dark: Similarly, real black spots made from things like coffee or chocolate can still be slightly seen when cleaning is done. Don’t worry; it doesn’t mean that the mattress is not clean; it just means that the stains are too dark to erase completely, especially when the mattress is white.
Time and patience: Before collecting the spray bottle, it is important to pay attention to the deep cleaning of the mattress requires time and patience. Between all the vacuum cleaner and spraying and drying, it’s not a task when you have a vacuum for 15 minutes. Instead, you should book all day and plan to sleep on the sofa while the mattress dries overnight.
However, the way I’m showing you that you can treat everything from grass stains and blood-wine spills and bed milking accidents. If your mattress is not foamy after the first treatment, I will show you how to bend the stains and remove odors.
With these things in mind, let’s get on with the business.
The simplest method of cleaning a mattress
Here is my step-by-step guide to deep cleaning of the mattress. Keep all supplies close before you start and change some clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. You might get baking soda yourself if you are dedicated to clean it.
Vacuum the top of the mattress
Once you remove all the bedding, it is time to vacuum the top of the mattress. This will rid you of the first layer of dust, pet dander and any other invisible particles hanging from the surface of the mattress. Any vacuum will do, but you may find that using a hand vacuum is easier to manipulate.
Sprinkle baking soda evenly over the mattress
Then sprinkle a uniform layer baking soda on the mattress. Do not be afraid to use too much, it will not harm anything. Just make sure it is evenly distributed. You can use a filter for making it distributed evenly.
Rub the baking soda into the mattress
For this step, you can use a toothbrush or vacuum brush. Personally, I prefer to use a vacuum brush because the bristles are thicker and can rub hard. Set a timer for ten minutes and let baking soda do its thing. Baking soda helps removing bad smell from the mattress. So, it is important to let it stand for at least 10 minutes.
Vacuum the mattress again to clean the baking soda
You may notice that your vacuum is already filled with baking soda, so feel free to empty it before starting your next step. For me, it’s as easy as opening a vacuum chamber and baking soda in a trash can; but you might need to give it a few touches and shake to empty it completely.
Hybrid Cleaning Solutions
Now grab your spray bottle and get your cleaning solution. In the bottle, add a glass of hydrogen peroxide, a glass of cold water and two large sprays of dish soap. Then shake it well, and you are done.
Spray the solution evenly over the mattress
Spray the solution onto the mattress and check the dry spots with your hands to make sure the entire surface is covered. If you’re worried about touching the solution with your bare hands, don’t worry, this cleaning mixture is non-toxic.
Apply baking soda on the mattress again
Now your bed should be quite wet and it’s time to cover it with baking soda again. Rub the baking soda with a white rag and you can put some extra on the dark spots. Through this, you will find a firm paste that has formed on your mattress.
Repeat baking soda and mix solution spray step on the stubborn stains
For really hard spots, add an extra baking soda and a layer of clean solution.
Let the mattress sit overnight (8 hours or more)
Now, it is time to rest. It is best to have the mattress sitting at night so that the cleaning solution can have full effect. So, plan to spend the night on the sofa or on the air mattress.
Exfoliating mattress with brush
After at least eight hours have passed, rub the mattress with a brush to break down the residues of baking soda. For this, I recommend using a vacuum brush because its bristles are stiffer, stronger and better for breaking the residue.
Vacuum for the last time and see the results
Remember, you may need to vacuum a couple of times to make sure that all the residues of baking soda are gone. I suggest you vacuum once and then hit the mattress with a rag and vacuum again. Whisk mattresses will allow these particles of baking soda to rise and move, making them easier to vacuum.
Flip the Mattress and work on the opposite
Now one is flawless, flipping the mattress and repeating steps 1-11, so both sides are equally fresh and clean. Flip the mattress regularly, regardless of whether you clean the mattress deeply or not. But the general rule applies only to spring mattresses, as they compress over time.
Let’s watch the Video demonstration.
How to remove urine stains and sweat stains from a mattress?
Wetting the bed occurs in families with children, accidents are typical at least one or two nights. Sweat produces similar yellow spots, and over time the discoloration of the mattress and the smell of mold are common. Here is a great method for removing urine and sweat stains.
Creating a cleaning solution
Mix 3% hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons of baking soda and liquid dish soap with just a few drops. Stir until baking soda dissolves.
Soaking mattress with the solution
Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, then spray the entire stained area of the mattress, allowing the solution to soak in the mark.
Let the mattress dry
Leave the solution dry in the air for at least an hour. If you want to speed things up, set up a hair dryer near your mattress or use a hair dryer in a cool environment.
That’s it. Hopefully your mattress will no more have any yellow spots.
How to remove vomiting stains from a mattress?
Whether it’s a stomach virus or too many cookies before bedtime, kids seem to vomit in bed. Fast action is key to removing odors and stains. Follow these steps for deep cleaning.
Preparing cleaning solution
Mix water and white vinegar solution in a spray bottle at 1:1 ratio.
Apply the solution on the mattress
Spray the contaminated area of the mattress, then stain the blotter with a clean towel. Continue to spray and dry till the marks disappear.
Sprinkle a little baking soda in the treatment area. After an hour, vacuum baking soda and let the mattress dry in the air.
Tips for keeping mattresses clean for long time
- Change sheets at least once a week to prevent dead skin and its consequences, such as dust mites, from accumulating in bed.
- Consider buying a mattress cover. This will protect the moisture in the mattress, which will help prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. They don’t cost much and available on Amazon. In addition, most protective membranes are waterproof, which means that if something is spilled, your protector has it covered.
- Vacuum mattress vacuuming mites once a month, using a crack tool to get into tight places. Get rid of the smell, sprinkle the baking soda mattress first and let it stand for 10 minutes.
- Flip the mattress every three months or at least after six months. If it is a pillow mattress, turn from top to bottom every six months.
- Wash bed linen every week. Sheets can contain large amounts of bacteria and should be cleaned once a week. By keeping sheets and pillows clean, it is unlikely that all dust mites and bacteria that can live in the bed will spread over the mattress.
- Be cautious about the use of mattress. You may find it tempting, but eating food on bed and allowing your pet to sleep on it can increase the amount of dust mites and bacteria accumulated in the mattress. Not to mention that if you dine in the bedroom, you are more likely to spill things.
- Use mattress topper. Mattress toppers enhance comfort and it also protects your mattress from literally anything. Here is our list of Best Mattress Topper. You can check out.
Conclusion
Now that you’re equipped with all the information you need to clean and protect your mattress, we’re almost at the end of this review. But before you go, let me tell you more about my own experience using this method to make yours as efficient as possible.