How to Clean a Mattress

With time, our mattresses will inevitably get dirty or stained if we don’t clean them frequently.

5-Minute Crafts will give you some tips to keep your sleeping area cool and free of unpleasant odors and stains that could deteriorate the mattress. This way, you’ll extend its life and prevent it from accumulating bacteria that could affect your health.

Get rid of bad odors.

1. With baking soda

• To get rid of the foul smell impregnated in your mattress, remove the bedding and spread baking soda all over its surface. Allow the product to work on the mattress for a couple of hours.

• Next, remove the baking soda with the help of a vacuum cleaner. Repeat this process by turning the mattress over and applying the product to the other side’s surface. If you’d like to add a pleasant aroma, you can add a few drops of essential oil (such as lavender or vanilla) at the end of this step.

2. With vinegar

• If your mattress has an unpleasant odor or smells musty, white vinegar will help remove the mold that expels the bad smell. First, remove the bedding and vacuum the mattress.

• Then sprinkle white vinegar over its whole surface. Repeat this process on the other side of the mattress. Leave it uncovered for at least 4 hours in a well-ventilated room until it dries completely.

Remove dry stains with hydrogen peroxide.

It’s essential that you read the manufacturer’s instruction manual or check the label on your mattress before applying liquids or chemicals directly to it.

• To remove dry stains from the surface of your mattress, mix 2 parts hydrogen peroxide with one part liquid soap. Make sure it doesn’t contain any coloring or oil. Whisk the mixture well until it produces foam.

• Get some of the foam on a clean toothbrush. Rub it gently over the affected area of the mattress. If there are several spots, repeat the same method on each of them.

• When you finish, wipe the surface with a clean cloth slightly dampened with water.

• Allow the mattress to dry thoroughly, preferably in a ventilated room.

Let it ventilate and give it a sun bath.

• To keep your mattress cool and prevent unpleasant odors, remove the covers, sheets, and pillows.
• If your bedroom has windows, open them and allow fresh air in and the sun’s rays to shine directly on the mattress. This will help to naturally remove odors and bring freshness to your bedding.
• It will also prevent bacteria from reproducing by damaging their cells.
• If you have a terrace or patio at home, take it outside and leave it outdoors for at least 12 hours.

Recommendations

• Once your mattress is clean, odor-free, and dry, cover it using a mattress protector under the bedding. This product will help protect it and make the cleaning process more manageable. You’ll just have to remove the protector and wash it by hand or in the washing machine.

• Try to clean your mattress with baking soda or vinegar every 15 days. Perform a deep cleaning every 6 months so that you’ll extend its life.

• It’s also important that you keep your pillows clean. We’ll show you how to do it here.