Your mattress plays a crucial role in the quality of your sleep, affecting your overall well-being. And keeping it clean is a great way to make sure that your sleep can be restful and healthy. A dirty mattress can impact your sleep with foul odors, dust, and other irritants. Keeping your mattress clean is crucial, not just for the quality of your sleep and your own well-being, but also for the longevity of your mattress! In this ultimate guide, we will walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to clean your mattress effectively. At the end, we offer tips for even more difficult stains and problems.
For Regular Mattress Cleaning
Materials Needed:
- Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
- Baking soda
- Distilled white vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Liquid dish soap
- Essential oils (optional)
- Clean, dry cloths or towels
- Mattress protector
Step 1: Remove Bedding
Strip your mattress of all sheets, pillowcases, and mattress protectors. If possible, wash your bedding separately following the care instructions.
Step 2: Vacuum the Surface
Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to thoroughly vacuum the entire surface of the mattress. Pay extra attention to seams, crevices, and corners where dust, allergens, and debris tend to accumulate.
Step 3: Spot-Clean Stains
For stubborn stains, create a mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide, liquid dish soap, and water. Apply this solution to the stained areas using a clean cloth or sponge. Gently blot the stain, working from the outer edge towards the center. Avoid saturating the mattress; instead, use a minimal amount of the cleaning solution.
Step 4: Deodorize with Baking Soda
Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire mattress surface. Baking soda helps neutralize odors and absorbs moisture. For a pleasant scent, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender, tea tree, or eucalyptus work well). Allow the baking soda to sit for at least 15 minutes, but ideally, leave it on for a few hours.
Step 5: Vacuum Again
After the baking soda has had time to work its magic, vacuum the mattress once more to remove the powder along with any odors and moisture it has absorbed.
Step 6: Tackle Odors with Vinegar
Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the entire mattress with the solution, paying attention to areas that may still have lingering odors. The vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries, leaving your mattress fresh and clean.
Step 7: Air Out the Mattress
Allow your mattress to air out for a few hours or, if possible, leave it in direct sunlight. This step helps eliminate any remaining odors and ensures your mattress is thoroughly dry before replacing the bedding.
Step 8: Use a Mattress Protector
Prevent future stains and keep your mattress in top condition by investing in a high-quality, waterproof mattress protector. The organic cotton mattress protector from My Green Mattress is a great option. This barrier will shield your mattress from spills, dust mites, and allergens, making future cleaning easier.
For Difficult Stains and Problems
For more difficult stains and odors, you may wish to use an enzyme cleaner, in addition to the steps that we enumerate above. Use the enzyme cleaner in Step 3 if you are, for instance, trying to clean cat pee out of a mattress, or other urine. For really difficult stains and odors, a plant-based, non-toxic enzyme cleaner will be helpful.
A Regular Mattress Cleaning Goes A Long Way
Regularly cleaning your mattress is a small yet significant investment in your sleep quality and overall health. Following our guide will not only keep your mattress in good shape, looking and smelling fresh but also contribute to a more hygienic sleep environment, promoting restful nights and better well-being.
