As we spend roughly one-third of our lives in bed, our mattress spends a lot of time in contact with our bodies and, if it’s not properly cared for, can start to suffer from all that contact. Stains and smells. Dust mites and oils. Over time, a mattress can start to show signs of age by how it smells or feels.
The problem is that, for many people, the only way they have to refresh their mattress is to change the sheets. While this can help, it does nothing to deal with the underlying issue. Many people don’t know that they can “clean” their mattress too! While you can’t just throw it in the washing machine like sheets, cleaning a mattress is something that everyone should know how to do. It’s easier and simpler than you think.
So, next time you change your sheets, give your mattress a refresh–you won’t regret it!
Why Refresh Your Mattress?
It may not always be obvious why you would benefit from refreshing your mattress. Here are some reasons to consider giving your mattress a regular refresh:
- Hygiene: Your mattress can accumulate sweat, dirt, dead skin cells, and other debris over time, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens. Gross! Regular cleaning can help remove these contaminants and promote a healthier sleeping environment.
- Prolonged lifespan: Regular cleaning and maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your mattress. By removing dirt and debris that can break down the materials in your mattress, you can help prevent premature wear and tear and ensure that your mattress lasts as long as possible.
- Better sleep quality: A clean and fresh mattress can help improve your sleep quality. By removing allergens and other irritants, you may experience fewer nighttime disturbances and wake up feeling more refreshed and energized.
- Stain removal: Over time, mattresses can become stained from spills, sweat, and other liquids. Regular cleaning can help remove these stains and prevent them from setting in permanently, keeping your mattress looking and feeling brand new.
- Odor elimination: If your mattress has an unpleasant odor, cleaning can help eliminate it. By removing sweat and other contaminants, you can help reduce any musty or unpleasant smells and create a fresher sleeping environment.
How to Refresh Your Mattress
If the benefits of a refreshed mattress sound good to you, then let’s get started. Here are seven easy ways to refresh your mattress. Next time you are changing your sheets – which we recommend you do once per week–take a moment to refresh your mattress as well.
- Vacuum
Use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool attachment to remove dust, hair, and dirt from the surface of the mattress. Vacuuming is a very helpful tool in the care and refreshing of your mattress. You’ll see that we use it for other techniques as well. - Deodorize
Baking soda is a great way to absorb odors in your mattress. Take a cup of baking soda in a container with a sealable lid, add about 15 drops of your favorite essential oil to it, and shake vigorously. Then sprinkle the baking soda mixture on your mattress and let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to a few hours. Then vacuum up the mixture. The baking soda will help absorb any odors and moisture and the essential oil will leave your mattress with a satisfying, healthy smell. - Spot Clean
Use a mild detergent on a damp cloth to clean any stains or spills on the mattress. Avoid using too much water, as it can damage the mattress. For really tough stains, mix hydrogen peroxide, liquid dish soap and baking soda, and blot with a cloth. As always, be sure not to let too much moisture sink into the mattress without properly drying. - Air Out Your Mattress
Remove all the bedding and let the mattress air out and if possible place the mattress in direct sunlight for a few hours. This will help reduce any lingering odors and allow the mattress to breathe. You can prop the mattress up to allow air to circulate underneath it as well. It’s amazing what some fresh air and sunshine can do for our living spaces! - Flip and Rotate
If your mattress is flippable, flip it over and rotate it 180 degrees to distribute the wear and tear evenly. If your mattress is single sided, then rotate it from head to foot. This is a great thing to do quarterly or with the change of the seasons. - Use a Mattress Protector
A mattress protector is a great way to keep your mattress clean and protect it from spills, stains, and allergens. My Green Mattress has an industry-leading mattress protector that features two layers of soft, GOTS-certified organic cotton, and a breathable moisture barrier. A mattress protector is a must especially for children’s mattresses, where stains and moisture can be more common. But it’s helpful for everyone, and significantly increases the life of your mattress. - Consider a Mattress Topper
A mattress topper can help add an extra layer of comfort and support to your mattress, and can also help protect it from wear and tear. Our organic latex mattress topper is an example of a topper that both protects your mattress and increases its comfort level. My Green Mattress’s organic latex topper features two inches of organic GOLS-certified organic latex, with a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover. While it doesn’t create a moisture barrier, this topper will be a great way to extend the life and comfort level of your mattress, while keeping harmful oils, moisture, and other allergens from penetrating your mattress.
Refresh and Feel The Difference
Spending so much time in proximity to your mattress means that all those unsightly things like dust mites, body oils, stains, pet dander, skin cells and more get into the structure of the mattress. Do yourself a favor and refresh it. You’ll feel the difference immediately!
