Essential Steps to Clean Your Mattress for a Healthy Sleep Environment

Ever wake up sneezing, sniffling, or just feeling groggy despite a full night's sleep? You may think it’s your late-night Netflix binge or that extra cup of coffee. But the reason might be your mattress. 

A dirty mattress that’s not maintained properly is like a party hall for pesky pathogens, bacteria, allergens, and disease-causing microorganisms. That’s why sleep experts at Sleepwell recommend keeping your mattress in top condition, so you don’t develop any allergies and sleep comfortably. That said, many people have no idea how to clean a mattress. After all, with such a size, putting it in a washer just doesn’t seem like a great idea. 

If you are wondering “How do I keep my mattress clean and healthy,” this blog will guide you through essential steps, ensuring you sleep soundly and wake up refreshed.

Understanding the Need for Mattress Cleaning

Did you know that an average mattress can invite up to 10 million dust mites? These microscopic annoyances, along with bacteria, mould, and allergens, can accumulate in your mattress over time, leading to health issues such as allergies respiratory problems and poor sleep quality. That’s why it’s important to regularly clean your mattress or replace it when it’s gone bad. 

Signs Your Mattress Needs Cleaning

Now that you know why maintaining a clean mattress is important, you should also know when it’s time to do so. Here are some clear signs that you should look for:

You are Noticing Persistent Allergies or Asthma Symptoms

If you often wake up with itchy eyes, a runny nose, or a scratchy throat, it might not be just the pollen outside. Your mattress could be throwing a party for dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens, aggravating allergies and asthma. If you experience this, it’s high time you clean it thoroughly. 

Even better, get the best mattress or a Nexa foam mattress as it comes with Neem Freshe technology that prevents the build-up of allergens and dust mites, helping you stay free from respiratory issues and allergies.

Your Mattress is Releasing Unpleasant Odours

If you notice unpleasant odours coming from your mattress, it's a sign that it needs cleaning. Sweat, body oils, and spills can all contribute to a musty or sour smell. Deodorising your mattress with baking soda can help neutralise these odours and leave your sleeping area smelling fresh and clean.

Visible Stains and Discoloration

Stains from spills, sweat, or accidents can leave your mattress looking less than inviting. Over time, these stains can snowball into camping sites for bacteria and mould. Regular spot cleaning can keep your mattress looking and feeling fresh. However, pay special attention to any discolouration that appears suddenly, as this can indicate mould growth, which requires immediate attention.

Increase in Dust Particles in Your Bedroom

If you notice a buildup of dust in your bedroom, especially on and around your mattress, it's a clear sign that your mattress needs cleaning. Dust particles can carry allergens and irritants that affect your sleep quality. Vacuuming your mattress regularly can help keep dust at bay and ensure a cleaner sleep environment.

How Often Should You Clean Your Mattress?

How often you should clean your mattress depends on various factors, including your habits, health conditions, and the type of mattress you have. Mattress experts at Sleepwell recommend following this mantra: 

Regular Vacuuming: Monthly

Dust, dirt, and allergens can accumulate on your mattress surface over time, even with the use of mattress protectors. So, it’s a good idea to vacuum your mattress at least once a month. Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner and focus on seams and crevices where dust tends to settle.

Deep Cleaning: Every 6 Months

It’s best to perform a deep cleaning of a mattress twice a year. This includes spot-cleaning stains, deodorising with baking soda, and potentially using a steam cleaner if your mattress material allows. Deep cleaning helps remove deeper dirt, bacteria, and allergens that regular vacuuming might miss.

Spot Cleaning: As Needed

Spills happen, and when they do, it’s important to address them immediately to prevent stains and odour. It’s best to spot-clean the affected area as soon as the spill or stain occurs. Use a gentle cleaning solution, such as a mix of water and mild detergent, and blot the area with a clean cloth. Avoid soaking the mattress, as excess moisture can lead to mould growth.

Airing Out: Every Season

To keep your mattress fresh, it’s beneficial to air it out every three to four months. Strip the bedding and leave it uncovered for a couple of hours to allow it to breathe. If possible, place it in direct sunlight, as the UV rays can help kill bacteria and dust mites. This simple step has been used by homeowners for decades. 

Using Mattress Protectors: Regularly

While not a cleaning method per se, using a mattress protector can significantly reduce the frequency of deep cleaning needed, saving you time and effort. How? By protecting your mattress from spills, stains, and allergens, making it easier to maintain a clean sleep surface. But you should wash your mattress protector every one to two months to keep it effective.

Essential Steps to Clean Your Mattress for a Healthy Sleep Environment

Maintaining a clean and healthy mattress is not hard. Here’s what you need to do: 

Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning anything begins with getting the supplies. For mattress cleaning, you need:

• A vacuum cleaner, preferably with an upholstery attachment

• Baking soda

• Mild detergent

• Enzyme cleaner (for tough stains)

• Steam cleaner (optional for deep cleaning)

• Mattress protector (optional but recommended)

Having these supplies on hand ensures you're well-prepared to tackle any dirt, stains, or odours lurking in your mattress.

Step 2: Preparing Your Mattress for Cleaning

Start by stripping your bed of all bedding. This includes sheets, pillowcases, and any mattress toppers. Wash these items separately according to their care labels to ensure they’re fresh and clean.

Now inspect your mattress for any stains or damage before proceeding. This will help you determine the areas that need the most attention during cleaning.

Step 3: Vacuuming Your Mattress

Vacuuming is the first step in removing surface dust, dirt, and allergens from your mattress. Here’s how to do it properly: 

• Attach the upholstery tool to your vacuum cleaner.

• Start at the top of the mattress and work your way down in overlapping, narrow paths.

• Pay special attention to seams, crevices, and the edges of the mattress where dust and dirt tend to accumulate the most.

• Flip the mattress and repeat the process on the other side.

Regular vacuuming can significantly reduce the buildup of allergens, making it easier to deep clean the mattress and maintain a clean sleep environment.

Step 4: Treating Stains

Mattress stains are almost always inevitable. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t treatable. Here’s how to tackle common stains:

• Sweat stains: Mix hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and a few drops of dish soap. Apply the mixture to the stain with a cloth, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then blot with a clean, damp cloth.

• Urine Stains: Use an enzyme cleaner to break down proteins in urine. Spray the cleaner on the stain, let it sit for 15 minutes, then blot with a clean cloth.

• Blood Stains: Apply cold water to the stain and blot. If the stain persists, mix baking soda and cold water into a paste, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for 30 minutes before blotting.

Note: Avoid soaking the mattress, as excess moisture can lead to mould growth.

Step 5: Deodorising Your Mattress

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can neutralise odours and leave your mattress smelling fresh. To see its deodorising effects;

• Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire mattress surface.

• Let the baking soda sit for at least 15 minutes (the longer, the better).

• Vacuum up the baking soda thoroughly.

This simple step can eliminate odours caused by sweat, urine, and other sources, ensuring a fresher sleep environment.

Step 6: Disinfecting and Deep Cleaning

To kill bacteria and germs ambushing in your mattress, consider disinfecting it with these steps:

• Mild Detergent Solution: Mix a few drops of mild detergent with water and lightly spray the mattress surface. Wipe down with a clean cloth.

• Steam Cleaning: Use a steam cleaner to sanitise the mattress deeply. The high temperature will kill most bacteria and dust mites.

Final Thoughts

It’s no secret that the surface you sleep on must be clean and healthy to keep allergies and diseases at bay. By following the steps we talked about, you can keep your mattress fresh, comfortable, and hygienic. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your mattress but also contributes to better sleep quality and a healthier home environment.

It’s also a good idea to invest in the best mattress that comes with anti-microbial technology as it keeps dust mites, pollen, bacteria and other hidden dangers at bay. Mattresses by Sleepwell come with its proprietary anti-microbial technology called Neem Freshe, making for a great choice for mattress online.  

Disclaimer: This content is sponsored and does not reflect the views or opinions of Ground Report. No journalist is involved in creating sponsored material and it does not imply any endorsement by the editorial team. Ground Report Digital LLP. takes no responsibility for the content that appears in sponsored articles and the consequences thereof, directly, indirectly or in any manner. Viewer discretion is advised.

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