The Best Way To Clean Your Mattress Naturally
How often does it cross your mind to clean your mattress? Probably not often, but it's something you should be doing. This task is probably one of the most ignored responsibilities out there. However, if you've never taken the time to clean yours, then you should be the first to know that mattresses are on the receiving end of many things. Over time, your mattress becomes exposed to these things, which can have an impact on its cleanliness and functionality.
According to Apartment Therapy, over time your mattress collects dust mites, dead skin cells, sweat, allergens, mold, blood, urine, mildew, and other little critters. Imagine the level of build up and dirt you've unknowingly slept in over the years. Fortunately, when it comes to caring for your mattress, there are a variety of simple ingredients at your disposal. Rest assured, here you can find the best way to deep clean your mattress effectively and efficiently.
Strip the bed
The best time to clean your mattress is while doing a load of laundry because not only does it save time, it gets the job done easier. Remove all sheets from the bed and place them in the laundry for a good spin in the washer and dryer. Set both to the hottest temperature they can go to kill any dust mites that are lingering, according to Tips Bulletin.
To get the cleanest sheets possible, wash and dry the mattress pad, bed sheets, comforter, and pillow cases separately to get rid of any dirt or lingering food, especially if you're an avid late night snacker. To remove dust mites from your sheets, add an essential oil such as clove or eucalyptus to your wash. Not only will you have clean bedding, but you'll also have fragrant sheets! Even if you don't clean your mattress as often as you'd like, stripping the bed to wash and change the linens frequently is a must.
Vacuum the mattress
After stripping the bed, you should start by vacuuming all sides of the mattress in order to get rid of all the remaining residue from the sheets, as well as the space between the mattress and the box spring, according to The Spruce. It is best to use your vacuum cleaner's upholstery attachment to get the most cleaning out of it. Keep in mind that solely running the vacuum over your mattress now and then is not nearly enough to thoroughly clean it. Why? Because you may not be the only critter to call your bed a home, according to Tips Bulletin. This is especially the case if you're someone with pets.
Doing this simple practice when you change your sheets keeps residue from building up on your mattress. Start from the top and work your way down each side. It only takes a few minutes out of your day and you'll be thanking yourself after getting the dust mites and pet hair out.
Treat mattress stains
Like most furniture, stains are inevitable. In order to prevent them from lingering as much as you can, it's important to make stain removal a normal part of your home cleaning routine, including for your mattress. Most stains will come out unless you've spilled something very dark like red wine.
You can make a DIY cleaning solution from products you probably have at home, such as a paste with a mixture of baking soda, salt, and water to spot clean, according to The Spruce. Lightly rub each stain with the paste and let it set in the mattress for 30 minutes. Once that's done, wipe the mattress down with a damp cloth that is clean. According to Apartment Therapy, another way to remove stains is by using Simple Solution, a non-toxic natural enzyme cleaner that breaks down stains and odors, or making a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, liquid dish soap, and baking soda.
Deodorize the mattress
Even though you may not notice, your dead skin cells, sweat, and body odors sink into the mattress over time, especially the longer you have it and go without cleaning it. To get rid of any unwanted aromas, blend a sparing amount of essential oil (preferably lavender) with 1 cup of baking soda in a container. According to The Spruce, you should shake the mixture in a strainer and sprinkle it evenly over the surface of the mattress. Let the baking soda remain on the mattress for awhile, at least until your bed linens are done washing and drying or for several hours based on your preference.
Letting the solution set into the mattress will absorb any excess liquid and leave your mattress smelling amazing. Once that is done, vacuum the baking soda off of the mattress. If you have a fabric headboard, you should run the vacuum over that as well.
Flip and repeat
Now that one side of your mattress is clean and fresh, it's time to take care of the other side. Before doing so, make sure the mattress is dry on the side you cleaned. You should then follow the same steps previously mentioned accordingly. It's important that you clean both sides of your mattress, as you should be flipping it every three months. This is because over time mattresses tend to compress as they become worn down, according to Architectural Digest.
However, as mattresses evolve and become more specialized for comfort and sustainability, you should inquire with your mattress manufacturer to figure out what works best for the type of mattress you have. This should be done whether you are deep cleaning your mattress or not. Your mattress is your investment; you should get the best possible sleep and comfort out of your investment, considering it's where you lay your body every night.
Protect your mattress
Mattresses aren't cheap, so make yours last as long as you can. To fully enjoy your clean mattress, make the bed with fresh, newly washed linens. You can use the covers you have already washed or a new set of covers. Either way, just make sure they are fresh and clean. To make your mattress last, you should clean it every three to six months, but no more than six months minimum, according to The Spruce.
The more you incorporate cleaning your mattress into your home cleaning routine, you happier you'll be. You should also vacuum it as often as you can, change your sheets weekly, invest in a new mattress pad every once in a while, and flip your mattress every so often to get the best quality sleep and comfort from both sides. You could also invest in a mattress cover for protection, which will make cleaning the mattress much easier in the future.
Air out your mattress often
Cleaning your mattress regularly not only improves your sleep quality, but it also extends its life, according to HGTV. The more you clean your mattress, the longer it'll last and the healthier you'll feel. After it's been cleaned, the best care you can give your mattress is fresh air and natural sunlight, according to Apartment Therapy.
The UV rays from the sun are just what your mattress needs to be fully brought back to life. Of course, not everyone has the ability to move their mattress from their bedroom to their backyard. However, if you're able to it's a super effective way to get rid of any bacteria on your mattress. Per Casper, let it sit outside for about eight to 10 hours, but if you don't have that much time you can also put a fan on it to speed up the drying process. Happy cleaning!