Many people clean their sheets every 24 days.
We expose our sheets and mattresses to all types of dirt, allergens, droop, sweat, dust, bodily fluids, etc. However, the mattresses receive little love, as many people only focus on cleaning the other bedding sets.
If you have never cleaned your mattress, read on to know how to clean it in simple tips. You will only need a cleaner and a few things which we will discuss here.
1. Gather the Right Tools
You will need a few cleaning supplies to clean your mattress thoroughly. The supplies you require depend on the particular stains you will be cleaning. Here is a list of the few things you need for the general cleaning:
- Water
- Cleaner
- Soft cloth
- Detergent
- Baking soda
- Vacuum
You might also need water-friendly clothes which you will wear during the process. Also, a stain remover will be necessary if your mattresses are stained with ink and have other visible spots.
2. Remove and Clean the Bedding
Remove the blankets, the bedclothes, and the pillows. Dip them in your washing machine, or clean them manually with warm water and the detergent. Leave them to dry when done.
Keep them in a dry place if they don’t need cleaning.
3. Clean the Mattress
The best way to clean the mattress is by using the vacuum. Wash the surface, the edges, and the corners. Rotate the mattress well to wash all the parts. A handheld vacuum cleaner should remove all the dust, sweat, and non-sticky spots.
4. Clean the Spots and the Stains
You will see the spots which did not fade away when doing your vacuum cleaning. You should clean them using the various stain removers.
Here is a list of different stains and how you should handle them:
Urine
The best way to wash urine stains by using an enzyme-based agent. You can buy the product at any store or make your own using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
Sprinkle the enzyme-based agent on the affected area on the mattress and leave it dry. Clean it after 30 minutes. You can also clean vomit from the mattress using the same process too.
Bloodstains
You will need water, salt, and baking powder to clean blood stains on your mattress. Mix them evenly to create a paste. Apply the paste on the bloodstains, and leave it for around 30 minutes.
When the period elapses, wipe the paste and clean the mattress with a soft cloth. If the method does not work, repeat the same process by using hydrogen peroxide.
5. Sprinkle Baking Soda
Baking soda kills bacteria in the mattress. Water cannot kill most of the bacteria, so you must add the baking soda. Sprinkle it to all parts of the mattress and take it to the sun to dry.
Alternatively, you may leave the mattress in a closed room with a good circulation of air. During that period, the baking soda will penetrate the mattress’s inner parts, kill the bacteria, and remove the bad odor from the mattress.
6. Vacuum Again
Vacuum your mattress again to remove the baking soda. Though useful for killing bacteria, the excess baking soda might not be suitable for your health, and that’s why you should ensure the mattress is free from it.
This step will not be intense as the initial one because you already removed most of the dirt and dust.
7. Dry the Mattress
It’s advisable to keep your mattress outside. It might look dry on the outside, but the spongy inner parts might have some wetness. That moisture might gradually cause mildew if not dried well.
You can dry the mattress for two to nine hours.
8. Protect Your Mattress
Your mattress is now clean, and you can cover it. A mattress cover protects your mattress from absorbing too much dust. It also keeps it safe from water and other liquids which may pour on the surface.
If you don’t have the mattress protector, buy one that fits your mattress perfectly. Ensure that the quality is top-notch for excellent protection.
9. Make Your Bed
Your bed sheets should always be clean and fit your bed well. Well- fitted bed sheets can protect your mattress and give you the warmth you need when sleeping. So cover your mattress well with the bedsheets and add the pillows, duvets, etc.
How to Maintain Your Mattress
A mattress is a costly investment, and you must keep it well maintained. Besides cleaning, you should observe other tips to ensure that it lasts for years. Here are practical tips for maintaining your mattress in excellent condition.
Rotate Your Mattress Periodically
Learn to flip or rotate your mattress periodically before you sleep. Why? Flipping extends the life of the mattress and maximizes your comfort while sleeping.
How often should you rotate your mattress? On average, you should repeat the process every six months, although the frequency depends on the type of mattress you use.
Wash the Mattress Regularly
Clean your mattress regularly, you may not clean it every time you wash your bedsheets, but you can wipe it on a routine basis. Understand how to clean a mattress with baking soda and vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and the other enzyme-based solutions.
Do Not Wet the Mattress
As earlier mentioned, a hand-held vacuum cleaner is the best for cleaning mattresses irrespective of their types. When you hand -wet the mattress, it will absorb the water.
Mattresses do not dry quickly, and the moisture may result in bacteria. Always use a vacuum cleaner or a wet cloth to wipe the upper surface of the mattress.
Seek Professional Cleaning Help
Do not hesitate to seek the advice of professional cleaner if need be. The cleaners have the expertise to handle different types of mattresses.
They also come with the right tools to simplify the process. Find a reputable cleaning firm and hire them if you fear to make mistakes while cleaning.
Choose the Mattress Cleaner Wisely
There are many mattress cleaners in the market today. The sheer options might overwhelm you and possibly, make you choose the wrong one.
Do your research on the best cleaner for your mattress type and get it from a reputable supplier. The ideal cleaning agent will give your mattress the best look and odor.
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