Until we knock a liquid onto it or strip it of sheets only to notice it’s yellowed with age, most people don’t often think about the cleanliness of their mattress. Sheets get plenty of attention, of course, but the bedding underneath is rarely the subject of our concern. And though it’s true that sheets effectively prevent us from contact with mattress fabric, meaning the latter isn’t likely to require frequent cleaning, it’s still hygienically important to give mattresses our attention from time to time.
It can be intimidating to tackle cleaning a mattress, if nothing else because they tend to be large, ungainly and difficult to handle. With these simple tips, however, cleaning your mattress will be a relative breeze; and since experts recommend you clean a mattress once every season, you won’t even have to go through the trouble more than 4 times a year.
Invest in the right fabric cleaners. This step is fairly important, as, although mattresses rarely touch our skin, using a cleaner that you end up being sensitive to can mean you’re either stuck with a mattress that makes you itchy (at least for a while), or will need to buy or borrow another one – potentially a huge expense. Either use all-natural products (see examples below), or use a fabric cleaner that you’ve tested on the inside of your wrist, prior to using on your mattress. Upholstery cleaners are usually hypo-allergenic, but better safe than sorry!
Vacuum with a specialty fabric or carpet attachment. Thoroughly clean your vacuum bristles prior to use, then vacuum the top of your mattress to remove any dirt or grime that may be present, especially in the seams of the quilting, if your mattress has it.
Experiment with enzyme cleaners. These cleaners work immensely well at removing some tougher stains, as they break down the structure of proteins and help remove any surface grime. If you accidentally overturned a plate full of breakfast-in-bed eggs and bacon, for example, spray or dab enzyme cleaner onto the stain and gently blot to remove. Hydrogen peroxide can have the same effect.
Do a full-mattress wipedown. Sanitation and smell are your primary concerns when it comes to cleaning a mattress, and a baking soda solution can help you take care of both (especially when combined with the next tip). Make a solution of one part baking soda, two parts water – the amount will depend on the size of your mattress – and apply it using a clean microfiber cloth. Allow the solution to sit for 30 minutes, then wipe it down with a towel dampened with cold water. You can use a dry towel to absorb most of the moisture, then…
Give your mattress a “sun bath” outside. When climactically possible, bring your mattress outside onto a clean, concrete surface after cleaning with any liquids, and let it bake in direct sunlight until it’s dry. This has the added benefit of sanitizing the fabric…plus a fresh, outdoor-laundry scent.
If you’re concerned about cleaning your mattress yourself, not to worry – the maids at Minch Professional Cleaning, the best cleaning company in Bucks County, take special orders! We strive to accommodate all of our clients’ needs – simply speak to your Minch representative to find out more about fulfilling special cleaning requests.
