How To Clean A Mattress The Ultimate Guide

Let’s face facts:

Your mattress is rarely washed.

You are probably reading this because of a recent spill, blot or insect problem. You are now in dire need of a quick solution.

This is the best mattress cleaning guide you will find.

This comprehensive guide will cover every type of stain and cleaning method. These solutions can be used on both custom and residential beds (ex. RVs, antique beds and boats, and many other things).

This blog post will be very detailed so buckle up.

This comprehensive guide will show you how to clean up spillages such as blood, juice, tea, and urine.

You will also find valuable information about how to deal with creepy crawlies like bedbugs and dust mites in your mattress.

There are also tips for cleaning certain parts of your mattress, such as the mattress foam and mattress cover.

This is not all. Bonus tips will be shared on how to remove odors from your mattress, store it properly, or allow it to air out, as well as maintaining clean bedding.

Now, let’s get started.

Are you ready? All set?

Keep Your Mattress Clean

This Alarming Statistic Is What I Would Like You To See:

In a normal bed, you could find around 10 million dust mites. Although they aren’t harmful, their droppings or body fragments can cause allergies.

Are you feeling sick? We are just beginning. We haven’t even touched dangers like sweat or dead skin.

You can take safety precautions, but don’t panic. A healthy cleaning routine is one of the best ways to clean your mattress.

These Are Nine Habits You Should Try To Adopt:

  • Your bed sheets should be changed every other night. Do you really need to put dirty sheets on a clean mattress? You won’t be able to detect the difference in bacteria growth if you don’t change your sheets for the whole day.
  • Rotate your mattress once a month to maintain even wear.
  • Similar to the previous step, you should flip your bed once every 3-4 months.
  • Keep liquids out of your bed. Fluids don’t get along well with mattresses, especially memory or foam mattresses. It is best to ban all liquids completely.
  • Protect your mattress with a mattress protector. It will protect your mattress from spills and prevent staining.
  • Vacuum your mattress. You should use an upholstery adapter that is neat and clean. Otherwise, you could risk spreading germs.
  • Do not allow the temperature to rise in your bedroom as mites and other germs prefer warm temperatures.
  • All houseplants must be thrown out. Although they are beautiful, they can also be a nuisance to insects and pollen.
  • Your bedding should be aired daily. You can even set your mattress outside and let the sun dry it if it’s sunny. This will eliminate mold and mildew.

Clean Dust Mites From A Mattress

Dust mites, which are tiny insects that have eight legs, are small and delicate. They are nearly invisible to the human eye.

They can be found in many homes. Dust mites eat human skin flakes.

Dust mites can be more common in bedrooms with high humidity (approximately 80%).

There Are Three Ways To Eliminate Dust Mites.

  • Freeze them
  • Heat them
  • Poison them

We have one option when it comes to a mattress: They can be heated.

Immediately after taking off the sheets, use the brush handheld attachment to vacuum your mattress.

Remove Bed Bugs From A Mattress

Bed bugs are tiny, blood-sucking insects. They are bed-residing vampires that will eat your red-juice, to be precise.

They are easily identifiable by the naked eye. They can grow to up to 5mm in length and leave brown or black stains when they fecinate.

Use the same method for dust mites as for sheets. Use a vacuum to clean your mattress and sheets.

Tip for professionals:We often hear the common myth that if you have a memory mattress, dust mites and bed bugs cannot touch you. This is completely false. Despite the fact that you’re less likely than others to find bed bugs and dust mites on your memory foam, it doesn’t mean they can’t reach you while you sleep.

Cleanse And Disinfect A Mattress

It is a wonderful feeling to know you have sanitized your bed. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1Get rid of your bed.

Step 2To thoroughly vacuum your mattress, use a pad brush.

Step 3Use the following methods to remove stains

Step 4You can leave your mattress outside for a while to allow it to air out. Do not wait for the weather to be right. Instead, let your mattress sit beside your window and get some air. Make sure that both sides of your mattress get sunlight if possible.

Step 5:Use a steamer to clean the mattress. Sprinkle baking soda on your mattress. Leave it to dry for at least two hours before vacuuming it up.

Step 6Spray it with an antibacterial spray. Use a clean cloth to wipe it off.

Eliminate Odors From Your Mattress

There is nothing more embarrassing than stepping into a stinky bed. These steps will help you tackle the problem:

Step 1Use a bowl to mix the ingredients. Combine 1 teaspoon of water and 1 tablespoon of laundry detergent with 1 tbsp vinegar. Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 2 tablespoons baking soda.

Step 2Apply some of the solution to the stain with a clean cloth. Finish by wiping the surface with water.

Step 3Add a large amount of baking soda to the mixture and let it sit for at least 7-8 hours.

Step 4Clean up any residue. Spray an anti-odor spray on the stain. Repeat the process if the smell persists for more than a week.

How To Clean A Mattress Cover

This should seem simple in theory.

First, make sure to read the label on the cover. It will contain any instructions.

It is as simple as putting it through a regular wash cycle.

Important: Your mattress cover should be cleaned as often as your bed sheets.

How To Clean Mattress Foam

You should be prepared to clean a memory foam or mattress topper if you love it.

We cannot lie.

It can be a bit of a hassle because mattress foam must be cleaned manually.

This is how you should proceed every season:

Step 1Remove your mattress topper and mattress from your bed. Verify for any spots. Any marks can be treated using the methods described in this article.

Step 2Gently sweep your mattress with a vacuum cleaner. To maximize the chances of collecting dust and debris, use circular motions. If there are crevices, vacuum them as well.

Step 3Fill a spray bottle with water to clean your mattress.

Step 4Apply the solution to your mattress or topper gently.

Step 5:Place your mattress topper outside.

Step 6Sprinkle baking soda over it, and let it sit overnight.

Step 7Vacuum out any remaining solution and baking soda. Allow your mattress to dry completely before you place it back on your bed. This could take up to 24 hours.

How To Clean A Mattress Pad

The mattress pad must be cleaned at least once every 8 weeks.

They are directly in contact with your mattress. They are your first line of defense.

You should follow the instructions on the label.

Blood is similar to urine and vomit.

It is important to remember that speed is everything. You will be more comfortable removing a protein stain if you can get it out quickly.

Here are some ways to get blood off a mattress:

Step 1Use a clean, dry cloth. Use cool water. Heat will cause the proteins to cook and the stain to remain in the water.

Step 2Apply the stain with a cotton swab. Don’t rub, wipe or scrub the stain. That will only make it worse!

Step 3Mix water, baking soda, salt together. Make a paste of them and apply some to the blot.

Step 4The paste can be left on the surface and then rubbed off with a brush. Use cold water to spray on the paste and dry it with a damp cloth.

If that fails, it’s time to try another method.

Step 1Make a mixture of two parts hydrogen peroxide, one part dish soap.

Step 2Apply a little solution to the stain. Use a toothbrush to gently brush the solution. Use a damp, cold cloth to wipe off the solution after five minutes.

How To Remove Vomit From A Mattress

You can make things happen.

Nobody intentionally throws up on their bed. There is nothing to be ashamed about. The good news is that it’s easy to get rid of all traces of vomit. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1Get rid of all solids.

Step 2If possible, take off sheets, mattress protectors, and mattress covers. Use hot water to wash them.

Step 3Use a dry cloth to absorb the liquid. Do not rub the stain!

Step 4Sprinkle hydrogen peroxide on the stain.

Take care not to soak the mattress.

Step 5:Let it sit for five minutes, then use towels to absorb the hydrogen peroxide.

Step 6Apply baking soda to the stain. Apply the stain.

Step 7Let the soda sit on the stain for at least 24 hours. Vacuum it the next morning.

How To Remove Sweat From A Mattress

We sweat as much as a liter every night. That sweat is going somewhere.

It is important to take care of your bed as with all the other stains.

Mold and mildew can develop if there is too much liquid in a mattress.

What Are The Choices?

Do you really want to ignore those sweat stains that appear on your sheets? These are the steps you can follow to remove sweat stains from your bed.

Step 1Make your own cleaning product. Combine 3 tablespoons baking soda and 1 drop dish soap with 227 gm hydrogen peroxide.

Step 2Use a large spray bottle to pour the solution. Although it is not required, it will make it easier to treat the stain (and do so frequently).

Step 3Allow the stain to dry for between 8 and 10 minutes.

Step 4Remove any residue.

Step 5:Allow the mattress to air out and let it dry overnight.

How To Clean Urine From A Mattress

It is possible for your mattress to have been peed on if you have small children or pets.

Do not worry.

The procedure for removing urine stains is the exact same.

Step 1As much fluid as you can, soak a clean cloth in it.

Step 2Spray the stain with an enzyme-based cleaner. You can make your own product with 3 tablespoons baking soda and 227 grams of hydrogen peroxide.

Step 3Sprinkle baking soda over the affected area once the patch has dried.

Step 4You can leave the stain for up to 24 hours. Next day, clean it up.

How To Remove Water Stains From A Mattress

Water tends to leave ugly rings after drying. These stains can be easily removed as they are not harmful.

Let’s see how we can get rid of these water stains.

  1. Use a damp cloth to gently moisten the area.
  2. Fold some pieces of a paper towel over the stain. You want to achieve a coating of at least one-inch thick. Use a vase or other object to weigh down the coating.
  3. To blow the stain, use a fan or hair dryer. The force of the air will transfer the moisture to the paper towel.

How To Air Out A Mattress

It is important to air out your mattress. This is a tedious task that many people skip because they don’t have the time or are lazy. Regularly airing your mattress will prevent germs and allergens.

It is very easy to do. It can be done indoors or outdoors in the winter.

Here’s how to air your mattress.

  1. Start by taking out all bed linen including pillows, sheets, and toppers. To let fresh air in, open the windows and allow the sun to lighten the mattress. The sun will eventually kill germs and bacteria without you having to pay a fee.
  2. Keep vacuuming the mattress. This is for when you are simply airing your bedding and not deep cleaning. To remove any dirt or dust stuck to the mattress, grab your vacuum cleaner. A mattress that has been vacuumed will have air flowing smoothly through it and it will take less time to air completely.
  3. Move the mattress. It is okay to hire someone to help you if you are unable to do it yourself.
  4. Let the mattress sit out for at least 3-4 hours. It will be more comfortable if it’s left out in the sun for longer periods of time. Avoid leaving it out in the evening because the humidity is high and the mattress can get damp.

How To Store A Mattress Correctly

Wrapping it in plastic bags for storage and drying is the number one error.

The truth is that there’s already water. This provides a perfect environment for mildew and mold to thrive.

These storage tips will help you store your mattress correctly

  1. To remove dirt and dust, vacuum the mattress.
  2. Place it in a light, breathable covering.
  3. Place the bedding horizontally on its base.
  4. Avoid putting pressure on your mattress. This could cause damage to the mattress’s features.
  5. Before you use your bedding again, make sure to vacuum it and disinfect it.

Amazing Mattress Cleaning Tips

1. Take a look at shaving cream

Denatured alcohol is what makes shaving foam. It acts as a stain-remover and has consistency.

It is best to wait about 15 minutes before applying the solution and then wipe it clean. Apply the solution with 50% water and half vinegar to the blot.

2. Use an enzyme cleaner

You might want to consider an enzyme cleaner like Nature’s Miracle

These methods work well, but you may want to try something new.

3. Cornstarch can be used to mask the smell

You can use baking soda and cornstarch to combat odors. Baking soda is an ingredient in many cleaning products. Cornstarch, on the other hand will absorb body oils.

4. To reduce drying time, turn on the fan(s).

This information is straight from the experts. Dean Davies is an expert in upholstery and mattress. Here’s what he has to say:

To speed up the drying process, it is a smart move to place a fan next to your mattress. You can use more than one fan. If you have a wet vacuum, you can use that to get rid of the moisture. It is not recommended to sleep on a wet mattress.

If all else fails,

If you are still having trouble getting the stain out of your mattress, or have exhausted all other options, it might be time to contact a mattress cleaning service.

You can bet that they will have removed more difficult stains then you’ve ever had hot meals. A professional will cost you far less than buying new mattresses.

Now it’s your turn

There you go.

These are the best points you can take away from this guide:

  1. Make sure to clean your mattress and bed sheets.
  2. As quickly as possible, take care of every stain.
  3. No matter what cleaning method you use, do not saturate your mattress.
  4. If you really have a problem with a blot, it is a good idea to speak to an expert.
  5. Choose a sunny day to air out your mattress
  6. Avoid storing your mattress in a zip-lock plastic bag.

It is a wonderful feeling to know that you have climbed into a clean bed.

We mean a clean bed. Fresh sheets are one thing, but what about the stuff under them?

You know deep down that your mattress has been bothering you. You’ve been wanting to know how to wash your bedding.

It’s time to take care of your bed.

Keep in mind that removing a stain or mark from your mattress could make the difference between a good night’s rest and a bad one.

Best of luck!

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