By Origin Editorial Team
A clean mattress is essential for a good night’s sleep, hygiene, and overall health. Research has shown that the average adult sweats 26 gallons a year in bed, and lab tests from swabs taken from 7-year-old mattresses found more than 16 million colony-forming units of bacteria per square inch. Over time, mattresses can accumulate sweat, dead skin cells, dust mites, allergens and massive amounts of bacteria.
While you might change your sheets regularly, deep cleaning your mattress is often overlooked. At Origin, we have observed that deep cleaning your mattress regularly is the key to the best sleep always.
Why Clean Your Mattress?
Before we dive deeper into the ‘how’ of cleaning your mattress, let’s talk about ‘why’ you should clean your mattress. Mattresses can harbor allergens, bacteria, and even bedbugs if not maintained properly. If you share your bed with your furry animals, you may, more often than not, wake up with animal hairs and specks of skin (pet dander).Dust mites love to munch on them, and fleas or ticks can jump from the fur to your mattress.
Regular mattress cleaning extends its lifespan, improves air quality in your bedroom, and reduces the risk of allergies or respiratory problems.
How often should you clean your mattress?
Experts recommend deep cleaning your mattress every six months. However, if you have allergies, pets, or small children, consider cleaning it every three months.
Step-by-Step Mattress Cleaning Guide
Here’s the ultimate guide to ensure your mattress stays fresh, clean, and in top condition.
Step 1. Gather Your Supplies
Experts recommend deep cleaning your mattress every six months. However, if you have allergies, pets, or small children, consider cleaning it every three months.
You’ll need:
- Vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
- Baking soda
- Mild detergent or dish soap
- White vinegar
- Clean cloths or sponges
- Spray bottle
- Enzyme cleaner (for stains)
- Optional: Mattress protector
Step 2. Remove the Bedding
Remove all sheets, pillowcases, and mattress covers. Wash them in hot water* to kill bacteria and dust mites.
*Sheets, pillowcases and mattress covers should be washed at a minimum of 130°F (55°C) to kill bacteria. However, do note that some sheets can only be washed at 110°F (40°C). Please check the labels for the appropriate water temperatures to wash your bedding.
Guide to water temperatures:
Hot Water (130°F – 140°F / 55°C – 60°C):
- Ideal for killing bacteria, viruses, and dust mites.
- Recommended for washing sheets if someone is sick, has allergies, or if sheets are heavily soiled.
Warm Water (90°F – 110°F / 30°C – 40°C):
- Sufficient for regular cleaning of lightly soiled sheets.
- Gentler on fabrics and colors.
Cold Water (< 85°F / 30°C):
- May not kill bacteria effectively unless used with a detergent that contains a disinfectant or enzymes designed for cold water.
Step 3. Vacuum Mattress Thoroughly
Use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to clean the mattress surface. Focus on seams and crevices where dirt and dust tend to accumulate. This step removes dust, hair, and crumbs.
Step 4. Spot Clean Stains
For stains:
- Sweat or Urine Stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the stain lightly, blot with a clean cloth, then sprinkle baking soda on it. Allow it to sit for several hours before vacuuming.
- Blood Stains: Use a mixture of cold water and hydrogen peroxide. Dab (don’t rub) the stain gently with a cloth soaked in the solution.
- Other Stains: Use an enzyme cleaner to break down tough stains like vomit or pet accidents. Always test cleaners on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Step 5. Remove bad odor with Baking Soda
Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda across the mattress. Let it sit for several hours (or overnight if possible) to absorb odors. Then vacuum the baking soda thoroughly.
Step 6. Air your mattress out
If possible, move your mattress near an open window or into the sunlight. Fresh air and sunlight can help eliminate odors and kill bacteria naturally.
Step 7. Flip and Repeat
If your mattress is double-sided, flip it and repeat the cleaning process on the other side. For single-sided mattresses, rotate them 180 degrees to prevent uneven wear.
Preventive Tips for a Cleaner Mattress
- Use a Mattress Protector: Waterproof and hypoallergenic covers protect against spills, sweat, and allergens. Mattress protectors are easy to wash and extend your mattress’s life.
- Wash Bedding Regularly: Wash sheets, pillowcases, and protectors at least once a week.
- Avoid Eating in Bed: Food crumbs can attract pests and lead to stains.
- Pets on bed? Clean more frequently: If you allow pets on your bed, clean your mattress more frequently.
Vacuum Monthly: Regular vacuuming keeps dust mites at bay.
Ultra-soft arctic cool Mattress Protector
Made with ultra-soft arctic cool cotton, the dual-layer Origin Arctic Cool Mattress Protector is the perfect protector to protect your mattress from damage and spills, while remaining breathable and comfortable.
Common Mattress Cleaning Mistakes to avoid
- Using excess water: Oversaturating your mattress especially when spot cleaning stains can lead to mould growth and long drying times.
- Skipping the spot test: Always test cleaners on a small area of your mattress to avoid discoloration or damage
- Neglecting the underside: Do remember to clean the underside of your mattress even if you don’t use it. Dust and allergens can accumulate on the underside.
Special note for cleaning different types of mattresses
- Memory Foam Mattresses: Follow general cleaning steps but avoid soaking as foam is highly absorbent. Spot clean and air dry.
- Hybrid Mattresses: Follow general cleaning steps but avoid using excess liquid near coils.
- Latex Mattresses: Follow general cleaning steps but use mild soap and a damp cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners as latex is delicate.
When to Replace Your Mattress
Even with proper care, mattresses don’t last forever. Replace yours every 7-10 years or sooner if it’s sagging, causing discomfort, or harboring stubborn odors or stains.
Final Thoughts
Even with proper care, mattresses don’t last forever. Replace yours every 7-10 years or sooner if it’s sagging, causing discomfort, or harboring stubborn odors or stains.
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Sources:
- Bed Threads. This is how often you should actually clean your mattress.
- Sleep Foundation. How to Clean a Mattress.
- Sleepopolis. How to Clean a Mattress.
- This Old House. The Best Ways to Remove Stains from Your Mattress.
- WebMD. What’s lurking in your mattress?
