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Bad news first: You really should be cleaning your mattress. “Mattresses can accumulate dust, dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, and other microorganisms,” Kristin DiNicolantonio, senior director of stakeholder communications at the American Cleaning Institute, tells SELF. “Cleaning your mattress can help reduce the presence of these allergens and microorganisms, which can lead to a healthier sleeping environment.”
Now for the good news: Whether you’re looking to tidy up a pet or wine stain (we see you) or deep-clean your whole mattress, we’ve got all the intel you need to refresh your bed.
How to clean your mattress in 7 stepsGiving your mattress a full, deep cleaning isn’t just good housekeeping—it can also help prevent your mattress from compromising your health with those pesky dust mites, bacteria, and more. Here, we break down the steps to give your mattress a thorough clean.
Check the manufacturer’s care instructions
Don’t even think about scrubbing until you’ve taken a good look at the mattress’s label and warranty.
“To ensure safe and effective cleaning, we recommend that consumers consult their mattress manufacturer’s guidelines or reach out to them directly for advice tailored to their specific product,” says Mary Helen Rogers, VP marketing and communications at the Better Sleep Council, a sleep-research organization.
Mattresses are made from a variety of materials, and a cleaning product that works well on one bed may not work for another. Using the wrong product might harm your mattress and could even void its warranty.
Wash your mattress cover and bedding
Clean sheets can help your mattress stay fresh for longer, because they act as a barrier between those skin cells, dirt, and other yucks and your bed. Ideally, you’re washing your sheets once a week, as SELF previously reported, but you can pare back that frequency in good conscience if you subscribe to certain habits, like showering at night (which removes dead skin cells) or wearing pajamas (they stop dead skin cells from reaching your sheets).
Eric Ascher, DO, a family medicine physician at Northwell Health, suggests cleaning your sheets twice a month and your mattress cover once a month—or more often in summer, when you’ve been sick, or when you’ve been sweating a lot. If you have asthma or environmental allergies (like hay fever) or mess multipliers (like pets or kids), you might benefit from cleaning more often, Dr. Ascher adds.
Some of our favorite bedding:
Saatva All-Year Down Alternative Comforter (featured in The Best Comforters)Cozy Earth Comforter (featured in The Best Black Friday Bedding Deals)Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set (featured in The Best Gifts for People Who Love Sleep)Take note of whether fiberglass is present
Some mattresses contain fiberglass as a flame retardant, and it can be released if the protective outer layer of the mattress is unzipped during cleaning. (There’s even been a class action lawsuit about it, since fiberglass can cause injuries and contaminate belongings.)
If you aren’t sure if your mattress contains fiberglass, check with the manufacturer. In any case, Rogers says, it’s typically not necessary to unzip the protective outer layer of your mattress in order to clean it, even if you see a zipper.
Vacuum your mattress
After you’ve stripped your bedding off your mattress, use a vacuum to suck up any loose dirt and dust from its surface, recommends DiNicolantonio.
Treat stains and odors
While your mattress is bare, give it a good look over—and a sniff too. Now’s the time to spot-clean any spills, stains, or stinky spots. The best time to tackle a stain on your mattress is right away, says DiNicolantonio. If you wait too long to clean it, a stain may set in.
Typically, you don’t need any fancy products to clean your mattress—in fact, you might want to actively avoid them. Even everyday products like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or fabric refreshers may damage your mattress, says Rogers, so it’s best to skip them. The safest way to treat stains on your mattress, she says, is to gently dab them with a cocktail of baking soda, mild soap, and small amounts of cold water. “This is a simple way to freshen things up without harsh chemicals,” Rogers says.
Mattresses see a lot of wear and tear, and—let’s be real—bodily floods too. (Trust that this cleaning solution can work even for blood, urine or vomit.) “Start by blotting away any excess moisture, then sprinkle baking soda over the spot to absorb odors and any remaining dampness,” says Rogers. “After a bit, vacuum up the baking soda.”
If any stains remain, blot them again with mild soap and cold water. You may need to repeat these steps multiple times for stubborn stains—but be careful not to saturate or soak your mattress, warns Rogers. Getting your mattress too wet may damage it and cause mold growth.
And be sure to double check with the mattress company before you steam clean your mattress or hire professional steam cleaners. Steam or other sources of moisture can damage some mattresses and lead to mold growth, Rogers adds. It might void your warranty too.
The best approach to mattress stains is actually prevention—using a washable mattress cover.
“A mattress protector or pad is a worthwhile investment to help prevent permanent damage and keep your mattress fresh,” says Rogers.
Some of our favorite mattresses:
Nectar Premier (featured in Nectar Premier Mattress Review: A Sweaty Sleeper’s Dream)Helix Midnight (featured in Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers)Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid (featured in The Best Mattresses for Back Pain)Let it dry and air out
After cleaning your mattress, you want it to smell fresh—not musty. So give it time to fully dry after spot-cleaning stains or spills. This helps stop mildew and mold from forming, says Dr. Ascher.
You might be tempted to open a window to give your mattress a little fresh air, but Rogers doesn’t recommend it. Outdoor breezes may carry dirt, dust, or other allergens that can settle on your mattress, she says.
Flip your mattress (in some cases)
Should you flip or rotate your mattress when you’re done cleaning it? That depends on the specific mattress that you have, says Rogers: “Not all mattresses are designed to be flipped or even rotated—but if they are, make sure that you do it.” Paired with regular cleaning, that simple action can extend the life of your bed.
Check your mattress’s care instructions to learn whether (and how often) to flip or rotate it, recommends DiNicolantonio.
Our favorite flippable mattress:
Layla Memory Foam (featured in Best Mattresses-in-a-Box)FAQsHow often should I clean my mattress?
As a general guideline, Dr. Ascher suggests clearing your mattress every three to six months; however, you might need to clean it more often if you have allergies or children or pets are often in the bed. Also, if you spill something on your bed, it’s best to spot-clean when the stain is fresh.
It’s also important to clean your mattress cover (at least once a month), your sheets (at least twice a month, or more often during summer or sweaty times), and other bedding, says Dr. Ascher.
What is the best way to clean a mattress?
Focus on vacuuming, cleaning the cover, and using fresh bedding, recommends Rogers. “Spot-clean and deodorize as needed, ensuring the mattress is fully dry before making the bed.”
Use mild soap and small amounts of cold water to gently blot soiled or stained areas. A sprinkle of baking soda may help absorb moisture and reduce odors. Allow the baking soda to sit for a while, before vacuuming it up.
Don’t forget to read your mattress’s care instructions and check with the manufacturer directly before using any specific cleaning product, Rogers adds.
Does baking soda really clean a mattress?
Along with mild soap and small amounts of cold water, baking soda is one of the products that Rogers recommends for cleaning mattresses. She says it can help neutralize odors, absorb moisture, and treat stains from bodily fluids.
How can I protect my mattress?
A washable mattress cover or protective pad is “the best line of defense” against spills, stains, and allergens, says Rogers. If an accident does happen, she recommends following the mattress manufacturer’s care guidelines to clean it up.
Reserving your bed for sleep and sex may also keep your mattress cleaner for longer, says Dr. Ascher. He suggests that you avoid eating or drinking in bed, and keep pets and kids out of it, if you can. Keeping your bedroom cool may also help reduce sweat that can stain or soil your mattress.
Related:
How to Choose a MattressThe 11 Best Mattresses-in-a-Box of 2024The 9 Best Mattresses for Sex in 2024
Source : Self.com