We spend a third of our lives, or about 6-8 hours a day, in bed, right? So you can see how essential a good, clean mattress is for a healthy life. Keeping a mattress clean is not just a chore, it directly affects the quality of your sleep and your overall health.
Why is it so important to keep a mattress clean?
Just like washing your sheets and pillowcases, you should also clean your mattress regularly. The reason is that things accumulate inside the mattress without us realizing it.
Just think, our bodies shed millions of dead skin cells every hour. Over time, these accumulate on the mattress.
Not only that, tiny creatures that are invisible to the naked eye can easily live inside our mattresses. We call these dust mites , bacteria, and fungi. These creatures and their waste can cause a number of health problems. You should be especially careful if you have any of the following conditions:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Eczema and other skin conditions
Dust mite droppings can aggravate conditions like allergic asthma and eczema. Also, if fungus grows in the mattress, it can even cause lung infections.
If a dirty mattress is disrupting your sleep, it can also affect your daily functioning. Lack of sleep can lead to increased stress, decreased concentration, and poor memory. In the long run, it can also increase the risk of serious illnesses like hypertension and cardiovascular disorders .
How do you properly clean a mattress?
Cleaning a mattress isn't as difficult as you might think. Follow these steps at least once every 6 months .
1. Remove all bedding: First, remove all bedding, mattress protectors, and comforters from the mattress, wash them thoroughly, and dry them.
2. Vacuum: Use the upholstery tool on your vacuum cleaner and gently scrub the surface of the mattress to remove dust. Use the crevice tool to clean between the edges and seams of the mattress.
3. Steam Cleaning: This can kill dust mites that live under the surface of the mattress. However, before doing this, check the mattress label or the manufacturer's website to make sure that it is safe to steam your mattress. If it is allowed, you can use a clothes steamer. If you don't have one, press the steam button on your iron and send steam all over the mattress. The most important thing is to not let any water drip onto the mattress. After steaming, make sure that the mattress is completely dry before using it again.
How do you remove stains from a mattress?
Stains on your mattress can be caused by things like sweat, body oils, spilled food, and urine from small children or pets. You can use these simple methods to remove them.
| Stain type | Cleaning method |
|---|---|
| Normal stains (sweat, oil) | Make a mixture of baking soda, a mild, non-bleach laundry detergent, and cold water. Apply this to a clean cloth and dab the stain. Do not rub vigorously , as this may spread the stain. |
| Urine stains (human or animal) | Clean as soon as possible. You can use the mixture mentioned above. But for the most effective results, it is better to use an enzyme cleaner available in the market. These break down the acid in the urine and remove both the stain and the odor. |
| Blood stains | An enzyme cleaner is also best for removing blood stains. Never use hot water , as hot water can set the blood stain permanently into the mattress. Always use cold water. |
Things to remember when removing stains
- Never spray cleaning fluid directly onto the mattress. Doing so can cause moisture to seep into the mattress and cause mold to grow. Always dampen a clean cloth and wipe it down.
- After cleaning the stains, let the mattress dry thoroughly for at least 5 hours .
- After washing, vacuum again to remove any remaining dust and other debris.
How do you get rid of unpleasant odors in a mattress?
Over time, your mattress can develop an unpleasant odor. The best and most affordable solution to this is baking soda . Baking soda doesn't just mask the odor, it absorbs the acids that cause the odor and eliminates it.
Sprinkle baking soda all over the mattress and let it sit for a few hours. Add a little more to the areas with the strongest odors and let it sit for at least 5 hours, then vacuum thoroughly.
How do you know when it's time to change a mattress?
Sometimes cleaning your mattress isn't enough. When it gets old, you need to replace it. Check if your mattress has these characteristics:
- Lumps and sagging: If the mattress is lumpy in places and sagging in the middle, it means that the contents inside it are broken.
- Spring noise: If you hear a "creaking" sound when you move around in bed, the spring system inside is weak.
- Your body hurts in the morning: If your back, neck, or joints hurt every morning when you wake up, your mattress could be the cause.
- Increased allergies: If you feel like your allergies or asthma are getting worse, dust mites in your mattress could be the cause.
- Difficulty falling asleep: It usually takes 20-30 minutes to fall asleep. If it takes longer than that, one reason could be an old mattress.
If you have these symptoms, it's time to consider a new mattress. If you have persistent back pain, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor before buying a new mattress.
Take-Home Message
- Vacuum and clean your mattress thoroughly at least every 3-6 months .
- Wash your sheets and pillowcases at least once a week . This will reduce the accumulation of dead skin cells and dust mites.
- Use a good mattress protector to prevent moisture from absorbing into the mattress.
- Clean a stain on your mattress as soon as it appears. This will help prevent the stain from becoming permanent.
- If you have a reversible mattress, flip it over every 3 months. This will reduce the amount of wear and tear on the mattress.
- A dirty mattress can increase allergies, asthma, and skin conditions. Cleanliness is essential for healthy sleep.
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