You wash your sheets, pillow cases, duvet covers and comforters, but you’re forgetting one crucial item in your bedroom that you should be sure to keep clean—your mattress. Whether you have never cleaned one, or you simply can’t find the time, you may be creating an unhealthy environment for where you lay your head each and every night. Here are six steps for deep cleaning your mattress.
Step 1: Remove the Bedding
Remove all of your bedding from your mattress, including your sheets, covers, pillows and pillowcases, and if you have one, a mattress cover or protector.
Step 2: Wash Your Linens
If you haven’t already done so, wash your sheets. For mattress covers, be sure to read the care instructions for proper cleaning without shrinking or damaging it in the wash. Wash these items in hot water to ensure you remove all bacteria, sweat and possible dust mites. For organic sheets and mattress covers, which are prone to shrinkage, be sure to hang dry these fabrics.
Step 3: Vacuum
To keep dust and dirt from building up inside of your mattress, vacuum it once a week. Be sure that the vacuum attachment is clean before you start to avoid potentially adding more dust and dirt to your mattress. Once you clean the surface, make sure to get into the creases around the edge of your mattress, and flip it over to get the bottom.
Step 4: Deodorize
For small stains, cover the spot liberally with baking soda to absorb any excess liquid. This will also help to remove any lingering odors from the area. To deodorize the entire mattress, sprinkle baking soda across the entire surface using a sifter.
For a long-lasting scent, combine the baking soda with a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender, for an added boast of relaxation. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum the surface of the bed again to remove any residue of baking soda.
Step 5: Air Dry
To dry out your mattress, place it in direct sunlight. The UV rays will also help to kill off any remaining bacteria. Let it sit in the sun for at least one hour, or until it is fully dry to the touch.
Step 6: Rotate, Protect and Dress
Once the mattress is fully air dried, it is time to make the bed. It is important to flip or rotate your mattress, once every 6 months, to ensure even distribution of weight and extend the life.
Invest in a mattress cover to help protect it from any future spills, stains and dirt. This will also help to extend the lifespan of your bedding.
Make the bed, starting with your clean fitted sheet, flat sheet, blankets and pillows, and enjoy a fresh and clean night’s sleep!
