One of the most challenging things to clean in a home is a mattress. Dust mites and dead skin cells combine with other allergens to create an unhealthy sleeping environment for many people. Cleaning your bed can help eliminate these problems, but it's not as easy as just taking your vacuum cleaner to it. Follow this guide for how you can adequately care for your mattress so that you don't have to worry about the health consequences of a dirty sleeping surface.
Keep in mind that excess moisture can damage your Leesa mattress, so use liquid sparingly and make sure your mattress stays as dry as possible while cleaning.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you can start cleaning your mattress, you'll need to gather some supplies. This may include:
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Vacuum cleaner - You'll need a good quality vacuum cleaner to remove any dust and dirt that's built up on your mattress' surface.
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An upholstery attachment (optional) can be used on mattresses due to its powerful suction
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Protective bedding - Bed sheets or another protective layer may be necessary if you want to protect certain parts of your mattress from the cleaning solution.
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Baking soda - You'll need to sprinkle baking soda on your bed to absorb any odors that are still present.
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Hydrogen peroxide - This should be mixed with water and poured into spray bottles for more straightforward application over all parts of your mattress where dirt has built up. You can purchase this at most grocery stores, but ensure that you're getting 100% hydrogen peroxide without any additives!
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Dish soap - You'll need liquid dish soap to help remove any dirt or dust particles that have built up on your mattress over time.
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Ammonia - This will be used as a cleaning agent for more stubborn stains and should be mixed with cold water before application. Make sure to test this solution in an inconspicuous spot on your mattress before using it!
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Towels - You'll want plenty of towels to help soak up the liquid from the hydrogen peroxide, ammonia mixture, and baking soda.
Step 2: Strip the bed
Before you can even clean your dirty mattress properly, you must strip the bed of all sheets and pillowcases. This will ensure an easier process down the line when removing dirt and dust from your sleeping surface. After this is done, remove any other pillows or cushions on top of your mattress for easy access.
Step 3: Deodorize Your Mattress
If your mattress smells or has any stains on it, you should deodorize the surface before continuing with your cleaning process. Deodorant products like vinegar, baking soda, or cornstarch can be sprinkled on the mattress and allowed to work their magic for a few hours.
Some other specialty products can be purchased from home and healthcare stores. These are usually made specifically for eliminating odors, stains, or dust mites on mattresses, so take advantage of them if you have the money to spend.
Step 4: Vacuum It Up
After you've removed any excess pillows or cushions on top of your mattress, it's time to use a vacuum cleaner. You'll need to start by using the crevice tool that comes with most vacuums to get into all of those hard-to-reach areas around the bedding and headboard area. Once this is done, remove the nozzle from your vacuum before using an upholstery brush attachment to loosen dirt particles trapped deep within the fibers. After doing so, switch back over to your regular cleaning nozzle and continue until no more dust can be seen coming off your vacuum wand while cleaning different parts of the mattress coverings.
Step 5: Remove Mattress Stains
How to clean a mattress stain when simple cleaners won't work? If your mattress has any unsightly or stubborn stains, you need to use a more potent cleaning agent to eradicate them. A mixture of ammonia and cold water should do the trick - be sure to test this solution in an inconspicuous spot before using it on the stained area. After applying the solution, let it sit for about 15 minutes before blotting dry with a towel.
Many commercial stain removers are specifically designed to remove different mattress stains. Be sure to do your research and find one compatible with the type of fabric your mattress cover is made from before using it.
Step 6: Sprinkle Baking Soda
Baking soda is a great natural cleaner that works wonders on mattresses and other upholstery. To use it, sprinkle the baking soda directly onto your bed before letting it sit for several hours. The baking soda will absorb any odors or moisture that may be trapped deep within the bedding, leaving your mattress smelling fresh and clean.
Step 7: Vacuum Again
After you've sprinkled baking soda on your mattress and allowed it to sit, it's essential to vacuum the surface once again to remove all of the powdery residues. This will ensure that your sleeping area is spotless and free from harmful toxins or allergens.
Step 8: Flip Mattress & Repeat
Once you've finished vacuuming your mattress, it's time to flip it over and do the same thing on the other side. This ensures that any dust mites or dirt particles will be removed entirely from both sides of your mattress, leaving you with a fresh and clean sleeping surface.
And that's how you perform a regular mattress cleaning! It might seem like a lot of work at first, but this process only needs to occur once or twice per year for most people. The next time you think to yourself "how do you clean a mattress?", look back at these tips to help you start the process. Just remember not to allow baking soda residue to sit on top of your mattress overnight - if done repeatedly, this can leave behind an acidic odor which may damage some types of fabric after prolonged use. Also, keep in mind that homemade stain removers might not be strong enough to remove all kinds of stains. If you have a mattress that is extra heavy-duty or made from materials that are hard to clean, it's best to contact a professional for assistance instead.
Need a New Mattress?
If you're in the market for a new mattress, be sure to check out Leesa's online store for some of the best deals around. With a wide variety of comfortable and durable beds to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect one for your needs - and at a price that won't break the bank.
Leesa Mattresses offer both foam and a hybrid coil design. The coils are encased in foam and provide a bouncy feel, while the memory foam mattress conforms to your body for added comfort.
Plus, all Leesa mattresses come with a 100-night risk-free trial, so you can try it out in your own home before deciding if it's the right fit for you. So what are you waiting for? Start browsing today!
FAQs
How to Get your Mattress Clean With Baking Soda?
Mix a baking soda and cold water solution to use as a cleaning agent for stubborn mattress stains. Once the stain has been removed, dry the area with a towel.
How to clean a mattress topper?
Soak the topper in a tub of hot water mixed with laundry detergent. To help loosen any dirt or stains, agitate the topper, then rinse thoroughly. Allow the topper or mattress protector to air dry before using it again. If your topper has a durable quality, you can try putting it in the washing machine in a light setting.
How to Clean Urine from a Mattress?
If the urine is fresh, blot it up with a towel. Mix one part vinegar to two parts water, then sponge the entire surface with the mixture. Rinse with cold water and blot dry. If the stain is old or set in, blot the mattress with a damp sponge and sprinkle baking soda over the top to act as your stain remover. Allow it to sit for several hours before vacuuming off.
How to Steam Clean a Mattress?
If you have a traditional mattress and not a memory foam mattress, consider renting a steam cleaner or using your home steamer to clean the mattress. Steaming will help remove any dirt, dust mites, or other allergens that may be trapped in the fabric. Be sure to test the steamer on an inconspicuous mattress area before using it to avoid any damage.
How to Clean the Blood Off a Mattress?
Soak a damp cloth in cold water and hydrogen peroxide. Blot the bloodstains until they're removed, then rinse with cold water. Repeat as necessary.
How to Clean Cat Urine From a Mattress?
Sprinkle baking soda over the mattress and allow it to sit for several hours. Vacuum up the residue, then dampen the urine stains and sprinkle more baking soda. Let it sit overnight, then vacuum again in the morning. Repeat as necessary until the odor is gone.
How to Clean Dry Dog Urine From a Mattress?
Like cat urine stains, cover the area with baking soda and sit for several hours. Vacuum, then mix one part white vinegar to three parts water. Sponge the mattress with this mixture and rinse with cold water. Blot dry when finished.
How to Clean Vomit out of a Mattress?
Blot as much of the vomit up with a paper towel or clean cloth, then mix equal parts water and white vinegar. Sponge the area with this solution and blot dry when finished. If it's dried on, moisten a sponge with hydrogen peroxide and cover the mattress stain entirely before letting it sit for several hours for a deep clean.
How Often Should I Clean My Mattress?
Cleaning your mattress once every six months is generally recommended, but always read the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Food, drinks, or other stains can be quickly removed from mattresses by following these steps:
- Stir hydrogen peroxide and dish soap thoroughly (two cups of hydroperoxide and one tablespoon of dish soap).
- Apply the mixture to the mattress with a sponge.
- Use a damp rag to rub the stains after letting them sit for a few minutes. We know it's easy to skip regularly cleaning your mattress, but it plays a vital role in extending its lifespan and reducing allergies.
When Should I Clean My Mattress?
Mattresses should be washed once every six months, but always follow your mattress manufacturer's recommendations. However, after spilling something on your mattress, you should clean it immediately. If you need to clean mattress stains, we suggest using the baking soda sit technique, which is often the most effective.
- Sprinkle baking soda over the entire mattress.
- Rub baking soda into your mattress.
- Allow the baking soda to sit for at least an hour, but ideally, for at least eight hours.
- Vacuum the baking soda off of the mattress surface.
How to Protect Your Mattress?
One simplest yet effective way to ensure your mattress remains stain-free is to use a mattress protector. The primary purpose of mattress protectors is to protect your mattress from wear and tear, allergens, spills, and even bedbugs. In addition, mattress protectors are machine washable, which is much quicker and easier to clean than your mattress, trust us!
