How to Clean a Mattress

When was the last time you cleaned your mattress? Did you even know that it was even necessary? Considering that The Mattress Warehouse’s recent survey revealed that 51% of South Africans have not ever cleaned their mattress, we decided to step in to explain how you should go about getting the job done so that your mattress will last longer.  Just follow our easy tips about how to clean your mattress and it will be a breeze!

Why should you clean your mattress?

“While it’s advisable to replace your mattress every seven years, it’s also necessary to clean your mattress thoroughly at least once a year,” explains The Mattress Warehouse founder, Zaach Smith. South Africa’s biggest online bed and mattress retailer goes on to explain that, “we all know that we have to clean our bedding, linen and mattress covers regularly but we also have to take care of our mattresses in order to extend the product’s longevity and to keep the air quality good enough to ensure a good sleep cycle.”  Microbiologists and sleep experts confirm that dust mites, dead skin cells and sweat residue, all invisible to the naked eye, will accumulate in your mattress over time.

How often should you clean your mattress?

It really depends on how often the bed is used. If it’s a bed that’s slept on every evening, then we recommend giving the product a good clean at least once a year. However, if you’ve had any unfortunate mishaps, like spilling food or a beverage like tea or coffee in bed, then we recommend giving it a clean right away before the stain or an unpleasant odour sets in.

The easy way to clean your mattress

All you need to do is strip your bed of linen and give it a refreshing clean. Thankfully, cleaning a mattress is quite a simple procedure and you don’t even need to go about buying expensive equipment for cleaning solutions.

Cleaning a mattress in 5 steps:

1. Vacuum the mattress first

First, you need to strip the mattress of all the bed linen. Most vacuum cleaners are fitted with an upholstery attachment and we suggest using this nifty appliance to give your mattress a good vacuuming from top to toe. The way to get going is to start at the head of the mattress and work your way across the surface and down to the bottom. Keep your movements narrow so that you don’t miss a single bit of the mattress and you will have the surface vacuumed up in no time.

2. Tackle the stains

Do not soak your mattress with water or cleaning solutions. This could damage your mattress irreparably. Memory foam is not designed to even get wet. However, we’re often asked about what to do when it comes to unsightly mattress stains. After all, we’re all guilty of snacking in bed or enjoying a hot cup of tea on occasion. So we understand that accidents do happen. The good news is that you can fix mattress stains.

When it comes to these sorts of household stains, you need to spot clean. This is how it works:

• Create a mixture using liquid dish washing solution, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide, and place it in a spray bottle. Spray or dab the mixture directly onto the stained area with a damp cloth and blot the stain away. 
• Alternatively, you could find a natural enzyme cleaner to clean up the stain by breaking down the chemical content. Citrus cleaners are recommended as a great option.

3. Deodorise the mattress

Once you have vacuumed the mattress and removed any stains, you can start deodorising the bed. We suggest sprinkling liberally with baking soda and leaving for several hours. The longer you leave it, the better the result you will get as baking soda has the ability to absorb moisture and unpleasant odours. Try leaving it overnight for best results. Afterwards, you can vacuum the mattress all over again to get rid of the baking soda.

4. Apply sunlight

Never underestimate the power of the sun as a cleaning agent. UV rays from the sun can remove just about any stains and there is possibly no better way to refresh your mattress than by placing it outside for some fresh air and vitamin D. This is a great method to use if you are able to and it is completely harmless to the mattress provided it doesn’t rain.  Just make sure you check the weather report before you leave your mattress outside to catch a few rays.

5. Flip the mattress

Once your mattress has been given that much-needed amazing clean, you can give it a flip. Depending on the type of mattress you own, you might not have to flip it at all – just check the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you’re wondering why flipping your mattress is necessary, the answer is that it can give your mattress new vitality and increase its overall longevity. 

Invest in a mattress protector for added cover against the elements

Consider using a waterproof mattress protector to keep your mattress protected from the elements and any mishaps. This will also make future mattress cleaning that much easier in the future.

Browse mattresses for sale with South Africa’s trusted online bedroom retailer

At The Mattress Warehouse, we are passionate about beds, mattresses and all of the bedroom accessories that help create a dreamy bedroom sanctuary. The trusted South African brand is fully online and has a wide range of warehouses located countrywide. Take a look at the range of top-quality and affordable mattresses for sale that you can order online or in-store.