When was the last time you gave your mattress a good ‘ol cleaning? You may wash your sheets and pillowcases regularly but you also need to make sure you keep your mattress looking and feeling fresh and clean. After all, it’s where you rest your tired body after a long day at work.
If you have a memory foam mattress, the greater the need to keep it well-maintained because it’s an investment you wouldn’t want to go to waste. So if you want to keep your trusty mattress in top condition and extend its life span, make sure to follow the following mattress cleaning tips.
Run your vacuum cleaner over it
Mattresses may have a bed sheet over them, but they still acquire dead skin cells, dust, and other particles you don’t really want in there. When the sheets are in the wash, don’t put new ones on the mattress yet. Run your vacuum cleaner over the top and crevices of the mattress first to make sure it’s free of dust.
If your vacuum cleaner has an upholstery attachment, use it for the top and sides of the mattress, as well as the box spring if you have one. For the quilting, edge welting, and other nooks and crannies, use the crevice tool.
Give it some fresh air
When possible, let the bedroom, along with the mattress, “breathe” in some fresh air by opening the windows and letting the sunshine in. For best results, make sure the mattress is getting direct sunlight with the sheets pulled back. This will eliminate any lingering odors and prevent moisture buildup, plus the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight serves as a natural disinfectant.
You can also take the mattress outside if your bedroom doesn’t get enough sun. You’ll need to work your muscles for this one – but it’s all worth it.
Freshen up with baking soda
Mattresses can develop a somewhat stale smell after long-time use. To freshen it up, grab a cup of baking soda and add five drops of your favorite scent to it. Distribute the scent by stirring, then sprinkle the fragrant powder over the mattress. Let it sit for 30 minutes before vacuuming it up. This leaves the mattress clean and smelling oh-so-nice.
Baking soda is also great for cleaning up spills and other accidents. To avoid the stain from setting in, attend to it as soon as possible. Use a dry, absorbent towel to soak up as much of the liquid as you can – stand on the towel if you must. Then, sprinkle baking soda on the affected area to absorb any remaining moisture and lingering odors. Leave it there overnight if possible, or a day if you’re dealing with a large stain.
Flip and rotate
Some mattresses require rotating and flipping so they wear evenly. Rotating your mattress every eight weeks or couple of months also prolongs its life. On the first rotation, simply turn the mattress around so that the head part is now the foot part. Then flip it over, then rotate it again. Manufacturers include a suggested rotation schedule for their mattresses, so check yours out. When flipping or rotating, take a moment to give your mattress a good vacuum.
Following these mattress cleaning tips will keep your bed smelling, looking and feeling like new even after years of use. So don’t forget to give your mattress some TLC!
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