Should You Clean Your Mattress?

When it comes to our cleaning routines you have things you do daily, weekly, monthly, and even annually. From sweeping the floor to reorganizing the closet that you rarely open, we spend a lot of time cleaning. We also spend a lot of time in our beds. On average, we spend a third of our lives in bed, so taking steps to clean the mattress will extend its life and improve your sleep. How do you clean your mattress, and how often should you clean your mattress? These are great questions. Here is our guide to keeping your mattress clean.

When you have a well-cared-for mattress it will last longer than one that’s been ignored, and will promote a more productive sleep. Think about your floor. If you don’t sweep or vacuum your floor you will see the dirt that’s built up. Dust mites, allergens, and sweat will build up in your mattress over time, so keeping it clean is important. Back in the day mattresses didn’t have designated top and bottom, so most mattresses could be flipped twice a year, and that’s also when people would think about cleaning them. While flipping your mattress isn’t as common, cleaning your mattress twice a year is still a good rule of thumb to follow. You know the tag that’s on your mattress, make sure you check that for manufacturer recommendations for rotating the mattress to ensure even wear.

There are a variety of steps you can take when it’s time to clean your mattress. Here’s what we suggest.

1. Wash your bedding. There isn’t a much better feeling than fresh clean sheets on your bed at night. You want to wash your bedding weekly, but definitely wash it when you’re cleaning your mattress so you don’t transfer dirt back onto your mattress from your sheets.
2. Vacuum your entire mattress (top and bottom) with the upholstery attachment. This will help agitate the surface and eliminate dust, mold spores, and allergens. If you have a mattress with lots of seams, make sure you pay close attention to those as they will hold the most buildup. 
3. Spot clean any stains. If you like to eat in bed, sweat when you sleep, or have small children or pets that sleep in your bed, you’ll want to treat any stains that are on your mattress. You can use an upholstery cleaner or enzyme-based odor remover. These will help chemically break down stains and odors. If you don’t have any of that, use a 1:1 mixture of cold water and hydrogen peroxide, or dish soap and water. You want to be careful that you don’t oversaturate the mattress, and use a cloth to apply any chemicals. Don’t apply cleaner directly to the mattress.
4. Deodorize your mattress. Once you’ve cleaned the stains your mattress might be damp. If you sprinkle baking soda over the entire mattress. This will help absorb the remaining moisture and neutralize the odor. It’s best to leave the baking soda on your mattress for at least an hour. However, if you haven’t cleaned your mattress in a while, or there were a lot of stains that have left your mattress not smelling the best, you can leave it on for a few hours. Opening your bedroom windows if possible is also a good idea to help increase airflow and let some sunlight in to help with sanitizing. Once the baking soda has set long enough, vacuum it up with your vacuum’s upholstery attachment. 
5. Sanitize your mattress. If you have a UV light wand you can use that to sanitize your mattress. If not you can use the natural UV sanitizing power of the sun if your bed is close to a window or you want to take your mattress outside. If you can’t do either of those, you can mist your mattress with a disinfecting spray that is designed for soft surfaces. For an extra boost, use one that has a formula designed to reduce allergens from pollen and dust mites. 
6. Protect your mattress. One way to help keep your mattress clean is with a mattress protector. Most mattress protectors are waterproof but still breathable. They also have hypoallergenic covers that help reduce dust and other allergens that can keep you from getting the sleep you deserve. You don’t have to wash your mattress protector as often as your sheets, but it’s a good idea to wash it once a month, especially during cold and flu season.

If you think your mattress is beyond cleaning, and you’re ready to upgrade and start fresh, visit your closest Mattress Hub today. Our expert sleep staff will help you find the mattress that’s perfect for you. With our wide selection of top-name brand mattresses that are perfect for any budget, we make it easy for you to sleep well, live well, and change the way you sleep forever.