How Do I Clean a Mattress?

 

Often neglected, cleaning and maintaining your mattress are essential tasks for its longevity and the quality of your sleep. Maintaining bedding means making sure you spend the best nights in a healthy bed, and for a long time. Without any maintenance, your mattress can quickly become a nest of microbes, bacteria, mites and other fungi.

When and how to clean his mattress? Remove stains, treat odours, take care of them on a daily basis... In this guide, find out everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining a mattress. With our advice, get your bedding back and sleep on both ears again.

How do I clean a stained mattress?

Contrary to popular belief, it is not so difficult to clean your mattress and keep it clean and fresh. Foam, latex, spring mattresses, ... Whatever the type of mattress, learn how to implement an effective cleaning routine through simple gestures and checked tricks.

Always start by removing all bedding accessories and leaving your mattress in the open air: pillows, duvets, sheets, lesses... everything has to go away. It is recommended to clean your mattress preferably in the morning: this allows the room to be ventilated to remove moisture and to have maximum time for the mattress to dry properly.

Good to know: Most of the techniques on display in this guide may also be suitable for thorough maintenance and cleaning of a mattress.

The different steps to cleaning a mattress

Each of the techniques outlined in this article follows the following steps:

1. Wash: Pass on the stains or the entire surface of the mattress a sponge or a toilet glove, soaked beforehand in the recipe and carefully wrung out. Be careful, it is not a question of washing your mattress with great water, at the risk of damaging it.
2. Rinse: Again, it's not about watering your mattress. As with washing, rinsing is done with a clean sponge or glove soaked in clear, properly wrung water. Don't forget to rinse the sponge or glove regularly before applying it to the mattress, to make sure to remove the cleaning product.
3. Dry: At this point, hairdryer (on lukewarm position), fan, towels and dry fabrics are your best allies to absorb excess water and moisture. Less environmentally friendly but very practical, paper towels can also be used for smaller areas.
4. Aerate: In the open air, drying is more efficient. In the sun, UV actively fights against mites and bacteria, as well as dispelling odours.

 

Products to clean a mattress:

There are many ways to clean a stained mattress. Household alcohol, white vinegar, dishwashing liquid, bicarbonate... Choose the method that's right for you! Whatever the technique, clean your mattress in the morning to make sure you have the day to ventilate.

 

Household alcohol

Household alcohol is a powerful, highly economical multi-use cleaner. It is recommended to use it with caution, with gloves, preferably in an open or well ventilated space, and above all away from any source of heat or flame. Soak a clean cloth of household alcohol diluted in a little water, dab the stain or rub gently, before rinsing with clear water and drying.

 

White vinegar

Also called alcohol vinegar or crystal, white vinegar is an eco-friendly cleanser to do everything. From 8 and 10% acidity, it sanitizes, deodorizes and softens your tissues. Mix 2 glasses of lukewarm water and 2 glasses of white vinegar. To be used on the entire surface of the mattress to avoid haloes, it is recommended to proceed by area: gradually clean by square more or less equivalent to the size of 4 sponges. Rinse with a glove of clear water and dry with a dry cloth before leaving the mattress in the open air.

Good to know: 

Vinegar and bleach don't mix. Vinegar and soda crystals or baking soda cancel each other out, to be avoided unless it is the effervescent reaction that is sought.

Baking soda

Sprinkle the pure bicarbonate or with essential oils all over the surface of the mattress, rub gently with the hand dish or with a sponge or glove to penetrate some of the powder. Leave to rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour to cool down. If you have the opportunity, leave to pose all day. The longer you leave it, the better it will act against bacteria, mold, moisture and bad odours. Use a clean shovel and sweeper set to remove as much powder as possible before sucking in thoroughly.

 

Soda crystals

Stronger than bicarbonate, they can treat blood, grease and vomit stains. Irritating to the skin and dangerous to the eyes, we recommend that you wear gloves and safety goggles while in use. Dilute 1 to 2 tablespoons of soda crystals in 1 litre of hot water. Once the preparation is homogeneous, dip and wring your sponge or glove carefully before rubbing the entire surface of the mattress. Rinse with a glove of hot water and dry with towels. Finish with a hairdryer and leave in the open air.

Good to know: Not a fan of the smell? You can sprinkle baking soda or talcum powder after cleaning and drying. After 5 to 8 hours, a part will have permeated the mattress. All you have to do is suck in to remove the rest of the powder.

The washing-up liquid

A household product that is a must-have, the dishwashing liquid is also frequently used to loosen fabrics. Add 3 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid in 1 litre of hot water and stir to obtain a homogeneous mixture. To be applied to the entire surface of the mattress, this very simple mixture is safe. Soak a sponge or washcloth in the preparation, wring effectively, and rub omitting no area at the risk of creating haloes. Rinse with a glove of clear water, press towels to absorb moisture and let it dry in the open air.

 

Ammonia

Before any intervention, wear a pair of gloves, safety goggles and a mask to protect your hands, eyes, and avoid breathing toxic fumes while preparing the recipe and using it. In 1 to 2 litres of lukewarm water, pour between 5 and 10 drops of dishwashing liquid and 1/2 glass of ammonia. Dip the sponge or glove into the mixture, and wring carefully. Rub the surface of the mattress, emphasizing the stains. Rinse the sponge or glove with clear water before passing it over the entire mattress. Be careful, remember to rinse the sponge or glove regularly to extract the ammonia. Dry the mattress with towels or dry fabrics to absorb excess moisture. Leave the mattress in the open air to finish drying and dissipate the ammonia smell. Air the room or place the mattress in front of a window in the sun for more efficiency.

Good to know: 

Use ammonia as a last resort, carefully and only in a well-ventilated room. Highly flammable, it is important not to smoke during cleaning.

The steam cleaner

If you have it, a steam cleaner can be effective in cleaning your mattress. Water vapour acts deeply against bed bugs, mites, and bacteria embedded in your bed. It also dissolves mattress surface stains. The steam is directly sucked in by the device, making drying much easier. There is no need to apply towels or dry linen, at the end of the process all you have to do is leave your mattress in the open. Yet simple, this technique is not unanimous, especially against recalcitrant stains.

How do I detach a mattress?

Cat pee, spilled coffee stain, sweaty yellow halo, blood stain,... Don't worry, there are simple and effective techniques to clean a lot of stains and retrieve your mattress. Follow the guide.

Wine and alcohol stains

Mix water and household alcohol equally. Apply to the stain, rub with a sponge or glove, then rinse and dry.

 

Remove a coffee stain

If the stain is fresh, act quickly and absorb the liquid with a towel or paper towel before pouring coarse salt, rice, or talcum powder into it. Don't have time to intervene immediately? Don't panic, all is not lost. As with wine and alcohol, a mixture of half water and household alcohol can be applied to the stain with a sponge or glove. Rub, rinse with clear water and dry.

 

Remove a chocolate stain

Start by rubbing the stain with a glove of cold water. If it resists, replace water with household alcohol before rinsing and drying carefully.

 

Clean a sweat-stained mattress

Ideally, traces of perspiration should be treated as the fabric turns yellow and sweat is inlaid, it becomes difficult to recover, both on clothing and bedding. Very effective against bad odors and sweat stains, baking soda can be sprinkled directly on the surface of the mattress. Once a nice layer of product is obtained, rub with half a lemon until you have a moist paste. Repeat with the other half of the lemon and let stand for 1 hour. Remove as much product as possible with a dry cloth and then suck in the excess before letting the mattress dry in the open air.

 

Remove vomit stains

Very acidic, vomit permeates quickly, which is why it is necessary to act quickly. After picking up the material, take a toilet glove soaked in lukewarm water and previously wrung out to rub the stain. Then dab with dry linen. If the stain persists, and against the odor, pour household alcohol on a cloth and rub, before rinsing and drying. Repeat the steps until the stain disappears completely.

 

How to clean a mattress with pee

As is often the case, and if possible, act immediately on the stain by rinsing with lukewarm water with a washcloth or soft sponge. Then absorb all the moisture by dabbling the surface with towels and finish with a hairdryer. If the pee is dry, put a cloth of household alcohol on it before rinsing with water. Alternatively, dab the stain with a cloth soaked in ammonia diluted with a little water (if no ammonia, oxygenated water), then rinse with clear water and dry.

 

How to clean a blood-stained mattress

When the stain is fresh, simply dilute it with a cloth of cold water to remove it. Absorb moisture with dry towels or fabrics, and finish with a hairdryer. If the stain is dry, start by applying a glove soaked in white vinegar and follow previous instructions.

 

Remove an excrement stain

Urine stains or feces are to be rinsed with lukewarm water immediately. If the stain is dry, use a cloth soaked in ammonia or oxygenated water.

 

Clean moisture stains

In a container, mix cornstarch (5 tablespoons), salt (3 teaspoons), and the juice of one lemon. The resulting paste will act effectively on the traces of moisture. Apply until the stain is covered completely and let stand for an hour, then remove by rubbing with a dry cloth. Finally, suck up the excess product.

 

How to remove a fat stain

When the stain is fresh, sprinkle generously with Sommières soil,a natural cleaning product detaching and deodorant. Leave on for 3 to 4 hours, then rub gently before sucking in the excess powder. Rinse and dry. If necessary, renew the process on recalcitrant stains. On these, remember to soften them beforehand with a hairdryer.

How do I remove bad odours from a mattress?

Thanks to its sanitizing and deodorizing properties, bicarbonate is your best asset against bad odours. Sprinkle directly on the entire surface of the mattress, just let it set for at least 5 hours. Use a clean shovel and sweeper set to remove as much powder as possible before sucking in, ventilate for about 10 minutes and redo your bed.

Bicarbonate can also be combined with essential oils with sanitizing properties, such as tea tree, peppermint, lavender or lemon. They will enhance the feeling of cleanliness, repel mites and spread a pleasant smell. To do this, use a cup of baking soda, 5 to 10 drops of tea tree essential oil, and 5 extra drops of oils of your choice.

When to clean his mattress?

While it is important to know how to remove stubborn stains and odours, you should also be able to recognize the signs that you need to start cleaning your mattress.

1. You haven't cleaned your mattress in a long time: To keep your mattress clean and healthy, it is recommended to ventilate daily and clean it at least 2 to 3 times a year.
2. You sleep less well: Allergies, skin problems, headaches, stuffy nose, tearing eyes... the presence of mites in your bed can reveal many annoyances that negatively affect the quality and duration of your sleep. Feeding on dead skin, they thrive in hot, humid environments.
3. Smells are coming out of your mattress: Dust, moisture, mold, perspiration, or urine can leave stains and odors on your mattress. Over time, they become more concentrated and become troublesome for your sleep.
4. Spots are visible on your mattress: Spilled coffee, blood stain, urine, or halo of sweat, ... whether they are fresh or old, you should intervene as soon as possible or as soon as you notice them.

No stains or unpleasant smells? At the right time! But to keep it in good condition, you have to think about maintaining it. That's what we'll see in the next section.

How do you maintain your mattress?

In the end, cleaning a mattress is not that difficult. With time and good recipes, it is quite possible to get rid of stains and bad smells. Yet there is even more simple to do than clean your mattress: protect it. You can't say it enough, but protecting your mattress is the best way to avoid stains, odors, and other hazards that could be nearby and damage it. So what does it take to keep your bedding in good condition? Here are five things you can do to maintain your mattress and protect it effectively.

 

Aerating your room every day

Summer and winter are the first act of daily maintenance of your bedding. It allows both to renew the air, to clean the room, and to get rid of the humidity of the night suitable for the proliferation of mites and bacteria. Airing is essential to dry your sheets and mattress that absorb the equivalent of a small bottle of water per person every night! When you wake up, we recommend that you remove the pillows, pull the duvet or sheets towards the foot of the bed and leave them to prepare for your day, 15 to 30 minutes minimum. As you will have understood, waiting before making a bed is a good move to adopt.

 

Changing sheets regularly

Once a week or even every two weeks, remove your bed linen to wash it. Cotton sheets can be washed at high temperatures (60 degrees) which eliminates mites and bacteria. At the same time as you leave the mattress in the open, you can take the opportunity to ventilate the duvet and pillows, either by opening the window or by putting them outdoors on a balcony or in the garden. Dust mites and bacteria do not withstand 2 hours of UV exposure. More and more mattresses are removable for easy maintenance. When this is the case, remember to remove the cover from your mattress and wash it once or twice a year.

 

Use a mattress protector

A key protection element of your mattress, the thick fabric bore protects the mattress from perspiration and moisture. When waterproof, it prevents any risk of stains by blocking both night sweat, urine or spilled coffee. Very practical and economically accessible, the mattress pad can be washed easily in a machine as many times as necessary.

 

Fully suck the surface of the mattress

To remove dust, hair, dead skin and other dirt that promote the proliferation of mites and bacteria, nothing beats suction. Twice a month, when changing the sheets, you can vacuum the surface of your mattress without forgetting the sides. A little more, leave it in the open a few minutes before redoing the bed.

 

Clean your mattress thoroughly

Two to three times a year, you can refresh and sanitize your mattress by sprinkling sodium bicarbonate or the mixture seen above with bicarbonate and essential oils all over the surface of your mattress. Leave to rest for between 1 and 5 hours, or even all day if possible before sucking in excess powder that would not have permeated the mattress. When possible, turn the mattress (head to toe and vice versa), unless it is a model with comfort zones, in which case it is not recommended to change direction.

 

In conclusion:

Cleaning and maintaining your mattress regularly means making sure you have the best nights. Thanks to these simple and effective techniques, you now have all the keys to enjoy your bedding and increase its lifespan.

Have you tried the techniques presented above but nothing helps? Throwing the sponge in front of an unrecoverable mattress to change is sometimes the best solution. But buying the right model at the best price and without making a mistake can be a real challenge.