No matter whether it’s in your bedroom or in your home away from home, a mattress is one of the most important factors in ensuring a good night’s sleep. To help you keep yours in tip-top condition for as long as possible, we’ve put together this helpful guide with handy cleaning and care tips.
Start as you mean to go on
If you’ve just got a new mattress, you’re starting with a clean (literally) slate, so the habits you put in place now will make everything easier in the future. But worry not if you’ve had your mattress for a while, if it’s still in good shape then there’s plenty you can do to keep it looking its best.
Step-by-step
- While you probably don’t need to fully deep-clean your mattress every month, be sure to keep up a regular routine of smaller jobs every week or fortnight that all add up in the long run. When changing your bedding, it’s a good idea to inspect your mattress for signs of any potential issues.
- After you’ve stripped your bed and performed a mattress check, vacuum the surface and sides with an upholstery attachment to pick up any dust and debris particles. Pay special attention to crevices in quilting or around the edges where little bits tend to collect.
- If there are any stains, try to treat them immediately if you can, but otherwise spot clean as you find them with a mild detergent and warm water. Avoid harsh or chemical cleaners as these can damage the mattress – for a natural alternative, a paste of baking soda and water can work wonders – just leave it to sit for a few minutes and then blot (don’t scrub!) It’s also important to use the minimum amount of water to prevent too much moisture from soaking into the mattress.
- Once your mattress is squeaky clean again, a sprinkle of baking soda all over the surface will help to deodorise any hints of mustiness. Leave it to sit for at least an hour (the longer the better) and then vacuum it off. Bonus points if you leave the bedroom window open while it sits, so plenty of fresh air can circulate.
An ounce of prevention…
When ready to make your bed again, rotate your mattress to even out any wear and tear, and top it with clean sheets. Using a mattress protector underneath a fitted sheet helps as a great barrier against any spills and stains, meaning you have less cleaning to do next time. Win-win!
