We spend a third of our lives sleeping, so our mattresses naturally collect dust, sweat and dead skin cells. But cleaning them regularly helps prevent odors and eliminates fresh or light stains.
Start by removing all bedding and dry vacuuming the mattress and 매트리스청소 box spring. Then follow the suggestions below for sanitizing and deodorizing your mattress.
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural deodoriser, and can quickly eliminate smelly stains on your mattress without the use of chemicals or strong fragrances. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over your mattress surface, and leave to sit for 12-24 hours to allow it to neutralise odours and freshen up the bed. If possible, place the mattress in a sunny spot to promote faster drying times.
In addition to tackling odours, baking soda can also help remove the microscopic organisms that can cause allergies, such as dust mites and pet dander. These tiny critters can lead to symptoms such as sneezing, itching and watery eyes, making a regular cleaning routine of your mattress essential.
When used in conjunction with vinegar, baking soda can create a powerful cleaning solution that is effective at removing stains and neutralising odours. To prepare this mixture, mix equal parts of baking soda and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle, add 10 to 20 drops of your favourite essential oil (optional), and shake well. Using a spray bottle allows for easy application and even distribution of the mixture, and is particularly helpful when dealing with stubborn stains.
Once the mixture has had a chance to absorb odours and stains, vacuum your mattress thoroughly with an upholstery attachment. Then, flip and rotate your mattress, as this is a good time to do so to extend the life of the bed and prevent sagging.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
Even if you change your sheets frequently, you might still be dealing with unsightly sweat and odor stains on your mattress. Regular cleaning with hydrogen peroxide can help prevent odors, mildew, and bacteria from building up.
Aside from being a powerful stain remover, it’s also an effective deodorizer. Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water in a spray bottle, and saturate the soiled area of your mattress. Use a clean cloth or sponge to rub the solution into your mattress, being careful not to over-saturate it.
While you’re at it, rinse the mattress with cold water, as warm water can actually set certain stains such as urine, blood or vomit. If your mattress has particularly stubborn or dried stains, apply the solution directly onto the affected area, and allow it to sit for a few minutes before blotting.
Similarly, blood stains can be difficult to get out of mattresses, but they’re far from permanent. To tackle a blood stain on your mattress, prepare a solution of 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide and one tablespoon of liquid dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the soiled area of your mattress, and then blot with a cloth or sponge dampened in the cleaning solution until the mark fades. Rinse the spot and blot dry to avoid excess moisture, which can lead to mildew, mold, or bacteria.
3. Distilled White Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is a natural deodorizer and disinfectant that can help eliminate stains and odors from your mattress. To use, pour some into a spray bottle and spritz it on the stain. Let the cleaner sit for at least five minutes in a well-ventilated area (a fan, ceiling fan or open windows will speed up the process). Then blot the stain with paper towels until as much liquid has been removed as possible. Repeat as needed until the stain is fully eliminated or at least faded.
Blood stains can be among the hardest to remove from a mattress because of their high protein content. Hunker suggests using a mixture of water, white vinegar and meat tenderizer to treat the stain. Another natural way to remove blood stains from a mattress is to allow it to air dry, preferably outside in the sun but if that’s not an option a well-ventilated room will also work.
Sweat stains can also be difficult to get rid of on your mattress, especially when they build up over time and are not removed regularly. You can use a solution of water, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to tackle the problem. Just be sure to blot rather than rub, as rubbing will actually push the stain deeper into the fabric of your mattress.
4. Water
Mattresses are a hotbed for bacteria, fungus and other microorganisms. If left unclean, these tiny organisms can create an unpleasant odor and trigger allergies or even lead to disease. Mattresses should be cleaned regularly to reduce the buildup of these organisms. However, many people are unaware of the proper way to clean a mattress. Thankfully, there are a number of non-toxic cleaning methods and natural products that can effectively deodorize and disinfect mattresses.
Start your mattress cleaning by stripping the sheets and vacuuming the surface using an upholstery attachment to remove dust, dirt and debris. Use a damp microfiber cloth to spot treat any areas of discoloration or stains that need attention.
Light stains can be treated with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or a homemade cleaner containing vinegar and dish soap. If the stains are old or dark, you may need to repeat this process several times to remove the stain completely. Blood stains, on the other hand, require more potent treatment and should be addressed immediately to avoid setting them into the fabric.
If you notice any wet urine stains on your mattress, Hunker recommends combining a few capfuls of hydrogen peroxide and a bit of water to make a paste that you can rub into the stain. The paste should help lift the stains from your mattress, and you can then apply an enzyme cleaner to treat any remaining stains.