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Applying baking soda and vacuuming already solves half the problems for those who need to know how to clean mattresses

Image: Ty Carlson on Unsplash

A clean, well-maintained mattress is essential for a good night's sleep. Many people think that just changing and washing sheets regularly is enough to ensure peace of mind in bed, but that's only half the job. Knowing how to clean mattress is an important skill to include in your household chores. And don't worry: Unlike washing the dishes or making the bed, cleaning the mattress isn't something that needs to be done every day. In addition, a very simple and versatile ingredient from your closet can help you with the task: baking soda.

How important is it to clean the mattress?

You may already know that mites and other pets live in your mattress - hence the importance of killing them from time to time. However, the mattress also accumulates bodily fluids such as sweat, blood and urine, among others. All of this mixes with the mold and mildew that are left lying around and the dirt, oils, traces of personal care products and other substances that you take to your mattress when you go to bed, even if you take a shower every day before going to bed.

The more humid the environment in which you live, the more important it is to clean the mattress, as it can retain this moisture and your sweat throughout the day. When there are children or animals in the house, the potential for contamination increases, in addition to the existence of possible stains.

How to clean mattress

Now that you understand the importance of a sanitized mattress, let's go step by step on how to clean mattress. First, remove all bedding and wash the sheets and mattress protector. From time to time, it is also a good idea to wash your blankets and comforters. Use hot water for washing as per the manufacturers instructions, as the high temperature kills mites and other living things that were in your bed. So, it's time to clean the mattress.

1. Aspire

Use the upholstery accessory (or other part that does not have contact with the floor) of your vacuum cleaner in the task of cleaning mattresses . Run the vacuum from top to bottom, following the lines of the seams, and then vacuum the sides of the mattress.

2. Deodorize with baking soda

Even if it doesn't smell bad, sweat builds up and, over time, it can leave that unmistakable aroma. To clean the mattress of possible rancidity, sprinkle your mattress with baking soda and gently scrub with a brush, especially along the seams, so that the dust gets into the mattress fabric . Let it sit for at least 10 minutes before proceeding to the next step.

3. Repeat aspiration

The baking soda you've rubbed into your mattress will bind to moisture and body oils in the upper layers of the mattress. Therefore, after applying the alkaline salt, it is necessary to vacuum the mattress a second time, to extract this moisture and the factors responsible for odors.

4. Treat the stains

Mattresses generally acquire three types of stains: blood, urine, and what we'll call "other body fluids." While it's best to treat blemishes right away, sometimes sleep is more important. Here's how to clean stains on your mattress after they're already there.

Dried blood stains

Make a paste of 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide (3%) mixed with 1 tablespoon liquid soap and 1 tablespoon table salt. Lightly spread on the stain and let it dry before removing the residue. Wipe the stain off with a white cloth (so as not to stain the mattress with fabric dyes) dipped in hydrogen peroxide, rotating the cloth as the stain is removed.

urine stains

Once dry, they are difficult to remove, but not impossible. Check out a two-step method that helps a lot.

• Dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda in 240 ml of hydrogen peroxide. Then add a drop or two of liquid detergent. Apply this solution on site. (Don't wet the mattress first!);
• If the stain persists, wait until the area is dry, then mix 3 tablespoons of a dry (and hydrogen peroxide-free) washing powder and 1 tablespoon of water to make a dry lather. Lightly spread the mixture over the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes;
• Scrape dry paste with a spoon. Use a white cloth dipped in hydrogen peroxide to remove any pieces of paste;
• Clean the area.

Other fluids (vomit, wine, cigarettes)

Open the windows and, using a white cloth, wipe the stain with a paste of vinegar and baking soda. It is also possible to use lemon in place of vinegar. Do not wet the mattress! Use the paste and a clean cloth to clean the area, then sprinkle the area with baking soda to neutralize possible odors and remove any lingering moisture. Let it dry and vacuum the mattress again.

5. Invert the mattress on its side and repeat steps 1-4

It's good to make seasonal turns on the mattresses, from side to side and then from top to bottom, ideally every three months. If your mattress is of the type pillow top, you cannot flip it over, but you must still flip it top to bottom seasonally. Once that's done, repeat the cleaning process on the other side of your mattress.

6. Protect your mattress

As cleaning the mattress is not an easy task, the ideal is to use a washable protective cover. There are mattress covers made of fabric, attached to a waterproof layer that prevents liquids and dead skin from touching your mattress. You can have a couple of them and wash them along with your sheets changing routine. This prevents you from having to clean the mattress every time a leak occurs, your toddler or pet pees on the mattress, or after a lively night out.

With the mattress protected, you can do this deeper cleaning every three months. So just lie down and sleep peacefully!