How to Clean and Care for Your Mattress

by | May 29, 2024 | Uncategorized

1. Read Your Warranty

Before you do anything to your mattress, be sure you read the warranty and understand what the limits are. Some manufacturers stipulate specific cleaning instructions. Understanding how your actions may affect your warranty will save headaches and possibly money in the future.

2. Get Some Protection

The most important part of caring for your mattress is having preventative layers that create barriers against moisture, dust and dirt. There are many covers, pads and encasements that help protect your mattress, including for those with allergies to dust or dust mites.

Covers don’t necessarily just go on top of the mattress. They can zipper tightly closed, completely encasing it. These covers come in a variety of prices and materials, such as cotton and cotton blends, often with polyurethane backing. Covers serve different purposes. They can protect against dust and dust mites, create waterproof barriers and ward off bacteria. There are also scented encasements. Yet another option: mattress covers designed to prevent bedbugs.

3. Tackling Spills

For mattresses without protective barriers, The Better Sleep Council recommends treating spots, stains and spills with a damp cloth and warm water. It’s important to note the difference between a damp cloth and one that’s soaking wet. You don’t want to saturate your mattress. Avoid steam cleaning as well.

As soon as an accident occurs, quickly blot it dry, and then begin treating the spot. Some experts suggest lightly sprinkling baking soda on the damp area to absorb the moisture, and then vacuuming it up.

For other stains:

  1. Fill a spray bottle with a few drops of mild dish soap mixed with water.
  2. Spray the solution lightly on the stained area.
  3. Scrub gently with a soft brush.
  4. Aerate the dampened mattress by setting it outside (if feasible) or directing a portable fan on the area.

4. Flip and Spin

You also should regularly rotate your mattress and flip it if you have a two-sided model. This process helps to offset the normal settling that occurs by placing body weight on a compressible surface. You an also use the handheld brush attachment on your vacuum and gently go over the mattress to eliminate any dust that might have collected.