Besides regularly washing your bedding to keep your sleeping area clean and comfortable, you should also consider cleaning your mattress at least twice a year. To be 100% sure that you will not be doing anything that could potentially damage the mattress, carefully read the instructions provided by the manufacturer and learn what is the correct cleaning procedure. Different mattress models come with different care instructions. However, most mattresses can be cleaned using a few steps we are going to explain below.
How to Tackle Regular Mattress Cleaning
Start by removing and washing all the bedsheets, blankets, pillowcases covering the mattress. Do not forget about the removable cover if your mattress has one. Check it can be machine-washed. Once your bed is free of obstacles, use the upholstery attachment on the vacuum to clean the entire surface as well as the sides of the mattress. Make sure to gently blot any stains you might discover using gentle cleansers and finish the stain removal job with a clean cloth dipped in cold water. Avoid getting the mattress too wet, especially if you won a mattress made of polyfoam or foam.
Give the mattress enough time to air dry, then apply a generous amount of baking soda and let it effectively soak up any bad odors in the mattress. Let the baking soda sit for several hours so all the smells can be fully absorbed, then proceed to vacuum the baking soda with the help of the same upholstery attachment. Make sure to repeat the process on the other side of the mattress.
How to Handle Accidental Spills
Besides using the correct maintenance routine on a mattress, it is also important to know how to clean it during accidental spills and similar accidents. Immediately proceed to clean the mattress as soon as you notice the spill to stop the stain from embedding into the fibers. Use vinegar, dish soap, a mix of vinegar and baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or commercial enzyme cleaners to remove the stains, depending on their severity and nature. Mattress protectors will help you keep your mattress clean and free of stains for a longer time. If you do not already own one, it is a good idea to invest in such a protector.
The first step of cleaning a fresh spill or stain refers to slowly blot the affected area with a clean and damp cloth. Never use any rotating moves to do this, as you will do nothing more but continue to spread the stain deeper into the fibers. What you should do instead is gently remove the stain using light blotting moves to prevent causing further damage to the mattress. You could also add a few drops of essential oils into the cleaning mix if you are not allergic to them to sleep on a fresh and nice smelling mattress at night.
Remember to always give your mattress enough time to properly dry after removing a stain or cleaning it, before you are ready to make your bed.
Flip the Mattress and Repeat the Previous Steps
Once you will be done cleaning one side of the mattress, removing any stains and lingering odors, and drying it, it is time to flip it to the other side and tackle it in a similar manner. Follow the same steps as described above to make sure both sides are equally clean and fresh-smelling.
Regular mattress flipping should be done at regular time intervals, no matter if it is time to deep clean both sides or not. If you are not sure how often you should flip the mattress, rotate it, or have it cleaned, always check the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
You could also get in touch with a professional mattress cleaning service like Sunlight Mattress Cleaning NYC if you do not have the time, skills, supplies, or knowledge needed to deep clean your home mattresses.