How to Clean a Mattress Like a Pro

How to Clean a Mattress Like a Pro

For some people, buying a quality mattress is like making an investment. If someone puts forth good money on a mattress, it becomes an asset they will want to keep for as long as possible. To do that, some time and effort will have to be put into keeping the mattress in good shape for as long as possible.

As part of keeping a mattress in good shape, it needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. Before you concern yourself about cleaning your mattress, it might benefit you to know that cleaning most mattresses is quite easy. In fact, it can be done in nine easy steps. Here are the details you can follow for cleaning your mattress.

1. Secure the Appropriate Cleaning Supplies

Since odors can become deeply embedded in a mattress, you will want to use a deep cleaning process to remove both stains and odors. Before you start the cleaning process, you will need to secure the right cleaning supplies, which might take a little effort. Why? Some of the supplies you will need are not items you would normally keep in the house. The list of supplies you will need includes:

  • A cleaner/soap that helps remove stains
  • A good liquid laundry detergent
  • Good ole baking soda
  • Cleaning cloths
  • A bucket of cold water
  • A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment

2. Strip the Bed

Of course, you will need to strip everything off the bed. That also means you will want to give a thorough cleaning to everything because you don't want to put dirty, smelly bedding back on your clean mattress. If you clean all the bedding with a good detergent and hot water, you can eliminate odors, stains, and any bed mites that might have made a home in your bed. If your pillows are washable, do so. If not, you might want to purchase new ones if they are starting to show a little age.

3. Vacuum the Mattress

With the vacuum cleaner and upholstery attachment, you will want to vacuum the entire mattress. Be sure to remove all the dust and dirt particles that may have accumulated along the seams.

4. Remove All Stains

Since stains have an odor, you will want to clean and remove stains from the mattress. As you proceed, you will want to be very careful. Most mattresses, especially foam mattresses, are not supposed to get wet. That means you need to apply your cleaning solution or solutions to the stains and proceed by dabbing and scrubbing as needed.

You can do this with soap, liquid laundry detergent, spot/stain remover, and cold water as needed. You can also use an enzyme cleaner for body fluid stains like sweat and detergent-type products for food and liquid stains. Blotting with a clean white cloth works best for removing stains.

5. Freshen Up the Mattress

If possible, you will want to "air out" your mattress by putting it outside in the sun and fresh air. As an alternative, you can sprinkle baking soda over the entire mattress. Yes, the baking soda will act to break down acid stains and remove odors the same way it would in your refrigerator. If possible, you can still open the windows and expose the mattress to sunlight. Sun rays will serve to kill molds and some bacteria on the mattress.

6. Repeat the Vacuuming Process

After airing out your mattress or letting the baking soda sit for several hours, you can vacuum the mattress again. This will serve to remove the baking soda and any residual dried chemicals from the cleansers you used. This would be a good time to also clean the bed frame and headboard.

7. Clean the Other Side

After cleaning the top side of the mattress, you will also want to clean the other side. The process is the same, you will just need to flip the mattress over. By the way, you can keep your mattress cleaner and healthier by flipping it over every three months if you’re not already doing that.

8. Protect Your Mattress

Before redressing your mattress, you might want to consider putting on a protective cover. Mattress protectors can do many things such as reduce dust mites, protect against spills and accidents, keep sweat and oils off your mattress, etc. Encasement and five-sided protectors are the best type of mattress protectors.

9. Redress Your Mattress

When your mattress is dry, fresh, and clean, you can put all the bedding back on your mattress. Fitted sheets are the best type of sheets to keep dust and dirt from accumulating on your mattress. As long as you wash your bedding regularly, you can keep your mattress clean and fresh longer.

Given the expense of a new mattress, the amount you will save by cleaning your mattress like a pro is well worth your time and effort. Following these tips will help you to not only clean your mattress like a pro but will hopefully increase its longevity. And while there may come a time when a new mattress becomes the best option, knowing how to clean your mattress is very important.