The 'hole' of Lake Berryessa is a life-saver What looks like a terrifying hole to the underworld is much more benign.Cleaning a mattress isn’t always top-of-mind for most of us even though we spend a large portion of our time at home in the bedroom sleeping. (Unless, of course, you have a newborn!) It seems that mattresses are one of the last furniture pieces we think about cleaning on a regular basis. Possibly, it’s because our time resting is spent on sheets and in pajamas, but these layers aren’t enough to keep our bedding clean and maintenance free. It might be unpleasant to think about, but there is sweat, skin, oils, dirt, dust mites, and possibly even food & drink all mixed together and collecting over the days, weeks, months, or years. Kind of sends a shiver down your spine, doesn’t it. The best way to clean a mattress is through regular, frequent efforts. It isn’t complex but may take a little time. Remove all of the bedding and linens from the mattress.
This includes everything that spends time on your bed: sheets, mattress pad, pillows (regular and decorative), stuffed animals, covers (duvet or mattress), comforter, and blankets. Also, remember to move any pet beds or clutter in the area. Recommended Methods for a Thorough Cleaning Wash the linens in water reaching 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Vacuum the mattress using (finally!) your upholstery brush. If yours doesn’t have the attachment or it was lost years ago, no need to worry. The point is to thoroughly address the top and sides of the mattress with the vacuum cleaner and remove the collected particles. The more frequently this is performed, the better your results. For instances where there are stains on your mattress or something was recently spilled, there is a gentle method of cleaning knows as “dry suds”. This is accomplished by taking detergent (we like liquid dishwashing) and mixing it with a small amount of water in a mixing bowl. Mix the two together until foam begins to thicken in the bowl.
Scrape the top layer and place it on the mattress stain, lightly scrubbing. Add more suds as necessary until the stain has been removed. Be sure to let the spot dry completely before returning bed linens. Note: We discourage the use of most upholstery cleaners as they contain harsh chemicals that can prove harmful to you and your family. Does your mattress need deodorizing? There’s an effective household product that can do this for you without leaving harmful toxins behind. Spread it across the exposed bedding and let sit for a couple of hours. Once completed, thoroughly vacuum the powder and enjoy! There are ways to help protect your mattress from collecting the dust, skin, and other particles which attract dust mites. Also, taking preventative steps will reduce potential allergy triggers. Be sure that your bed has a mattress pad. This will help absorb any oils, fluids, or skin particles and keep them from reaching your mattress. Also, consider an allergen proof bed covering.
Like the aforementioned pad, it protects the mattress from particles and, also, the dust mites that feed on them. Hypoallergenic pillows might be an investment to consider, as well. Move pet beds, stuffed animals, and any clutter near the bed to other places and organize them. Note that dust mites aren’t particular to humans, so washing your pet beds on a regular basis is recommended.The soft padding of a pillow-top mattress helps ensure a good night's rest, but it also provides a highly absorbent surface for stains. Urine, blood or spilled liquids quickly soak into the cushioned top. Acting promptly can minimize the depth of the stain, but only proper cleaning will remove it completely. Pillow-top mattresses require similar stain removal methods as a regular mattress, but it can take longer for the thicker padding to dry properly. Blot up the stain with with a clean rag if it's still wet. Removing the liquid promptly prevents it from soaking into the pillow-top padding. Vacuum the mattress surface with the upholstery attachment to remove any dirt on the surface prior to stain removal.
Dilute an upholstery shampoo with water per the package instructions. Apply the shampoo sparingly to the stain, working it into the fabric with a soft brush. Avoid applying too much and keep the padding in the pillow top as dry as possible. Moisten a sponge with white vinegar. Blot the stain with the vinegar to remove the shampoo residue and to help neutralize any odors, such as from urine stains. Air-dry the mattress quickly and thoroughly. Set the mattress outdoors in sunshine or aim a fan at the wet spot to hasten drying. If moisture penetrated deeply into the pillow top, use a wet-dry vacuum to suck out the excess moisture. Sprinkle baking soda over the stain if an odor remains. Leave the soda in place for eight hours, then vacuum it from the mattress. Things You Will Need Rags Vacuum Upholstery shampoo Scrub brush Sponge Vinegar Fan (optional) Wet-dry vacuum (optional) Baking soda Tip References Michigan State University: Matress Care and CleaningOhio State University: Quick and Easy Stain Removal Photo Credits Gabriel Garcia/Demand Media Suggest a Correction
1I clean rugs with a shower squeegee. The motive: With vacuuming, fur weaves its way into the rug fibers and hair can get tangled in the brush roll. Edged with rubber, a squeegee glides along a rug smoothly, creating static electricity that draws hair and fur from the carpet.The method: Run a dry squeegee across the rug in overlapping rows. Collect clumps as they form and discard.—Melissa Maker, founder of the Clean My Space Cleaning Company, Youtube Channel, and Blog 2I use packing tape as a duster. The motive: It's easy to ignore lampshades, speakers, and the insides of drawers because it's tough to get them clean with regular dusting. With its strong adhesive, packing tape is the answer—it grabs dirt from fabric and crevices.The method: Press a foot-long stretch of tape onto the surface, then pull it back to pick up the grime. To get crumbs out of drawers, ball up the tape, leaving much of the sticky side facing out. Tap the ball onto the debris, applying extra pressure to catch stubborn pieces.—Maeve Richmond, founder of the organizational company Maeve's Method
3I "mop" with my feet. The motive: Cleaning floors and baseboards with a rag and the standard hands-and-knees method takes mettle. Legs are typically stronger than arms; the added force speeds the process.The method: Using a formula of equal parts water and white vinegar, spritz the bottoms of a pair of thick, absorbent socks, then put them on. Glide one foot across the baseboards. Spritz again, then skate around the floor to pick up dust, starting with the farthest corner and working toward the entryway. When you're finished, toss the socks in the washing machine. Need to save your socks for the gym? 4I use a polymer-based car wax to prevent toilet-bowl stains. The motive: Traditional formulas work for a bit, but this solution's polymers coat the surface for six months, keeping it slick so nothing sticks.The method: Clean the toilet to remove existing stains, then back the water out. This is easy: Shut off the water valve by turning it all the way to the right; flush the toilet, holding down the handle until most of the water flows from the tank;
and pour a bucket of water into the bowl. Dry the interior with a cotton cloth, and use a separate cloth to apply the protectant. Make sure to open a window for ventilation. Let sit for 10 minutes, then replenish the water by turning the valve left to open. For upkeep, every three months pour ½ cup distilled white vinegar into the bowl to prevent water rings from forming.—Mary Findley, cleaning expert and owner of Mary Moppins 5I tackle marks on upholstery with shaving cream. The motive: Sometimes you don't have the right stain solution on hand. Shaving cream, which is essentially a whipped soap, is an ideal substitute. Its lather can penetrate nearly any stain and lift it to the surface. (Test first in an inconspicuous place.)The method: Apply a small dollop to a damp cloth. (Use a standard white shaving cream, like Barbasol Original, rather than a gel version.) Dab this onto the spot and let sit for 30 minutes, then blot with a clean, damp cloth. If any stain remains, reapply and let sit overnight.—Cheryl Sousan, founder of the lifestyle blog tidymom.net
6My fix for stained food storage containers is the sun. The motive: Even if you put the containers in the dishwasher, you can never get them fully, good-as-new clean. The sun's rays are akin to a natural bleach, so they eliminate most stains.The method: After washing the containers in the sink with dish soap and warm water, place them on a clean tea towel in the sun. Let sit for eight hours. Rinse and let dry.—Donna Smallin Kuper, certified housecleaning technician and author of Clear the Clutter, Find Happiness 7I use newspaper to soak up garbage spills. The motive: A newspaper lining absorbs trash-bag leaks so you don't have to wash out the bin later.The method: Place yesterday's news at the bottom of your trash bin with a plastic bag underneath, to keep the paper from sticking to the can. Discard it all when you toss the trash.—Tara Aronson, lifestyle expert and author of Simplify Your Household 8I don't wash the blender—I just press a button. The motive: A blender's sharp blades and ridged interior can be tricky—and dangerous—to clean.