Published on Oct 10, 2014 The average mattress can last between 5 – 10 years, depending on the type and quality of that mattress. As such, its important to keep your mattress as clean as possible. This guide will take you through those common and difficult stains and show you how to keep your mattress clean and in good condition. How to Clean ANY You should give your mattress a deep clean about every 3 months. Vacuum your mattress on both sides to remove the build up of dust and dead skin cells (This is particularly important if you suffer from allergies or skin conditions) Allow your mattress to air outside in the sun (if that’s not possible, try a well-ventilated The sun helps to kill bacteria and dry moisture build-up. It’s important to deodorise your mattress as smells can build up over time (due to sweat, moisture etc.). 1. Dust a light sprinkling of baking soda over the surface of the mattress
2. Leave for at least an hour, and then 3. The baking soda lifts any remaining dirt, and is a great natural deodoriser. To help prevent mattress stains use a mattress topper, which can be machine-washed and easily replaced in the event of a stain. consider a waterproof mattress. Did you know the average person sweats out around 1/2 pint of perspiration every Over time this can leave your mattress feeling un-fresh, and may even leave some 1. Dampen the stain with water 2. Sprinkle a small amount of borax onto the damp stain and rub gently in a circular motion (you should notice the stain fading) 3. Once the stain is covered and faded/removed, leave the Borax to dry on the stain 4. Vacuum the borax once dried 5. Repeat if necessary This stain is tough because the odour must be removed asPreventing the urine from soaking into the mattress is Use paper towels to blot up as much of the excess liquid as
Prevention is easier than a cure. Use a mattress protector or a waterproof mattress if you have young children. 1. Dilute some vinegar in warm water (typically half and half works fine) 2. Spray the solution on affected area then 3. Sprinkle generous amounts of baking soda and leave overnight (this will get rid of the 4. Vacuum the baking soda the next day An enzyme cleaner is recommended for removing pet urine stains. enzymes break down uric acid into carbon dioxide and ammonia, both gasses that then easily evaporate. 1. Blot up as much of the urine as you can before 2. Apply enzyme cleaner to affected area (following the labelled instructions) 3. Let the enzyme cleaner sit for between 10-15 4. Blot up as much of the cleaner as possible 5. Leave to air dry Blood stains can be one of the most challenging stains to get out of your mattress, particularly if they are old and dried. Old blood stains may require several
applications before the stain is gone or at 1. Mix 4oz of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of salt and 2oz of hydrogen peroxide to 2. Apply some of the paste to the stain 3. Blood stains will foam up on contact with hydrogen peroxide. Blot at the blood that comes up with the foam immediately to quickly remove a large amount of 4. Apply a generous layer of paste to the stain and leave until completely dry (this may take a couple of hours) 5. Once paste is dry, scrape off and vacuum the area thoroughly 6. If stain persists, repeat process until the stain has been properly removed NOTE: Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent. Use with care and be aware that you may change the colour of the fabric of the mattress. You may think that your memory foam mattress will be a nightmare to clean, but it’s actually fairly easy. Most memory foam mattresses are fitted with a removable cover which is machine washable. Before you attempt to tackle your memory foam
stain, it may be a good idea to check the mattress manufacturer’s warranty, as it may cover stain 1. Remove the mattress cover and wash in the washing machine as 2. Vacuum the mattress. This will remove surface dirt and dust that 3. Mix 4oz fabric softener with 300ml water and put in a spray 4. Stand the memory foam mattress on one end and spray the mixed solution on both sides of the mattress and leave for 30 minutes. 5. Rinse with clean water, using a detachable shower head/hose 6. Gently squeeze out excess water by pushing – DO NOT twist or wring the foam 7. Mix 60ml distilled white vinegar with 300ml water and spray both sides of the mattress (like you did in 8. Rinse again and press out excess (steps 5 and 6) 9. Leave the mattress to dry completely. This can take aIf you wish, you can aid the drying process by using a hair dryer (on its lowest heat setting) or an electric fan Mould is a fungus that grows in warm and
Mould and mildew can be hazardous to your health, causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems. If your mattress gets wet and isn’t dried out properly it can become a breeding ground for Getting Rid of Mildew 1. Vacuum both sides of the mattress (immediately clean/dispose of your dust catcher to avoid spreading mould spores) 2. Mix 300ml warm water with 300ml rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol 3. Use a cloth to scrub the mildew stain – try to be as gentle as possible to avoid 4. Allow the mattress to dry (outside in direct sunlight if possible) for at least several hours, until completely dry 5. Spray a disinfectant evenly over the entire mattress to kill any remaining spores (do not saturate the mattress) 6. Allow the mattress to dry completely If your mattress still smells mouldy or the stains continue to grow after repeating this process a few times, throw it out. If You Find Black Mould on Your