Follow Lynsey's step-by-step guide on the best way to clean a mattress for a refreshing night's sleep
Cleaning your mattress can often be seen as a big job, but it really isn’t. Plus, being able to relax on a fresh clean mattress will give you a far better night's sleep. Read on for the best way to clean a mattress without stress:
Cleaning your mattress can often be seen as a big job, but it really isn’t.
Start by stripping your bed and removing the mattress protector, then give it a good vacuum using the upholstery attachment. Ensure you go over the whole surface and pay attention to the seams as this is where hidden dirt and dust will settle.
A good quality mattress protector is the best protection against stains, but for any spot cleaning I prefer to make my own mattress stain cleaning solution, effective against stains such as blood, urine and sweat.
To make this you need hydrogen peroxide, washing up liquid and water. Fill a spray bottle with tap water until it’s 3/4 full, then add in 20ml of hydrogen peroxide and a squirt of washing up liquid. This home-made solution will keep well for 3 months.
Give it a good shake before using and then liberally spray any stains – although if you do have a memory foam mattress, then please be careful as it is not advisable to get these too wet.
You should start to notice stains lifting straight away but for older or stubborn stains leave on for approx. 15 minutes before using a damp microfibre cloth to gently rub away. I use white cloths as this way you can see any stains being lifted away.
Alternatively, you can use an upholstery cleaner:
Once you have spot cleaned you can go ahead and clean the whole mattress. If your mattress is not memory foam, you can use a carpet cleaning machine with the additional upholstery tool to penetrate deep into the mattress and pull out all the dust, dirt, and debris. Don’t have one? Check out our guide to the best carpet cleaners so you can buy in confidence. Alternatively, you can use a steam cleaner to give it a light steam.
If you don’t have a carpet cleaner machine or steamer, you can still refresh and banish odours using bicarbonate of soda. Fill a mug with bicarbonate of soda and then add 20 drops of essential oil – I always advise lavender, as it is calming and helps aid sleep. Give it a stir and then leave over night before using so the bicarb absorbs the oils.
Next lightly sprinkle all over the mattress and leave a good 3 to 4 hours. Vacuum off, and your mattress will be refreshed and smell amazing.
Once cleaned, ensure you leave the room well-ventilated to let the mattress air dry. Sunlight is a natural whitener and disinfectant, so if you can time your clean to coincide with natural light in your bedroom, all the better.