We all know we’re supposed to air and clean our mattresses. Yet few of us do it regularly.
But how often should you clean your mattress for it to stay fresh, fragrant and hygienically clean?
Why it’s a good idea to deep-clean a mattress
Most of us spend six to eight hours in bed each day. During that time, we shed hair and skin into the mattress. We also release sweat, oils and bodily fluids.
A mattress that’s soiled is a fertile breeding ground for unhealthy bacteria, pathogens and allergens.
How often should you have a mattress professionally cleaned?
Flipping a mattress every two to three months doesn’t tackle embedded dirt or those nasty bugs that live deep within the mattress. Nor does a surface vacuum.
It’s best practice – and the healthy option – to have a mattress professionally cleaned at least once a year.
How to clean a mattress at home
In between professional cleans, you should clean your mattress using a vacuum cleaner and household detergents to remove dust, dirt, mites and human detritus.
Removing soils, stains and odours
Soils, stains and odours are best tackled with a carpet or upholstery cleaner. Spray it onto the stain or work it into the soiled area with a damp cloth.
Once you’ve rinsed the material and dabbed it to remove any residue, spray the area with a solution of water and lavender, peppermint or eucalyptus oil. These natural disinfectants help prevent the spread of bacteria. They also smell fragrant.
Tackling mattress discolouration
Discolouration caused by sweat and fluids can be whitened using a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide, warm water and a squirt of dishwashing liquid.
For the best results, leave the mixture on the stain for at least 30 minutes before rinsing the area thoroughly with clean water.
Air drying and freshening up
Air drying the mattress is a critical part of the cleaning process. Stand the mattress on its side in direct sunlight near an open door or window.
If it can’t be air dried, use a standing fan to do the job. Ensure the mattress is completely dry before putting it back on the bed base.
Finally, lightly sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the mattress surface.
Factors that affect how often you should clean a mattress
Allergy sufferers, animal lovers and families with small children should clean their mattresses more than once a year. Pollen, dust mites, fungal spores, dander and pet hair can cause asthma, eczema, headaches and sniffles.
In this case, you should have your mattresses professionally cleaned twice a year. Home-based turning, cleaning and airing should be done every two to three months.
Professional mattress cleaning by Chelsea Cleaning
Now you know how often you should clean your mattress, we can make it easier for you. The mattress-cleaning process at Chelsea Cleaning is designed to remove surface dirt, stains and discolouration. It also extracts trapped mould, mites, dust and detritus.
It’s the most comprehensive and cost-effective method of keeping your family’s mattresses in tip-top condition.
