Over time, mattresses accumulate dirt from skin flakes, sweat, and dust. If not cleaned regularly, the built-up grime can directly impact your health. Aside from periodic mattress washing, you can apply the following cleaning tips to remove stains without needing to wash the entire mattress. (Image: ABLW)
Use baking soda to absorb moisture. For a damp mattress, start by vacuuming to remove any debris, then sprinkle baking soda over the surface. After two hours, vacuum the mattress again to remove the baking soda. This process helps to eliminate moisture and effectively clean and deodorize the mattress.
Note: If the mattress is extremely damp and has noticeable stains, use a cloth soaked in soda water to scrub the area. Vacuum multiple times to ensure all baking soda and dirt are removed.
Use a vacuum cleaner. For light soiling, many families use a waterproof mattress protector under the bedsheet. In this case, the mattress may not have significant dirt but may be damp. Instead of washing the entire mattress, use a vacuum cleaner and a damp cloth to clean the surface. Finally, use a dryer or sun-dry the mattress before reuse.
When vacuuming, focus on the areas where you usually lie down and the small crevices, as these are the dirtiest spots.
Use a dust-beating stick. This is the simplest way to clean a mattress. Prepare a handy stick, prop the mattress up, and beat it from top to bottom. Then, use a vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining dirt.
Use white vinegar to clean urine stains. If there’s urine on the mattress, spray white vinegar onto the affected area and let it sit for an hour. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe away the vinegar (avoid rubbing to prevent spreading the stain). If the urine leaves a yellow stain, use a toothbrush to scrub the stubborn stain, then air-dry the mattress or use a hairdryer.
Use hydrogen peroxide to remove bloodstains. For dried blood, spray 3% hydrogen peroxide onto the stain. Once the peroxide starts to bubble, rinse with cold water and wipe dry with a cloth.
For fresh bloodstains, soak the area in cold water for about 10 minutes, then use a cloth soaked in soap to clean it. After removing the blood, use another damp cloth to wipe away soap residue, and dry the mattress.
Use alcohol to remove beverage stains. Ethanol in alcohol can effectively remove stains from Coca-Cola and fruit juices. To prevent the alcohol from spreading over a large area, use a cloth soaked in alcohol to wipe these stains instead of pouring alcohol directly onto them.
In addition to cleaning, follow these tips to prolong the life of your mattress: First, keep the mattress dry. Second, always remove the protective plastic layer before use, as a sealed mattress can develop mold and bacteria. Moreover, this plastic layer is not breathable and can affect your respiratory health.
Third, regularly flip and rotate the mattress. Doing so every month helps distribute weight evenly and prolongs its lifespan. Fourth, maintain your mattress by regularly changing the bedsheets and blankets. Finally, pay attention to the four corners of the mattress, as they are prone to sinking. Sitting or lying on these corners can affect the mattress’s springiness.