Mattress Care: Cleaning A Mattress & Keeping It Clean

Accidents happen, which is why it is only a matter of time before a spill ends up happening on your mattress. We have created this guide to help your prevent stains and keep your mattress clean. Keep reading for preventative care a long with tips on how to clean and remove stains from your mattress.

Preventative Mattress Care:

Use a Mattress Protector

A mattress protector is our number one must have item for mattress care. If you are wanting your mattress to remain fresh, clean, and protected against spills and accidents. Then a mattress protector is a must. In fact, we highly recommend a mattress protector for everyone. Even if you are an adult who never eats, showers before bed, and is as clean as they come. You will still sweat and lose skin cells as you sleep. Your mattress can begin to collect dust and pollen simply from the air around it. A good mattress protector will keep everything out, keeping your mattress safe and clean underneath.

Not only will your mattress remain clean for longer, it will also increase the lifespan of your mattress by years. Without it collecting sweat, moisture, dust, and dander, your bed will take much longer to breakdown. Giving you a more comfortable supportive mattress for much longer.

Not sure what mattress protector you want? Check out our Mattress Protector Reviews

Change Your Sheets Regularly

Your sheets are your first layer of protection for your mattress. They soak up the majority of the sweat and spill heading toward your mattress. However, because your sheets are right up against you and your skin, they get pretty dirty rather quickly.

In order to keep your sheets affective at their job, you have to keep them clean. This requires either changing or washing your bedding on a regular basis. We often recommend every 1-2 weeks. This ensures your sheets are clean and absorbent. If they get too dirty or oily, it will begin to seep through to the other side. Which is yet another reason to use a mattress protector.

Get more of our tips for cleaning and changing your bedding in our post: Changing & Washing Your Sheets. 

Regular Mattress Maintenance:

Vacuum to Remove Dust

Every so often when you are giving your home a good clean, take your vacuum and clean off your mattress. Use a strong nozzle attachment and get as much dust and degree off as possible. If you do not use a mattress protector or you have pets that shed, you may want to do this as regularly as once of month if not more.

Flip and/or Rotate

In order to keep your mattress breaking in evenly. You want to make sure you are not simply breaking in one section of the bed. By periodically rotating or flipping the mattress, you are ensuring that this happens. Keep in mind that all mattresses are not meant to be flipped. If you are not sure whether or not your mattress is flippable, you can either contact us, or contact the manufacturer.

Learn more about the advantages of owning a flippable mattress here in our blog post Best Flippable Mattress: The Pros & Cons.

Steam Clean/Shampooing

There are some deep clean products meant to be used to give your mattress a real deep clean. Before using these kinds of products, we do recommend contacting the manufacturer for details on what should or should not be used on your specific mattress.

Although, there are many steam cleaning and shampooing products that can bring a little extra life into your mattress. However, if you are always using a mattress protector, then you should not need these products.

Sun Bathing

If you have ever spent some time in the Texas summer sun, like we have. Then you already know how intense it can be. Strong sunshine can actually kill a lot of bacteria and junk in a mattress.

The blazing sun and fresh air can be a great tool for simply giving your mattress a quick refresh. Although, keep in mind if you struggle with allergies, you won’t want to put your mattress outside to breath.

Struggle to keep your bedroom clean and tidy? Check out our post: How A Clean Bedroom Means Better Sleep

Mattress Stains, Spills, and Accident Removal Guide:

How To Spot Clean Your Mattress

• If the spot is still damp, absorb up as much as you can with a dry clean towel first. Use a dabbing motion.
• Create a solution of soapy water using clear detergent. Do not add bleach or ammonia, as these have the potential to damage materials in the top layers of a mattress.
• Lightly apply the soapy water to the spot. Be sure to not overly dampen the area as moisture can get stuck inside of the mattress, potentially causing mold.
• Gently begin to rub the stain in a circular motion. As the stain begins to dissipate, dry off with a towel.
• Repeat previous steps as needed. Allow mattress to dry fully before covering with bedding and continuing regular use.

Click the link to view our reviews for mattress protectors.

How do you get urine out of a mattress?

Remove Human Urine Stains:

1) If still wet, blot excess moisture with a dry towel.

2) Spray stained area with white vinegar. This will help combat and neutralize any odors.

3) Sprinkle baking soda over the stain and vinegar. Allow this to sit and soak up any extra moisture, as well as help neutralize odors.

4) Wipe up or vacuum away died baking soda. Repeat entire process as needed.

Remove Pet Urine Stains:

1) If area is still damp, blot up as much moisture as possible first.

2) Next, sprinkle area with baking soda and allow sit. This will draw up and collect the moisture, and neutralize odors. The baking soda may change in color as it absorbs the urine. Repeat until baking soda remains white and dry.

3) Create a solution using 8 oz of hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons of baking soda, and a few drops of clean (ammonia free) liquid detergent. Put the solution into a spray bottle and combine.

4) Spray the area completely until slightly damp, and allow to sit.

5) Once again cover in baking soda to soak up the extra solution.

6) When the baking soda has dried up again, wipe up or vacuum the area. Repeat process if needed.

How do you get blood out of a mattress?

Methods For Removing Blood Stains:

Cold Water & Blotting

This method works best on fresh stains that have yet to begin to dry out. First blot up as much of the blood as possible and then spray with cold water. (Warm or hot water can curdle blood and set the stain) You can also simply blot with a damp cold water cloth.

Cold Water & Baking Soda

If the stain has set and dried, try this method. Mix together a slurry made up of equal parts baking soda and water. Then gently spread the slurry over the stain. Allow to sit for 30 minutes and then gently wipe away excess and air dry. Repeat if needed.

Cornstarch, Salt & Hydrogen Peroxide

In a container mix together ½ cup cornstarch, ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide, and a single tablespoon of salt. Apply this mixture to the blood stain, and allow it to fully dry. Then wipe away with a clean cloth. This solution works by breaking down the proteins found in blood.

Meat Tenderizer

Create a paste of meat tenderizer and cold water. Then gently apply to the stain and allow to dry fully. Then wipe away with a clean cloth. The meat tenderizer helps to breakdown the proteins in the blood.

How do you clean vomit off of a mattress?

Cleaning Vomit Stains from Mattress:

This method with work with vomit from humans, dogs, and even for cat hairballs. It even works for any unfortunate poop or diarrhea accidents. However, do keep in mind that the best way to protect your mattress from these sorts of accidents is with a mattress protector.

• Remove Majority of the Vomit
• Put Bedding in to Washing Immediately
• Blot away extra moisture
• Spray with soapy water and agitate lightly
• Spray with a water and white vinegar mixture
• Dab with a drab cloth and repeat steps 4-6 as needed.
• Allow to fully air dry before continuing use.

Click the link to learn how sleep can help support a healthy immune system.

How do you clean red wine off of a mattress?

This method will also work well with coffee, tea, juice, and just about any other drink spill.

• Soak up extra moisture with a dry cloth
• Dampen with cold water
• Apply red wine stain removing product (If you have it, or else try next step.)
• Apply a solution of one part dish soap and two parts hydrogen peroxide
• Blot dry, allow to completely air dry before continuing use

Click the link for some of our favorite alcohol-free nightcap recipes.

 

Mattress Care: How to Clean a Mattress & Keep it Clean – Final Thoughts:

If there is anything you take away from this guide to general mattress care and keeping your mattress clean, we hope it is the preventative care. Using a mattress protector and washing your bedding regularly will truly prevent needing any of the other stain and spill removal techniques. All because even if you do what a stain, accident, or spill your mattress will be kept safe underneath and you will only need to worry about washing or replacing your bedding.

Have a question for us? Send us a message to us and we will help in any way we can.