Knowing how to clean your mattress properly can make your mattress last much longer than you think. Read on and follow our 7 step bed and mattress guide on how to clean your mattress for an easier night's sleep.
Why should you clean your mattress?
Your mattress is like a magnet that collects dirt and dust. Every night we emit between 2-10 dl of sweat as we sleep and this soaks into your mattress and bedding. In the course of a year that is quite some litres for your mattress to absorb, and it leaves its traces. The moisture can leave unsightly blotches, and attract mould and repulsive dust mites, which can give you allergies and impair your sleep.
7 Tips for Cleaning your Mattress
Cleaning a mattress may seem like a bit of an effort, but cleaning your mattress will prolong it's life and create a cleaner sleeping environment.
1. Air and turn your mattress
Fresh air is one of the best remedies for moisture and dust mites. You will get the best ventilation by airing every day: in the morning, the afternoon and just before bedtime. Every 2-3 months you can turn your mattress to reduce the capacity load on the places where your body is the heaviest. Turn the whole mattress upside down if possible.
2. Postpone making the bed
Do not worry about postponing making the bed, because it gives the mattress time to dry after any moisture that may have been emitted during the night. A bedspread decorates a bed and protects duvets and pillows against dust but, after you have got up you should wait a few hours before making the bed. This will avoid moisture remaining in your mattress.;
3. Use a vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner is effective when it comes to cleaning your mattress because it gets rid of dust mites. Make it a habit to vacuum your mattress on a weekly basis. Use a furniture nozzle as this will protect the fabric.
4. Protect your mattress with a mattress pad
A mattress topper protects your mattress against the worst stains and moisture. Sweat can break down the mattress’s padding, but a mattress pad can absorb sweat so that it does not penetrate the actual mattress. Some top mattresses have a washable cover, which therefore makes it easier to clean.
5. Special cleaning agents for removing mattress stains
Typical stains to clean off can be removed with the likes of vinegar, 10% citric acid or 10% oxalic acid. Pour 0.5 litres of hot water into a bucket and add either 0.5 litres of vinegar, a 10% solution of citric acid or 1dl of 10% oxalic acid. You should have good ventilation when you make the mixture, and the water should already be in the bucket when you mix in the acid.
Clean the mattress by dabbing any stains with a damp cloth or sponge, but make sure not to saturate the mattress. Leave it for about 10-15 minutes then wash off the acid solution with a cloth. Let it dry for about 6 hours or more if possible, and wait until it is completely dry before you put the sheet back on. Remember to use rubber gloves and please be aware that these cleaning remedies may whiten coloured textiles. Always follow the instructions on the respective bottles.
6. Disinfect the mattress with steam
A steam cleaner is effective for mattress cleaning. The steam is 100-110º hot and this will disinfect and kill bacteria. Steam can also remove unpleasant odours. Before you steam your mattress you must vacuum it and remove any stains. Follow the machine’s instructions carefully and be careful not to get burned by the steam. The mattress must be completely dry before you put the sheets back on.
7. Remove unpleasant odours
You can remove unpleasant odour with Rodalon. Mix the Rodalon with water in a 1:10 solution. Dab Rodalon on the stain with a cloth or brush and leave it for about 30 minutes, then rinse off with clean water. Let the treated area dry out thoroughly before you use your bed and always check the instructions on the bottle first. Sodium bicarbonate is also quite good at removing odours, just sprinkle it on the problem area and leave it for about 10 minutes, before vacuuming it off. This solution is more environmentally friendly. 
