Mattresses are one of the pieces of furniture we use most in our daily lives, as we rest on them for between six and eight hours a day, and during this time sweat, dust mites, dust and dead skin cells accumulate, which are not always visible to the naked eye.
Therefore, knowing how to clean a mattress and how often to do so is very important in order to keep it in the best hygienic condition and prolong its useful life.
In this post, we will tell you how to clean your mattress at home step by step, explaining which products you can use and which are most suitable depending on the type of stain.
Before we look at how to clean a mattress, here are some tips you can use every day to keep it in good condition and reduce the need for cleaning:
Here’s how to clean your mattresses at home and leave them looking like new by following a few simple steps:
Now that you know how to wash a mattress, let’s see which products are best to use in each case and what the advantages of each are.
Bicarbonate of soda is one of the best home remedies for cleaning your mattress, as it acts as a natural deodoriser and helps to absorb surface moisture and accumulated odours.
To clean mattresses with bicarbonate of soda, simply sprinkle a thin layer over the entire surface, leave it to work for several hours and then vacuum carefully. It can also be useful for removing certain stains, such as urine, especially when combined with other products.
White vinegar has mild disinfectant properties and also helps to eliminate persistent odours. Diluted in water and applied with a spray bottle, it can help sanitise the surface without the need for stronger chemicals.
However, it is important not to soak the mattress and to let it dry completely afterwards, so that the odour disappears as it evaporates. Cleaning a mattress with bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar is also a good alternative for removing urine stains and disinfecting the mattress.
Ammonia is a more aggressive product that should only be used on very difficult and stubborn stains. It should always be diluted and used in controlled quantities, wearing gloves and applying it to the area with a cloth, never directly.
The room must also be well ventilated during use. It is not a suitable product for regular cleaning, but it can be useful for specific stains and deep disinfection of the mattress.
Another product that can be useful for removing stains from the mattress is hydrogen peroxide, which is particularly effective on blood stains. Applied in small amounts to the affected area, it generates an effervescent reaction that helps break down the residue.
Then, remove it with a clean, damp cloth, taking care not to make the fabric too wet. It can have a slight bleaching effect, so it is advisable to test it first on an inconspicuous area.
It is also important to know how to clean a stained mattress depending on the type of stain in question. Let’s take a closer look.
If you are wondering how to clean urine from a mattress, the most effective method is to use white vinegar. To do this, mix three parts water with one part vinegar and apply it to the stain with a cloth or sponge, leaving it to dry for several hours.
If the stain is already dry and does not come out easily with vinegar, try sprinkling a little bicarbonate of soda on it and covering it with cling film; wait several hours and vacuum up the remains of the product.
In the case of blood stains, we have already mentioned that they respond well to hydrogen peroxide, but you must clean them as soon as possible to prevent them from penetrating the fabric and becoming more difficult to remove. Simply apply a few drops of hydrogen peroxide, leave it to work for a few minutes and remove with a damp cloth, testing first on an inconspicuous area in case the mattress bleaches slightly.
If you see the stain after it has been there for a while, one solution is to mix bicarbonate of soda with a little cold water and apply it with a cloth, leaving it to work for about half an hour before removing it.
When there are children in the house, it is also common for the mattress to get stained with vomit on occasion. To clean it properly, you can use a solution of warm water with neutral detergent, which you should apply with a damp cloth.
Then, disinfect with white vinegar diluted in water, leave it to work for a few minutes and, finally, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on the stain. After a while, vacuum to remove any residue and you’re done.
If your mattress has damp patches or mould, the first thing to do is to air it thoroughly to help it dry out properly. Next, mix white vinegar and water and spray it onto the affected area, rubbing gently with a soft bristle brush and removing it with a damp cloth after a few minutes.
Vinegar helps to eliminate mould spores and reduces their proliferation, although you can also use specific antifungal products for mattresses or upholstery.
We leave one of the most common stains on mattresses for last: sweat stains. To remove them, a good option is to sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on the affected areas and leave it to work for several hours to absorb moisture and neutralise odours. If the smell persists, combine the bicarbonate of soda with a few gentle sprays of diluted white vinegar and repeat the process.
You can also use ammonia diluted in soapy water, which is quite effective but should be used with caution, wearing gloves and ventilating the room well.
As a general rule, it is recommended that mattresses be cleaned twice a year, every six months, coinciding with the change of season. However, in very humid or very warm homes, or if you have allergies, it is advisable to reduce this interval to every three or four months.
This deep cleaning removes dust mites, dirt, dead skin cells and possible bacteria before they accumulate. However, if you notice a stain on your mattress, it is best to clean it as soon as possible to prevent it from penetrating the fabric.
It is also advisable to carry out light monthly maintenance, such as vacuuming the surface and checking for any stains. This will help you keep your mattress in the best condition and extend its useful life.
