How do I clean my memory foam mattress?
Taking good care of your memory foam mattress can extend its life and improve the quality of sleep you get. If you are wondering, ‘how do I clean my memory foam mattress?’, the go-to advice is to check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. If there are no instructions or the steps provided do not cover the mess you are trying to get rid of, follow the tips below.
1. Start with prevention
The first step to keeping your memory foam mattress clean is to take preventive measures. If you don’t want to clean your mattress often, invest in a memory foam mattress protector. A good mattress protector is soundproof, comfortable, and, above all, waterproof to keep spills from leaching into the memory foam.
Despite your best efforts, there are a lot of ways spills and nasty stains can end up on your mattress. Kids might pull off the bedding as they play around in their muddy shoes, your furry friend might be going to the toilet in your bedroom, or your breakfast-in-bed weekend could leave coffee spills and bread crumbs on your mattress. You have many options to get rid of dirt, spills, and stains, depending on the type of mess you are dealing with.
2. Remove dirt, dust, hair, and dead cells with a vacuum
Your memory foam mattress is probably the dirtiest thing in your bedroom. A quick spot check will likely reveal dirt, dead skin, and human and pet hair resting on its surface. Look in the crevices and you will find the dust and debris that can induce or exacerbate allergies.
The easiest way to clean your memory foam mattress is to use a handheld vacuum cleaner. A small device is preferred because it won’t tug on your mattress and cause it to rip. Your vacuum cleaner’s upholstery tool will also do. Sweep over the surface and sides of the mattress, and make sure to get in the nooks and crannies to pick up all the debris that might have settled there. Flip the mattress and vacuum the underside as well.
3. Attack stains while they are still fresh
If you spill a drink on your memory foam mattress, you need to tackle the stain before it has a chance to set in. Use paper towels or a clean, absorbent cloth to soak up as much moisture as possible. A dabbing motion is preferable to a circular motion as the latter will spread the stain and rub it deeper into the mattress.
Next, spray a mild fabric cleaner over the affected area and use a damp rug to scrub off the stain gently. Use the minimum amount of cleaning solution you need because memory foam sucks up fluids and can take a long time to dry. After removing the stain, use more paper towels to remove the cleaner, then set your mattress to dry.
Product: Memory Deluxe Mattress
4. Use a vinegar solution to get rid of deep stains
Tougher stains caused by sweat, urine, or blood will need more than a mild cleaning solution. Enzyme cleaners do an excellent job of breaking down these stains and getting rid of the odour. If you can’t get an enzyme cleaner or are worried it might damage the foam, spray the stain with a mixture of one-part white vinegar and three-parts water, let sit for ten minutes, then blot dry. Hydrogen peroxide also works wonders when treating deep stains, but note that it can discolour or damage the fabric on your foam mattress and consequently void your warranty.
Alternatively, use a steam cleaner to treat those stubborn stains on your memory foam mattress. Steaming also kills dust mites and odour-causing bacteria and helps keep the memory foam elastic and smelling fresh. To get started, place the nozzle of your steam mop a few inches above the mattress and use circular motions to steam the stained spot. Make sure not to saturate one spot with steam as moisture will accumulate in the mattress and cause mould. When you are done, wipe the mattress with a dry towel and leave it to air out.
5. Neutralize odours with baking soda
If you have removed the stain but your memory foam mattress still has a nasty smell, cover the spot with a generous amount of baking soda and leave it there for eight to ten hours. Baking soda absorbs the moisture in the foam and neutralises odours, leaving your mattress feeling dry and fresh. After letting the baking soda sit for several hours, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda and spot clean your mattress with warm soapy water and a sponge.
6. Pick a sunny spot to air dry your mattress
If you are going to clean your memory foam mattress, it is best to do so in the morning to give it time to dry before bedtime. Position it on a sunny spot outside so it can dry faster. Direct sunlight also neutralizes odour.
If indoors is the only space you have to dry your memory foam mattress, place it by an open window and leave it there for the rest of the day. You can use a hairdryer set on medium heat to get faster results. Make sure to move the dryer around the wet spot as lingering too long on one area can damage the materials in the memory foam.
How do I clean my memory foam mattress?
Ultimately, how you clean your memory foam mattress depends on the type of dirt or stain you are dealing with. Vacuum cleaning your mattress every other month removes the dust, dirt, and other debris that floats in your bedroom and accumulates on your mattress. Attacking fresh stains with a mild fabric cleaner usually does the job, and stains that have set in can be neutralized with a vinegar solution or a steam cleaner. If your memory foam mattress is too stained and none of these methods work, consider replacing it with one of the bespoke mattresses on sale at Endurance Beds.
