We clean ourselves before we get into bed. We clean our sheets and whatever we wear when sleeping... so why wouldn't we give the same treatment to our mattress?
Whether you're looking to simply give your mattress a spring clean or there's a specific spill or stain you need to get rid of, take a look at our guide to how to clean a used bed mattress.
General spring cleaning
Because of how regularly and how long we lie on our mattresses, it's not surprising that they get dirty. Over time, it's not unusual for stains, sweat, general dirt, dead skin and even dust mites to build up, causing your mattress not only to get dirty but also potentially smelly. What's more, these issues can play havoc with allergies and can also affect your sleep quality as they get worse, which is why it's so important to keep your mattress clean.
Obviously, any spillages should be cleaned up immediately, but when it comes to thorough cleaning, many people recommend that mattresses should be given a good clean every six months. If you've invested good money in a quality mattress, like our custom and made-to-measure mattresses, you'll want to be sure that you're keeping them in great condition so that you continue to sleep soundly.
How to clean a used bed mattress every six months
When you're looking to work out how to clean a used bed mattress, the most important thing is to refer back to the care instructions that you were given when you bought the mattress. Different types of mattresses should be cleaned in different ways. Amongst the bespoke mattresses you'll find at Endurance Beds, for example, you'll find options with memory foam toppers, damask covers, anti-bug covers and more, and a choice of double-sided or single-sided options. There are choices to suit all needs, but there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to cleaning.
With many mattresses, you'll be able to start by using the upholstery tool that comes with your vacuum cleaner on the top and sides, followed by the crevice tool to get down the sides and between the quilting, if it has it.
If you have a suitable garment steamer, quick blasts over the surface can help to kill dust mites, and a good carpet and upholstery cleaner can help you to remove stains and smells - just be sure it's suitable for use on your mattress first.
Product: Chester Mattress
Tackling spills and stains
Whatever it is that's been spilt to create a stain on your mattress, the important thing is to clean up as much of the liquid as possible, as quickly as you can. Use a sponge or a cloth - not a paper towel - and dab, rather than scrubbing or wiping, to avoid spreading the stain further. Speed is especially important if you have a pillow top mattress; their extra absorbency means that any liquids can seep deeper into the mattress more quickly.
Once you've got rid of as much of the excess liquid as possible, give the area a quick going over with the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt or dust that could be in the way.
Depending on the care instructions that came with your mattress, you could try a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water (especially good for vomit and urine), sprayed on the stain and blotted with a clean cloth. Repeat until the stain disappears, then sprinkle it with baking soda to remove the smell, vacuuming it off an hour later.
For bloodstains, a little lemon juice or a few drops of laundry detergent and the same blotting method can work, but if you have stains that have been there for some time, you may find that the best way to remove them is to use a steam carpet cleaner with an upholstery attachment.
How to remove stubborn smells from your mattress
Sometimes it's not stains that are the issue but smells that can build up over time. Frequent airing can help to stop this from happening. Leave your mattress to air every time you strip the sheets rather than making the bed again straight away, and leave the window in your bedroom open while doing so if you can.
Others swear by sprinkling baking soda over their mattress, either by hand or using a sieve, and waiting for at least an hour for this natural deodoriser to work its magic before vacuuming it up with the upholstery attachment on their vacuum cleaner.
Some prefer to use essential oils, especially those with calming properties, like lavender or chamomile, to keep any smells at bay. Just check that they won't damage your mattress before using them.
If you have a mattress that can be turned, be sure to do it at regular intervals too, as this will help.
Don't forget your bed frame
It's not just your mattress that can collect dirt, dust, stains and smells; your bed frame also needs to be cared for in the same way, particularly the parts that can't easily be reached. When you're cleaning your mattress, it's a good idea to give your bed frame a good clean at the same time.
If you have a divan base, tackle it in the same way as you would your mattress. For metal or wooden frames, be sure to give the slats and frame a good wipe down to remove any dust, dirt and spills, ensuring that the frame is completely dry before you replace the mattress.
A bespoke mattress or bed frame can be a fantastic addition to your bedroom, giving you the level of comfort that's right for you, as well as the perfect fit with the rest of your bedroom decor. However, as with any mattress and bed frame, you must give them the care they need so that they can provide you with comfort for many years to come.
Find out more about our range of great bespoke mattresses today.
