Clean your mattress for a good night’s sleep

It’s a no-brainer that the surface which we sleep every night will accumulate its fair share of grime. And while the idea of just how dirty a mattress can get could very well keep you up at night, it’s certainly an investment worth looking after. So here are a few tips to help you keep it in tip-top shape.

Drag out the Dyson

Dust mites live off dead skin cells and love humid environments, so vacuuming or steam-cleaning your mattress can help remove/kill the majority of mites and their allergens. However, check with your mattress manufacturer first, as steam could damage the filling and/or springs.

Pay special attention to the sides and seams, and break out the crevice attachment to get any hidden dirt or dust.

Helpful hint: Treat your linens and mattress covers to an extra-long wash in hot water to help further eliminate dust mites. Always double-check the care label to see if your pillows are machine-washable.

Let it breathe

Allowing your mattress to breathe every day will prevent odours from penetrating the surface. Make airing your mattress a daily routine. In the morning, pull off the covers and let the mattress (and sheets) breathe for about 20 minutes before making it.

Helpful hint: Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the mattress and leave for for a few hours, then vacuum thoroughly before making the bed.

Go natural

Baking soda and vodka are great natural options for keeping your mattress fresh and odour-free.

Use vodka neat on stains or mix it with water in a spray bottle and sprits your mattress to remove odours. Allow the mattress to air-dry completely before you make the bed again.

You can also try:

• Treat light stains with a combination of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Mix them into a spray bottle and treat the stained area. Blot and/or rub with a clean rag. Test clean a small area first to avoid over-lightening, especially on coloured mattresses.
• Use non-toxic, natural enzyme cleaners (such as Simple Solution) that chemically break down stains and odours.
• Making a paste of lemon juice and salt and apply the mixture to the stain and allow to stand for 30–60 minutes. Wipe off the salt with a clean towel.

Be vigilant

Take care of mattress stains as soon as they happen. Soak up the spill with a dry absorbent cloth, then dab it away with cold water and a sponge. Don’t use hot water, as thi will only set the stain. Older or hard-to-clean spots will require a professional/extra-strength stain remover. Spot-cleaning a mattress will depend on the type and makeup of the stain.

Helpful hint: For coil-spring mattresses, use upholstery cleaner or an enzyme-based cleaner. Another way to gently clean a mattress is by mixing dish soap with water and applying just the resulting foam to the stain. Foam mattresses require an enzyme-based or the aforementioned foam method. Apply the cleaner to the stained area only

Keep it covered

After your mattress has been properly cleaned and dried, cover it with a mattress protector.  Opt for a design with quilting and extra padding for comfort, or wicking and waterproof top layers for practicality.  Keep an eye out for a machine-washable design, which you can toss in along with your bed linens.

Know when to fold’em

A decent mattress should last between 8 to 10 years, so it’s important to invest wisely. But even if your old mattress still feels comfortable and supportive, it still would have softened over time. It’s also recommended to replace a mattress for hygienic reasons.

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