How to clean a dirty mattress?

Categories: Advice

When you buy a new mattress, you obviously expect it to be clean and stain-free. However, over time, your mattress inevitably starts to get dirty. Blood stains, sweat stains, and even urine stains can leave an unwanted mark on your mattress, making it very difficult to clean. This is a very common case with baby or children's mattresses.

Fortunately, there are several methods to clean a dirty mattress and remove stains without damaging the fabric. Before you start cleaning your mattress, you need to understand that the cleaning process will depend on the type of stains or dirt that may be present. You'll need to choose the right product and method to remove these stains from your mattress.

How to clean your mattress?

It's important to know how to properly clean a dirty mattress so that your efforts aren't wasted and you can enjoy a clean, fresh mattress. Here are some tips to help you get back to a clean mattress:

1. Vacuum the mattress

The first step to clean a dirty mattress is to vacuum its cover. Use a special mattress brush and vacuum the entire surface of the mattress. This will remove dirt and surface stains.

2. Use white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide

If you have stubborn stains that resist dry cleaning attempts, you can try removing them with white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide diluted in hot water. Mix 3 parts hot water with one part white vinegar and one part hydrogen peroxide and apply the mixture to the stain. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth. Repeat the process until the stain completely disappears.

3. Use washing soda and baking soda

Washing soda and baking soda can be mixed to form a mixture capable of effectively cleaning stains on a mattress. To make this mixture, mix one part washing soda with two parts baking soda. Then, apply the mixture to the stain and let it sit for 5 minutes. Wipe the stain with a damp cloth and repeat the process until the stain is completely removed.

4. Use dish soap and water

Dish soap and hot water can be used to remove food and oil stains from a mattress. In a bowl, mix one part dish soap with 7 parts hot water. Apply the mixture to the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes. Once the time has elapsed, wipe with a damp cloth and repeat the process until the stain is completely removed.

How to remove a blood stain from your mattress?

To remove a blood stain from your mattress, the first thing to do is act quickly! Indeed, it's important to take care of it quickly so that the stain doesn't permanently set into your mattress. First, remove your sheets and dab the blood stain with a white cloth slightly dampened with cold water. This should be enough if the blood stain is fresh. Quick tip: do not rub as this risks spreading the stain even more.

For an older and/or more stubborn stain, and when the blood is dried, you can use a mixture of cold water and baking soda. Baking soda, an excellent household product, will tackle even the most delicate stains. To do this:

Mix 1 part baking soda with 2 parts cold water
Apply your mixture to the blood stain and let it work for at least 30 minutes
Gently rub with a clean white cloth
Rinse with cold water. If the blood stain is on the sheet, duvet or any other bedding item, then put it in the washing machine.
Avoid using hot water to remove blood stains. It cooks the blood, which makes the stain almost impossible to remove.

How to maintain a clean mattress?

Keeping your mattress clean is easy if you take some precautions. Here's how to keep your mattress clean and comfortable:

Use a waterproof mattress cover. You can find waterproof mattress covers online or in your local store. They are designed to extend the life of your mattress and protect it from dust and stains.
Flip your mattress regularly. Flipping your mattress once a month helps maintain it in good condition and extends its lifespan.
Use a vacuum cleaner. Using a vacuum regularly on your mattress will help eliminate dirt and dust that accumulate over time.
Wash your bedding regularly. It's recommended to wash your mattress sheets once every two months to ensure healthy and hygienic sleep. Use mild detergent and a low-temperature wash cycle to avoid damaging your mattress fabric.