A third of our lives are spent in bed, meaning after a year your mattress is ready and waiting to be freed from dead skin, dust, dirt, accident stains, and more. Mattresses are usually not cleaned often, but it’s a task that should be done regularly. Most types of mattresses aren’t supposed to get wet, it increases the chances of mould and mildew growing inside. Cleaning your mattress doesn’t have to be the worst chore, read on if you want to know how to clean a mattress with baking soda in 9 simple steps.
1. You Will Need
- Baking soda
- A spray bottle
- Vacuum
- Microfiber cloths
- Laundry detergent
- Hydrogen peroxide
Once you have gathered all your supplies, you can start with cleaning your mattress.
2. Remove Bedding
Remove sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and teddy bears, leaving the mattress bare. You can put these items into the washing machine while you are cleaning your mattress. Bedding needs regular washing, once a week is enough. Remember to check the label before putting all your bedding in the washing machine.
3. Deodorise With Baking Soda
Once your bedding is in the laundry, you can then deodorise your mattress. Bicarbonate of soda or baking soda is a natural deodoriser, it effectively removes odours and absorbs excess moisture. Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda to cover your whole mattress, then go further by rubbing the baking soda into the mattress for it to bond. You should leave your mattress to sit for half an hour or longer with the baking soda, depending on how much smell comes from your mattress.
4. Vacuum Your Mattress
A mattress builds up allergens, like dust, dust mites, pet dander, skin cells, and other sorts of dirt. You can remove these from your mattress best with a vacuum that has an upholstery attachment. Vacuum over the entire mattress and pay attention to the sides, seams and crevices. Vacuuming your mattress will get rid of dirt, debris, and the remaining baking soda from the mattress.
5. Spot Clean Stains
You need to use a stain remover specific for the sorts of stains that are on the mattress. However, sweat, urine, blood and most stains will need an enzyme-based cleaner. If you do not have a stain remover or enzyme cleaner, you can make your own DIY cleaning solution. Combine two large drops of laundry detergent, four tablespoons of baking soda, and 16 ounces of 3% hydrogen peroxide, in a spray bottle. You may want to add a few drops of essential lavender oil or any essential oil of your choice if you want your mattress to have a more refreshing scent.
With your cleaning solution in a spray bottle, you can begin spraying at the stains and then rubbing the liquid into the mattress lightly. For tougher stains, spray, then scrub lightly with a soft bristle brush. Wait for a few minutes before dabbing with a clean microfiber cloth. Dabbing will help to remove the cleaning product residue.
6. Cover With Baking Soda (Again)
After working on stains, you can sprinkle the mattress with baking soda again. The baking soda will absorb the cleaning solution, and any leftover moisture or odours that were not absorbed the first time. Cover your mattress with baking soda and leave it to sit for at least two hours. For extra freshness, add drops of essential oil to your mattress before the baking soda, this will also provide a clean scent.
7. Vacuum Again
Vacuum up the baking soda thoroughly with an upholstery attachment, this will remove the last bits of dust, dirt, baking soda and cleaning solution. Leave the side you’ve cleaned to dry.
8. Flip Your Mattress
As soon as your mattress feels dry, you can then carefully flip your mattress over to the other side. Repeat steps 1 to 7.
Once you’re done cleaning and vacuuming both sides of your mattress, leave the other side to dry with the rest of the mattress. It’s a good idea to keep the windows and door open when the mattress is drying, or to turn on a fan in the direction of your mattress. If possible move your mattress to somewhere suitable outside in the sun to dry, it will significantly speed up the time; if your mattress is under the sun then you are assured that it will be completely clean, refreshed and almost like new.
Once the whole mattress is dry, you can end by putting on clean sheets, pillowcases, and duvet.
Now that you’re clued up on how to clean a mattress, cleaning your mattress will be a breeze. You will notice how your bed is more comfortable than it was before the mattress was cleaned, and you can have peace of mind that your mattress is no longer home to dust mites.
