How Often Should You Clean Mattresses?

A quality mattress should last for many years in your home.

A mattress is an expensive yet vital accessory for your home. A comfortable, clean mattress ensures that you receive enough sleep to perform well throughout the day. Keep your mattress clean for aesthetic and sanitary reasons. Treating stains quickly and regular maintenance ensures that the mattress looks new and helps you get a restful night's sleep.

Vacuuming

Vacuuming your mattress with the attachments on your vacuum cleaner keeps it free of dust mites, which is especially important if someone in your home is allergic to dust. Invest in a vacuum with a HEPA filter for the best results, and vacuum for at least 20 minutes for thorough removal of dust mites. Vacuum once a week if allergy problems are present.

Cleaning Solution

Tackle stains as quickly as possible for the best chance of removing them. Use a soapy solution of a mild detergent and cold water. Avoid saturating the mattress as it will take hours to dry efficiently so that you can make the bed. Never use dry cleaning fluids to remove stains unless the manufacturer label suggests it. The fluids can damage the underlying materials or top fabric.

Protecting Your Mattress

Buying a quality mattress pad is one of the best ways to protect the surface of your mattress. They often come with a warranty. The pad is also machine washable and more likely to release stains since you can use warm or hot water temperatures if necessary and the appropriate stain removers. Always use cool water on blood stains for the best results. Water-resistant mattress pads are handy if you have young children or toddlers who are potty training.

Rotating Your Mattress

Rotating your mattress on a regular basis ensures its comfort. Regular use leaves body imprints, and over time this can make it uncomfortable. Typically, rotating the mattress twice a year is sufficient to prevent body impressions. Flip the mattress over, and put the end that was at the head of the bed facing the foot of the bed.

References

• The Better Sleep Council: Mattress Care; 2009
• Back to Bed: Mattress Care
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Managing House Dust Mites; Barb Ogg, PhD.

Resources

• Mrs. Clean Housecleaning Specialists: How to Remove Blood Stains