How to clean a mattress: the best tips to remove odors and stains

A good night’s sleep depends on many factors: silence, temperature, your level of relaxation, among other factors. An important factor that also directly influences the quality of your sleep is where you sleep, not only because of the texture of the sheet and the softness of the pillow, but also the hygiene of your bed.

Usually, there is a greater concern with pillows, sheets and blankets, as they are the most contact pieces during the night. However, the mattress is an important piece for a long and peaceful night and the concern with it is fundamental.

Mattresses are responsible for accommodating our entire body and, therefore, must be chosen according to factors such as body structure and weight. In addition, to ensure the quality of sleep, the piece must always be clean and airy.

According to Personal Organizer Adriani Gonçalves, in addition to increasing durability, cleaning is important because mattresses are subject to fluids, dust, perspiration, which can cause skin or respiratory allergies. Does cleaning mattress seem like a difficult idea? Follow the tips below and ensure great nights sleep.

How to clean mattress step by step

Mattress cleaning is important for anyone, however, for allergy sufferers it must be even more intense and careful. “The vacuum should be used two or three times a week, as it eliminates dust and mites”, indicates the professional for those who suffer from respiratory problems.

Here’s how to do the weekly upholstery cleaning procedure:

1. Start by removing the quilt and bedding. To ensure total cleaning, take the opportunity to wash the pieces and dry them in a well-ventilated place, preferably in the sun.
2. For the mattress, the tip is to invest in a good vacuum cleaner. The device is great for eliminating the dust accumulated even in the corners that the cloths and dusters do not reach accurately. Vacuum the entire mattress, especially the corners and seams. In the case of a mattress with buds, vacuum each seam.
3. After removing the impurities, it’s time to apply a product to ensure cleaning and get rid of mites. The ideal is to use a specific product for upholstery, as they are made for surfaces in contact with the skin and do not cause damage to it. For stains, the tip is to bet on products based on enzymes, which ‘break’ the stain’s structure, as if they melted.

The choice of product to use also depends on the type of stain and dirt on the mattress. Learn how to deal with each type below.

Removing Stains and Odors: Easy-to-follow ideas

Bloodstain

Blood is a very difficult type of stain to completely eliminate. However, a mixture made with one part baking soda and two parts cold water is a good option to reduce it considerably. Apply on the stain and let it act for 30 minutes. Remove excess baking soda with a wet cloth and press down on a dry towel to remove moisture.

Another option is hydrogen peroxide 10 volumes. Apply to the stained area and let it bubble. Remove the excess with a clean, clear cloth.

Kitchen detergent is also a good ally. Mix a spoonful of the product in two cups of water and apply to the area, rubbing with an unused toothbrush.

If the stain persists, try a meat tenderizer. The specialist guarantees that he is able to break down the proteins present in the blood. Put 1 tablespoon of meat tenderizer in two teaspoons of cold water, make a paste and put it on the spot, let it act for 1 hour, then absorb it with a damp cloth in cold water and dry.

Wine stain or colored drinks

Alcohol is a good ally for these situations. It makes the stain disappear. Rub a cloth soaked in the product mixed with water, in equal parts, on the stained area. Another solution is to invest in citrus products or vinegar, following the same procedure.

Unidentified spots

Some spots appear without knowing where they came from. In these cases, the professional suggests spraying a part of detergent or vinegar with two parts of cold water, letting it act for 10 minutes and then drying.

Another problem that prevents peaceful nights is the occurrence of bad smell, especially when it comes to cigarettes and urine. In addition to washing sheets and blankets, luckily there are techniques to prevent odors from penetrating the mattress. See below.

cigarette odor

For smokers, it is essential that bed linen be washed periodically. This helps not to accumulate odor in the garment and prevents the smell from penetrating the mattress. If the smell is already on the mattress, Adriani recommends mixing 1 tablespoon of liquid detergent and two cups of cold water, applying it all over the mattress until it is completely absorbed, then drying. “Instead of detergent, you can use alcohol vinegar, great for removing odors”, he adds.

urine odor

For those who have children at home, a frequent problem is urine on the mattresses. As soon as you notice it, absorb the liquid with a dry cloth. Then, it is worth pouring a quantity of bicarbonate of soda and let it act overnight, vacuuming in the morning.

Another option, according to the personal organizer, is to spray a mixture of equal measures of vinegar and hot water. To ensure full effectiveness, the suggestion is to use both techniques.

6 important tips you should consider

In addition, there are quick tips that, according to the expert, help keep your mattress clean and airy for longer. See below:

1. Turn the mattress periodically. This allows both sides to be ventilated evenly;
2. Whenever possible, open the window and let the sun hit the mattress;
3. Always use a mattress cover. Today, there are even anti-allergic ones. Adriani suggests that it be washed every 15 days;
4. Allow the mattress to get sun at least once a week;
5. In case of stain, clean immediately after occurrence;
6. Do not soak your mattress when cleaning or leave it too damp. Thus, you avoid the creation of fungi.

Follow the tips, keep your mattress up to date with cleaning and take care of your health and well being. Long live your mattress and your nights sleep!