How to Clean ANY Mattress

The Ultimate Guide

www.mybedframes.co.uk

You should give your mattress a deep clean about every 3 months.

Step One: VacuumVacuum your mattress on both sides to remove the build up of dust and dead skin cells

(This is particularly important if you suffer from allergies or skin conditions)

Step Two: Air

Allow your mattress to air outside in the sun (if that’s not possible, try a well-ventilated

sunny room).

The sun helps to kill bacteria and dry moisture build-up.

Step Three: Deodorise

It’s important to deodorise your mattress as smells can build up over time (due to sweat, moisture etc.).

1. Dust a light sprinkling of baking soda over the surface of the mattress

2. Leave for at least an hour, and then vacuum again thoroughly

3. The baking soda lifts any remaining dirt, and is a great natural deodoriser.

Removing Common Stains

Top Tip To help prevent mattress stains use a mattress

topper, which can be machine-washed and easily replaced in the event of a stain. You could also

consider a waterproof mattress.

Sweat

Did you know the average person sweats out around 1/2 pint of perspiration every

single night?

Over time this can leave your mattress feeling un-fresh, and may even leave some

unsightly stains…

Cleaning Sweat Stains1. Dampen the stain with water2. Sprinkle a small amount of borax onto the damp stain and rub

gently in a circular motion (you should notice the stain fading)3. Once the stain is covered and faded/removed, leave the Borax

to dry on the stain4. Vacuum the borax once dried5. Repeat if necessary

UrineThis stain is tough because the odour must be removed as well. Preventing the urine from soaking into the mattress is crucial.

Use paper towels to blot up as much of the excess liquid as possible.

Top Tip Prevention is easier than a cure. Use a mattress protector or a

waterproof mattress if you have young children.

Cleaning Urine Stains1. Dilute some vinegar in warm water

(typically half and half works fine)2. Spray the solution on affected area then

blot dry3. Sprinkle generous amounts of baking soda

and leave overnight (this will get rid of the smell)

4. Vacuum the baking soda the next day

Cleaning Pet UrineAn enzyme cleaner is recommended for removing pet urine stains. The enzymes break down uric acid into carbon dioxide and ammonia, both

gasses that then easily evaporate.

1. Blot up as much of the urine as you can before applying

2. Apply enzyme cleaner to affected area (following the labelled instructions)

3. Let the enzyme cleaner sit for between 10-15 minutes

4. Blot up as much of the cleaner as possible5. Leave to air dry

Blood

Blood stains can be one of the most challenging stains to get out of your mattress,

particularly if they are old and dried.

Old blood stains may require several applications before the stain is gone or at

least less noticeable.

Cleaning Blood Stains1. Mix 4oz of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of salt and 2oz of hydrogen peroxide to form a

paste2. Apply some of the paste to the stain3. Blood stains will foam up on contact with hydrogen peroxide. Blot at the blood that

comes up with the foam immediately to quickly remove a large amount of the stain4. Apply a generous layer of paste to the stain and leave until completely dry (this may

take a couple of hours)5. Once paste is dry, scrape off and vacuum the area thoroughly6. If stain persists, repeat process until the stain has been properly removed

NOTE: Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent. Use with care and be aware that you may change the colour of the fabric of the mattress.

Cleaning Your Memory Foam Mattress

You may think that your memory foam mattress will be a nightmare to clean, but it’s actually fairly easy. Most memory foam mattresses are

fitted with a removable cover which is machine washable.

Top Tip Before you attempt to tackle your memory foam stain, it may be a good idea to check the mattress

manufacturer’s warranty, as it may cover stain removal.

Cleaning Memory Foam

1. Remove the mattress cover and wash in the washing machine as directed

2. Vacuum the mattress. This will remove surface dirt and dust that has built up

3. Mix 4oz fabric softener with 300ml water and put in a spray bottle.

4. Stand the memory foam mattress on one end and spray the mixed solution on both sides of the mattress and leave for 30 minutes.

5. Rinse with clean water, using a detachable shower head/hose

6. Gently squeeze out excess water by pushing – DO NOT twist or wring the foam

7. Mix 60ml distilled white vinegar with 300ml water and spray both sides of the mattress (like you did in step 4)

8. Rinse again and press out excess (steps 5 and 6)9. Leave the mattress to dry completely. This can take a

couple of days. If you wish, you can aid the drying process by using a hair dryer (on its lowest heat setting) or an electric fan

Cleaning Memory Foam

Getting Rid of Mould & Mildew

Mould is a fungus that grows in warm and moist environments.

Mould and mildew can be hazardous to your health, causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

If your mattress gets wet and isn’t dried out properly it can

become a breeding ground for mould and mildew.

Getting Rid of Mildew

1. Vacuum both sides of the mattress (immediately clean/dispose of your dust catcher to avoid spreading mould spores)

2. Mix 300ml warm water with 300ml rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol3. Use a cloth to scrub the mildew stain – try to be as gentle as possible to avoid damaging the

fabric4. Allow the mattress to dry (outside in direct sunlight if possible) for at least several hours,

until completely dry5. Spray a disinfectant evenly over the entire mattress to kill any remaining spores (do not

saturate the mattress)6. Allow the mattress to dry completely

If your mattress still smells mouldy or the stains continue to grow after repeating this process a few times, throw it out.

If You Find Black Mould on Your Mattress…

Chuck it.

The mould will have penetrated the inside of the

mattress and that is impossible to clean.

Banishing Bed Bugs

Bed bugs may not be considered dangerous, but they’re certainly not a

welcome guest in any home.

Feeding on blood, bed bugs are attracted by your body heat and the carbon dioxide you expel, crawling out at night from the

cracks and crevices they live in.

You are advised to seek professional assistance from a reputable pest control company if you think you have bed bugs.

This is by far the most effective way of ensuring that the infestation is properly

irradiated.

This SlideShare guide was created from the original Mattress Cleaning Guide

featured on MyBedFrames:

http://www.mybedframes.co.uk/blog/2014/09/how-to-clean-any-mattress-the-ultimate-guide

Go to that address for even more mattress cleaning

home remedies!