How To Keep Your Mattress Clean

Cleaning the mattress is probably one of the least things you enjoy doing. In fact, if it isnÆt stained, if there is no obvious dirt on it, or if it doesnÆt smell bad, you wouldnÆt even pay attention to it. The sad fact, however, is that a badly maintained mattress can invite mold and mildew and can eventually allow rot to settle in. It is also teeming with about two million little creatures that crawl here and there, which can potentially put your health at risk. Maintaining your mattress clean at all times does not only prolong its years, it can also provide you a well rested and healthy body.

It is said that 3,000 hours in a year are spent in bed. If that is so, would it be too much to spend a few hours to rigorously clean it? Cleaning, after all, is less laborious than buying and setting up a new mattress.

The good news is that there are quick and easy ways to clean the mattress. If, for instance, you spill something over the mattress, you only have to prepare a clean rag or towel and some cleaning solution. Just dab the spill area with the rag or towel. Avoid rubbing the area, as it may push the stain further down the mattress. If the spill has been absorbed, spray a solution of water and vinegar onto it. You can also use lemon juice or your ordinary soap in place of vinegar. Again, dab the area with a clean rag or towel, and then sprinkle baking soda to eliminate any foul smell. Let the baking soda sit for 8 to 10 minutes before vacuuming it off. You can also do this to remove stains.

Regular mattress cleaning and maintenance is also important, as a mattress of more than six months old can be a very ideal home to dust mites. These creatures feed on the dead skin cells and body moisture that are stuck in the mattress, and when provided with a very nourishing community, they multiply quite quickly. Their presence can trigger allergic reactions such as rhinitis and eczema. One good way of eliminating dust mites is to vacuum the mattress every six to eight weeks. You can also bring it outdoors and put it under the sunÆs heat. Some people, however, find it better to steam clean or scrub the entire mattress with a cleaning solution. These methods may take a long while, especially the drying part, but they guarantee a dander- and dust mite-free mattress.

However you choose to clean your mattress, remember to keep it completely dry before covering it with a sheet and putting it back together. A wet mattress invites mold and mildew and might rot your mattress. Consequently, this might altogether defeat the purpose of cleaning, which could have otherwise given your mattress extra 5 to 20 years.