Many people usually ignore their mattress, cleaning it mediocrely. But it's crucial to know how to care for it, as it helps improve sleep experience while lengthening its lifespan.
If you're not familiar with the ways on how to clean and maintain your mattress, then you’ll love this infographic. I'll show you an informative guide on mattress care!
Here’s my take on the mattress care insights from the infographic:
The Mattress' Lifespan
There is no exact lifespan for all types of mattresses, as it depends on its material and make.
Besides the material, your mattress' durability also depends on the way you clean and care for it. Usually, these can last for up to ten years or more, again depending on the material and cleaning.
How to Clean Your Mattress?
It's important to clean your mattress every few months. After all, you wouldn't want to sleep on a dirty mattress filled with pollutants and bacteria that cause allergies! Plus, if you ignore your mattress' needs, it damages easily, with you wasting money having to replace it too early.
That's why you need to clean your mattress every six months or yearly. This helps keep it free from bacteria, mold, and dirt from occurring. Here are the steps to follow to clean your bed:
Part 1: Strip Your Bed
1
Step 1 - Remove the Pillows and Decorations From Your Bed
Remove everything from the bed and mattress, from the pillows, its covers, and any decor.
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Step 2 - Strip the Linens
Strip the mattress off its covers and linens, removing everything and leaving the mattress bare.
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Step 3 - Wash These Separately
According to the care labels, wash your bedding, covers, and linens separately in the washing machine.
Part 2: Clean and Deodorize Your Mattress
1
Step 1 - Vacuum Your Mattress
Vacuum your whole mattress with the long upholstery nozzle to remove all dust and other debris.
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Step 2 - Address Fresh Spills
Address the fresh spills using a damp cloth with cold water. Don't rub but blot the spill until it disappears.
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Step 3 - Spot-Clean Stains
Spot clean stains using a mix of two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and a tablespoon of dish soap. Using an old toothbrush, scrub the suds from your mix on stains until gone.
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Step 4 - Cleaning Biological Stains
Clean any biological stains (blood, sweat, vomit, urine) with an enzyme cleaner and a clean cloth.
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Step 5 - Sprinkling Baking Soda
Deodorize your whole mattress by sprinkling baking powder, which also removes odor.
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Step 6 - Let It Absorb Odors
Allow the baking soda to absorb all odors for at least 30 minutes.
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Step 7 - Vacuum Again
Vacuum the mattress again to remove all baking soda, using the brush for the top and long nozzle to clean the cracks and corners.
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Step 8 - Air Out
Allow the mattress to air out to dry out any liquid trapped in the mattress. You can open a window to let in fresh air and sunlight.
Layla's Note
At ASleepyWolf, I have researched and built a guide from A to Z to care and maintain pillows. Please click here for details
Do's and Don'ts For Your Mattress to Last Longer
DO
Flip Your Mattress - At least once a year to even out its wear.
Use Sheets - Use bedsheets to further protect your mattress and add comfort.
Carry It With Care - If you need to move it, carry it carefully, avoiding bumps or bends.
Check-Ups Regularly - Check the mattress' legs and castors regularly to ensure that it's still in good condition.
Use a Mattress Topper or Protector - You can use toppers and protectors which improve the mattress' feel and protects it from dust and bacteria.
Understand the Warranty - Look into the warranty, reading the fine prints to know what you're eligible for in case of damage.
DON'T
Walk or Jump On It - Never walk or jump on your mattress, only using it for lying or sitting down.
Sit In the Same Spot - Don't sit in the same spot, which creates an indent and uneven wear.
Allow It To Get Wet - Avoid spills and wetting the mattress, as this can cause molds.
Smoke Or Place the Mattress Near Open Flames - Don't smoke in bed or place candles or open flame near it to avoid accidents.
Remove the Law Tag Label - Don't remove the mattress' rag or throw the receipt in case of warranty issues.
Bend It - NEVER bend your mattress from side-to-side, only from head-to-foot if needed.
Trade Your Mattress When It's Time
With all these being said, your mattress still wears out even after the best care you give it and requires changing. Once you start to see evident wears or feel uncomfortable when sleeping, it's time for a replacement.
What to Consider Before Buying a Mattress?
At ASlepyWolf.com, we're always researching to find the best products and methods, helping people have better sleep and health. So if you're wondering how to select your own mattress, here are helpful factors we look into:
Materials
There are various materials to choose from, like memory foam, latex, innerspring, and more!
Sleeping Position
How do you sleep, on your stomach, back, or side? This is how you can choose the mattress' firmness levels!
Personal Needs
Consider any specific needs you need to look into, such as hot flashes or night sweats, pain, or certain illnesses.
Budget
Avoid overspending or scrimping on a cheap mattress. Figure out how much you can afford before looking into the other features.
Now It’s Your Turn
I hope you use these mattress care tips as a starting point to keep your mattress enjoyable to sleep on. So don't wait any longer and start cleaning your mattress properly today!
If you have any questions or want to share your own advice on mattress care, then comment below. Your thoughts are much appreciated.