How to clean a mattress

Most of us spend a third of our lives sleeping, which means we spend about that much time on our mattresses. Next time you give your room a deep clean, spend some time cleaning your mattress too. In this blog post we break down the steps, explaining how to clean a mattress.

  • Step 1: Vacuum to get rid of dust and mites

You shed dead skin cells during the night, and dust mites feed on those cells. Not only is that disgusting but it also causes allergies. Use the upholstery tool on your mattress and vacuum firmly on a low setting. Remember that excessive vacuuming will damage the filling and fibres contained in the upholstery layers in the mattress,

  • Step 2: Get rid of stains

Beds and mattresses can easily become stained, especially if you have small children or if pets sleep on your bed. Use a good upholstery cleaner or a mild liquid detergent to remove any stains. It’s almost always recommended to use cold water for stain removal. Be careful not to use dry cleaning agents to clean your mattress because the chemicals could damage the mattress.

  • Step 3: Use baking soda

Sprinkle baking soda over your mattress, rubbing it in gently. Leave the baking soda on for around 15 minutes, then vacuum the entire bed again. Remember not to press too hard, in case you snag the fabric. This will help neutralise any odours.

  • Step 4: Give it some air

If possible, put your mattress outside to air it out. If it’s not possible to put it outside, leave it inside, uncovered for a few hours.

Protect your mattress

Now that we’ve explained how to clean a mattress, you will be relieved to know there is a way to keep your mattress cleaner, for longer. Keep your mattress clean and looking new with the help of a Sealy mattress protector. A mattress protector is like a waterproof fitted sheet and it protects against bed bugs, dirt and allergens. Browse our website to find out more about Sealy mattress protectors.

Mattress care: Sealy approved tips

Mattress care goes beyond asking yourself questions such as, “how to clean a mattress”. Below are a few Sealy-approved mattress care tips.

  • When moving your mattress, carry it flat or on its side. It’s easier to handle and you’ll be less likely to damage the mattress.
  • Replace the foundation when purchasing a new mattress. An old foundation may not provide sufficient support. It may appear that your new mattress is sagging when it is really the foundation, which supports the entire mattress.
  • Rotate your mattress to prolong it’s comfort and support life. Body indentations are a normal occurrence in new mattresses and indicate conformance of upholstery layers to your individual body contours.
  • Don’t use an electric blanket. It causes compressions or sagging and may affect the fillings and fibres of the upholstery layers.
  • Don’t stand or jump on your mattress. It wasn’t built for that kind of weight concentration or abuse.
  • Be careful not to bend your mattress as this may cause damage to the innerspring unit. Rather flex than bend the mattress when going through doorways and don’t bend the corners when putting on fitted sheets.
  • Keep the label on your mattress – it’s important for establishing your warranty period and rights.
  • Sealy mattresses are no-flip beds. To maintain them, all you need to do is rotate them. Follow the rotation guide in the Sealy Warranty you got with your bed.

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