How to deep clean your mattress
To have a good rest, you need a good mattress. But you also need a pillow that adapts to your sleeping posture, breathable bedding and a good bed base or frame. We're often aware of these things, but what about when it comes to cleaning the mattress? Are we doing everything we can to keep it free from mites and bacteria, and in perfect condition? Let's find out how to deep clean a mattress, how to get rid of stains and how we should maintain it on a daily basis.
1. Basic daily routines to keep your mattress clean
As they say, prevention is better than cure. So, we recommend following these daily tips so that your mattress stays in the best possible condition in terms of maintenance and cleanliness.
That way, when it comes to giving your mattress a deep clean, you'll find it easier:
- Ventilate the room with the bed unmade for at least 10 minutes every day: this is key to preventing bad smells and mites.
- When you make the bed, give all the sheets a good shake, including the mattress protector so that the mattress can breathe a bit.
- Change the sheets every week.
- When you change them, we highly recommend taking the opportunity to vacuum the mattress.
- Always keep the mattress protected with a breathable and washable cover.
2. Seasonal tips for keeping a mattress looking like new
There are routines that we need to do on a daily or weekly basis, but also those we need to do less often,usually when the seasons change.
Lots of mattresses tend to sink depending on the material they are made out of or the weight of the person sleeping on them, as well as other factors. If this is the case, it is crucial to flip the mattress at least at the start of the winter and again at the start of the summer. And not just for this reason, but also because there are some models that have a winter side (warmer and insulating) and a summer side (thinner and fresher). Flip it, not just from one side to another, but also from head to toe. You can do this multiple times a year if your mattress is sinking a lot. You'll notice the difference!
3. Yearly advice for deep cleaning your mattress
Now moving on to the question on everyone's lips: how to deep clean your mattress. You should do this a few times a year.
- Start by shaking it well and hitting it.
- Then move on to the vacuum cleaner, but only if you have a handheld brush head attachment and always use the lowest speed to avoid causing damage.
- If you don't have a vacuum cleaner with the special attachment, use a scrubbing brush, paying special attention to the dirtiest areas or the areas that usually have the most wear and tear, like where your feet go.
- To deep clean the mattress and get rid of germs and bad smells, we recommend trying this trick with bicarbonate of soda: pour it on top (but not too much) and leave it for an hour so it can soak in. Then, use a scrubbing brush to get it all off or use a vacuum cleaner to clear up the rest if needed.
Some of our mattresses have removable, washable covers. Mites breed in warm, dark and humid places such as beds, so if you have an allergy, we'd recommend one of these mattresses. That way you can wash it frequently so that it's always impeccably clean.
Here you can find more information on how to clean your mattress and understanding the labels on our mattresses to keep them perfect for longer:
- Product information page
4. How to keep your mattress cleaner for longer
The best way to keep your mattress cleaner for longer is to use mattress protectors that can be washed when needed. You can get cushioned or waterproof protectors that wrap around the mattress like a fitted sheet, or others that just cover it. The important thing is that, no matter what you need, there are options that can easily solve the problem of difficult stains. Protectors will help you avoid having to clean your mattress frequently.
And, remember, no matter how well you look after your mattress, it is recommended that you change it every 10 years.
We love it when customers use our products in a creative way. Why don’t you have a go too? But please note that any modifications or changes that you make to IKEA products will prevent them from being resold or used for their original purpose, thus invalidating IKEA product warranties and your right to return them.
How to clean the mattress and remove stains
Above all, remember to choose the perfect mattress for you, based on how you sleep and the size you need, and don't forget the pillow. And to top it all off, take a look at this selection of wallet-friendly duvets and duvet covers.
It's important to know how to clean each stain on the mattress; it could be dirty because of dust, but also because of sweat and humidity. For example, to get rid of mites you can vacuum the mattress once a month. To get a stain off the mattress, clean it immediately with a wet cloth and soap. If the stain is still there, you can try cleaning it with upholstery cleaners. To get rid of damp and to clean mould stains off the mattress, air out the mattress by putting it in the sun after vacuuming it.
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