Many people do not realise that mattresses need to be cleaned like the rest of your bedding because over time it will absorb sweat and cause bacteria to build up in the fabric. If you have noticed a musty smell or any stained spots on your mattress, then it likely needs a wash and it is obviously too big and clunky to simply stick in your washing machine.
Instead, one expert from SleepSoul has shared that you can easily air out your mattress by placing it next to a window, as sunlight can help kill any lingering germs. They said: “Open your windows to let in fresh air and natural light. UV rays help to kill bacteria and dust mites, which can build up over time.”
Exposing your mattress to heat and ultraviolet rays will create an environment that bacteria cannot survive in to help clean it.
Putting your mattress next to a window will also lighten any stains as sunlight act also as a natural disinfectant, so your mattress will feel much more comfortable to sleep on.
This is a simple, eco-friendly and very cheap way to revive your mattress in spring to help remove germs, musty smells or even dust mites lingering on the fabric.
How to air out and freshen up a mattress
All you need to do is remove all your bedding and give it a vacuum it using an upholstery attachment to suck up any dust or dead skin cells.
Then, prop up your mattress near a window for two to three hours. Once the time is up flip it over so the other side is facing the glass.
Wash all your other bedding while your mattress is being aired out. Make sure to wash sheets, pillow cases, duvet covers and mattress protectors on a high heat of at least 60C to kill any germs.
How to remove any stains on a mattress
If you spot any stains on your mattress then it is best to clean them with natural ingredients as harsher cleaners can damage the foam or fabric on a mattress.
The expert said: ”If you spot any stains, treat them gently. Use a mild solution of water and white vinegar or baking soda and water. Dab—don’t rub—using a clean cloth.”
White vinegar is very effective at breaking down organic stains commonly found on bedding, such as sweat, body oils or even urine.
Meanwhile, baking soda is highly absorbent, so it helps get rid of any moisture or bad smells trapped inside the fabric.
Simply add a little white vinegar to the stain, just enough to dampen it, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then blot it with a clean cloth and sprinkle the baking soda on top.
Leave the solution to dry while you are airing up your mattress next to the window, and the stains should be gone in a few hours.
Once the time is up may go over your mattress one more time with a hoover to remove the baking soda residue. Your mattress will feel noticeably fresher so you can enjoy a better night’s sleep on a truly clean surface.
