Healthy sleep is essential for overall well-being, and a crucial factor in achieving this is the cleanliness of our sleep environment. While we often focus on cleaning our sheets and pillowcases, we might overlook one of the most significant contributors to our sleep health: the mattress.
An organic mattress is an investment in cleaner, healthier sleep – but you also have to do your part in keeping it clean! Regular mattress cleaning is not only about maintaining a fresh and hygienic sleeping space, but it also plays a vital role in extending the lifespan of your mattress.
Let’s delve into the importance of cleaning your mattress, how often to do it, effective cleaning techniques and more.
Here's why you need to clean your mattress
You’re not the only one who might find your mattress cozy. It can easily become a haven for dust mites, sweat, dead skin cells and allergens, too. Over time, these substances accumulate, which means that while you sleep, you’re exposing yourself to a host of some not-so-nice contaminants. (Not to mention breathing them in, too!)
An unclean mattress can lead to discomfort and allergic reactions. Beyond that, it can also affect the quality of your sleep itself. Regular mattress cleaning helps to eliminate these issues, ensuring cleaner, healthier, better sleep.
How often should you clean a mattress?
The frequency of your mattress cleanings can depend on several factors. These include:
- Personal hygiene
- Eating/drinking in bed
- Allergies
- Pets (and whether they’re allowed on the bed!)
- Sleep accessories
As a general guideline, you should aim to deep clean your mattress at least twice a year. However, if you're prone to allergies, you may want to clean it every three to four months. Additionally, any spills or stains should be addressed promptly to prevent them from becoming more challenging to remove.
How to clean a mattress in 3 simple steps
For something so big, cleaning your mattress is surprisingly simple. Following these three steps will help you keep your sleep space hygienic.
1. Strip the Bed
Start by removing all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases and mattress protectors. This is a good time to launder your bedding per its manufacturer's instructions – there’s no sense putting dirty linens on a clean mattress!
2. Deodorize and vacuum
To eliminate odors, sprinkle baking soda evenly over the mattress – it helps to absorb odors and moisture. Let it sit for several hours. Then, it’s time to vacuum!
Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to thoroughly sweep the entire surface of the mattress. This not only helps to remove the baking soda you used to deodorize, but also any dust, dirt and debris. (Even if you can’t see it, it’s there!)
3. Spot clean stains
Most mattresses (including Happsy Organic Mattresses) are spot clean only. This is to prevent any liquids from penetrating the mattress’s surface and leading to mold, bacteria or any other yucky growth.
- To spot clean your mattress, follow these steps:
- Blot any stains or messes as best as you can.
- Cover the area with your favorite DIY cleaner (hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, etc.).
- Gently scrub the area with a damp, soapy cloth.
- Allow the mattress to completely dry before putting bedding back on.
And remember: always avoid soaking the mattress, even when spot cleaning, as excess moisture can lead to mold growth.
Clean sheets and a mattress protector help, too!
While cleaning your mattress is a crucial aspect of increasing its longevity and protecting your home health, preventive measures are an equally important part of the process.
Investing in a high-quality mattress protector pad to shield your mattress from spills, stains and allergens can be a game changer. Happsy’s Organic Protector Pad utilizes non-toxic waterproofing to protect your mattress and your health. Oh, and it’s machine washable and dryable, too.
Additionally, regularly washing your sheets and pillowcases in hot water can help minimize the buildup of allergens and bacteria in and on your mattress. Once a week is a great starting point for how often you should wash your sheets, but that can vary depending on the material and quality of your sheets, as well as personal sleep and lifestyle factors.
Remember: a clean mattress is so much more than a matter of aesthetics. Hygiene directly impacts your sleep quality and overall health, too.
By understanding the significance of mattress hygiene, knowing how often to clean it and following effective cleaning techniques, you can create a sleep environment that promotes restful sleep and well-being. So, make mattress cleaning a part of your regular household routine and enjoy the benefits of a healthier and more comfortable sleep space!
Want cleaning tips for the rest of your house? Check out these organic cleaning methods!