We spend about a third of our lives in bed. In a warm, humid climate a mattress absorbs a lot of sweat, which feeds dust mites and causes yellow stains and smells. Here is how to clean a mattress properly.
What you need
- A vacuum with an upholstery attachment
- Baking soda
- Mild liquid detergent or dish soap
- Clean white cloths
- For urine only: white vinegar
Step-by-step
- Strip the bed and wash the sheets, pillowcases and mattress protector in hot water.
- Vacuum the whole mattress slowly, paying attention to seams and edges.
- Treat stains: dab with a cloth dampened in mild soapy water. Never soak the mattress, because water deep inside causes mould.
- Urine: blot up as much as possible, dab with a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water, then blot dry.
- Deodorise: sprinkle baking soda over the surface and leave it for several hours.
- Vacuum again to remove the baking soda.
- Air it: stand the mattress in a well-ventilated room, out of strong direct sun.
Safety tip
Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia-based products. The fumes are dangerous.
How often should you clean a mattress?
Vacuum it monthly, and have it deep cleaned every 6 months, more often for children's beds or if anyone has allergies. A waterproof, breathable mattress protector is the best investment you can make.
For deep stains and odours, professional mattress cleaning with extraction equipment cleans much deeper than you can by hand. Book First Arch in Serekunda and Greater Banjul on WhatsApp.
Safety first: always test products on a hidden area, follow the label, and never mix bleach with other cleaning products.
