For the average person, approximately a third of life is spent sleeping. Considering this is a concentrated area where people spend a good amount of time, there is more to comfort than just support. A clean mattress can impact sleep patterns more than people think. Gunk will seep through the linens and mattress pad over the course of weeks, months, and years as mattresses collect allergens, contaminants, and all manner of debris such as dust mites, dirt, sweat, dead skin, stains and even unseen insects. Not only will sleep be affected but the filthy mattress can contribute to poor indoor air quality. We at Orange County Steam Masters would like to continue to share why the mattress should be cleaned and tips on proper cleaning and maintenance.
Scheduling Deep Mattress Cleaning
Every six months the mattresses should be clean by owner where it is flipped or rotated in order to distribute the wear evenly. Doing this in the spring and fall can better prepare for the upcoming season and getting the mattress cleaned professionally, should be done at least once a year.
How to Clean a Used Mattress
You will need salt, lemon juice, baking soda, essential oil fragrance (optional), the vacuum and upholstery attachment. Keep in in mind for optimal results you will need the mattress free for several – 24 hours. Below is a more natural approach for cleaning the mattress, if you prefer pre-made products be sure to follow its instructions.
1) Wash bed linens. Strip away the linens, including the pillowcases, and wash them according the label’s directions. If there isn’t a concern with the dyes bleeding together, washing them in hot water eliminates nearly all the germs, bacteria, and potential pests.
2) Vacuum mattress. Vacuum the entire surface of the mattress including the sides and back as well as in the crevices using the upholstery attachment and in an organized, thorough manner. To ensure all the hair, dust, crumbs, and other debris are thoroughly removed, used a grad pattern system.
3) Clean spots or stains. Festering stains can be a challenge to remove; such as the blood, liquid spills, sweat, and urine, and they been likely sitting awhile. Combine lemon drops to salt until you created a paste you can gently rub into the spots and stains and let it sleep in for 30-60 minutes. Keep in mind, this has a natural bleaching affect and dark mattresses may lighten in the treated areas; use the alternative below. Wipe away the mixture with a damp, clean cloth. In a spray bottle, mix a few drops of hydrogen peroxide, ½ tsp of mild liquid dish detergent and water. Lightly dampen the stains, do not over wet, and let the solution set for up to 15 minutes. With patience and elbow grease, blot the area with a clean, water-dampen cloth. Repeat until the stains are lifted.
4) Deodorize and sanitize mattress. Generously blanket the mattress with baking soda d let it do its job for at least several hours, if possible, 24 hours is best (or even if you are going to be gone for the weekend) to destroy odors. The baking soda not only deodorizes, but it is effective at sanitizing the surface as well. For added fragrance, put 20 drops or so of your favorite essential oil in the baking soda. Make sure to thoroughly vacuum the baking soda before remaking your bed with freshly laundered linens.
Steam Mattress Cleaning & More in Santa Ana, Irvine, Anaheim & Huntington Beach California
When the professionals are needed for a deeper clean of your mattresses, call in the experts of Orange County Steam Masters!