Most people would prefer not to think about just how dirty their bed mattresses can become. The truth though is that with nightly use the mattress will attract plenty of dirt and dust, as well as dead skin and mites, and the occasional stain. In general terms though, mattresses should be cleaned every three months, although accidents may mean that this cleaning process is undertaken sooner.

Go into any supermarket and there are shelves full of cleaning products, and many can be effectively used on mattresses, although it is essential that the product description label is careful read. As a general rule liquid cleaners are more effective at cleaning mattresses than dry powders, as they penetrate more effectively into the material of the mattress. Following this rule most people find that steam cleaning is the most effective of all cleaning methods.

Before any cleaning substance though is added to a mattress it is important that a vacuum cleaner is used on the mattress. Most vacuum cleaners come with either a furniture attachment or ideally an upholstery one. A slow and methodical approach to the vacuuming though is needed to ensure that all of the small dust and dirt particles are removed.

Once satisfied that the vacuuming has removed as much dirt and dust as possible then a cleaning solution can be added, this could be a specialised product, an upholstery cleaner, or watered down laundry cleaner. It is important not to get the mattress too wet but should be damp enough to allow the subsequent scrubbing to actually perform the cleaning required. Again a slow and methodical approach is the best one to ensure that the mattress actually is cleaned.

Mattresses are of course also likely to have the odd stain or two. If an accident occurs and is known about it is a good idea to deal with the problem quickly. It is relatively easy to soak up a wet stain with the use or paper towels. For new stains baking soda has been shown to be an effective way to clean up stains, as well as helping to remove any lingering smells. The baking soda should be left for half an hour or so before being vacuumed away. Lemon juice also helps with any issues of lingering smells.

Old stains can normally though be dealt with using the liquid approach from the general mattress cleaning, although the time taken scrubbing the affected area may be longer.

Mattresses cannot be effectively cleaned in mere minutes and most people will take an hour to clean their mattresses thoroughly. Even after the mattress is cleaned it is important to remember to allow them to dry out totally before clean bed sheets are put onto it. A damp mattress will invite bugs and mould, and will end up with the mattress being dirtier than when the cleaning commenced.

To help with cleaning bed mattresses there are several steps that can be taken. Mattresses should be vacuumed monthly, and flipped every six months. Also it is always a good idea to think about making use of a mattress protector. A mattress protector will help reduce the build up of dirt and dust on a mattress and a washable mattress protector can be thrown into the washing machine, and is certainly easier than cleaning the whole mattress. This though doesn't mean that the mattress shouldn't also be cleaned regularly.

A clean bed mattress will ensure that night time is a time for pleasant dreams not worries about cleanliness.

Learn more about this author, Tim Harry.
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