How to Deep Clean Your Mattress At Home: Without Harsh Chemicals

When was the last time you gave your mattress a real clean? It’s easy to forget the layers that work every night to keep you comfortable, but over time, a mattress can gather dust, allergens, and more. While we often remember the sheets, the mattress itself needs a little care to keep it fresh and long-lasting.

Want to keep your mattress fresh without using harsh chemicals or spending a lot on a professional? We'll show you simple cleaning methods that work effectively for deep cleaning your mattress without the use of harsh chemicals. Our tips pair basic household supplies with powerful yet gentle cleaning solutions you probably already have at home.

Why Regular Mattress Cleaning is Essential for Better Sleep

Your mattress surface can make you sick if you don't clean it often enough. Think of it as a big sponge that soaks up everything - sweat, dead skin cells, and tiny dust mites that you can't see on the entire surface. These things sit and build up over time, creating the perfect spot for bacteria to grow, which can cause allergies, make asthma worse, or lead to poor sleep. 

How do you know it's time to deep clean your mattress? Watch out for these signs:

• You wake up with a stuffy nose or itchy eyes from allergens
• There's a musty odour when you strip the sheets
• You spot stains or discoloured areas on the mattress surface
• You can't remember the last time you tackled a deep cleaning routine

For most households, cleaning your mattress every 3-6 months is enough to get rid of dust and dirt. But some situations might need more frequent mattress cleaning. If you have pets that sleep on your bed or kids who sometimes have accidents, you'll want to clean more often. The same goes if you like to eat in bed, tend to soak the mattress with sweat at night or deal with dust mite allergies. In these cases, a regular cleaning process every month or two helps keep it fresh and healthy for better sleep.

Don't wait until your mattress looks dirty. Regular cleaning helps you sleep better and keeps those unwanted visitors - like dust mites, bacteria, and other allergens - away from your sleeping space. Think of it as essential care for your health, just like washing your sheets or protecting your mattress with a protector.

What Cleaning Supplies Do You Really Need?

Let's keep things simple and safe for your mattress cleaning. You don't need strong chemicals that might harm your health or the planet. Here's what you really need:

Basic Tools and equipment:

• A vacuum cleaner with a hose tip
• Clean, soft cloths
• Spray bottle
• Baking soda (for odours)
• White vinegar
• Our laundry detergent sheets (gentler than traditional detergent sheets)

Why use gentle cleaners? Strong chemicals can be risky for many reasons. They often soak deep into your mattress and affect your sleep quality. These harsh products might trigger allergies or breathing problems while you rest. They also harm our environment and can leave behind strong smells that take days to fade. Even worse, they might damage your mattress material over time.

For tough stains, we recommend our laundry sheets for your mattress care. They work hard on stains while staying gentle on your mattress and skin. We make them without harsh chemicals and pack them without plastic, making them a perfect earth-friendly option. They're easy to use too - just mix with water for a safe and effective spot-cleaning solution that won't leave harmful residue behind.

Can You Clean a Mattress with Water?

No, you should not clean your mattress with water. Mattresses are not made to get wet, and water can cause big problems. When water soaks into your mattress, it can lead to mould and mildew, which are bad for your health. It's also very hard to dry a wet mattress completely.

Instead of water, here are safe ways to clean your mattress:

• Use a dry vacuum to remove dust and dirt
• Sprinkle baking soda to absorb smells
• Spot clean stains with a barely damp cloth
• Try dry cleaning methods with baking soda

When spot cleaning is needed, remember some important tips to control moisture. Never pour liquids directly on your mattress, and always spray cleaning solutions on your cloth first instead of the mattress itself. Keep moisture to a minimum - less is more when it comes to cleaning solutions. To speed up drying, open your windows or use a fan to help airflow around the damp spots. Most importantly, wait until all cleaned areas are completely dry before putting your sheets back on the bed.

Simple Steps to Deep Clean Your Mattress

Step 1 
Remove all bedding, including sheets, mattress protectors, and pillows. Wash these in hot water using Lucent Globe's laundry sheets while you clean the mattress.

Step 2
Vacuum the entire mattress surface using the hose attachment. Pay extra attention to seams and corners where dust and dirt hide.

Step 3
For stains, use a cleaning cloth with a small amount of cleaning solution. Dab the stain gently - never rub. Let each spot dry between cleaning tries.

Step 4
Sprinkle baking soda all over your mattress. This natural deodorizer helps remove bad smells. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes - longer is better.

Step 5
Vacuum up all the baking soda with your hose attachment. Move slowly to make sure you get it all up.

Step 6
Open your windows and let fresh air flow. A fan can help speed up the drying process. Make sure your mattress is completely dry.

Step 7
Put on clean bedding only after your mattress is fully dry. Fresh sheets and a clean mattress make the perfect combo for better sleep.

How to Remove Odours from Your Mattress Surface

Bad smells in your mattress can make it hard to sleep well, but there are simple ways to fix this. Let's look at some natural methods that really work.

Baking soda is your best friend when it comes to fighting mattress smells. Just like in Step 4 of our deep cleaning steps, sprinkle a thin layer over your entire mattress surface and let it sit for a few hours - overnight works best. This natural deodorizer will soak up bad odours and leave your mattress fresh. When time's up, use your vacuum's hose attachment to clean it all away, removing both the baking soda and the trapped dirt it collected.

Want your mattress to smell extra nice? Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your baking soda before sprinkling it. Lavender not only smells great but can help you sleep better too. Just mix 5-6 drops with your baking soda, then spread it on your mattress.

These simple steps will help keep your mattress fresh and your sleep space pleasant all year round.

FAQs About Mattress Cleaning

What's the best way to clean blood stains on a mattress?

For blood stains on your mattress, start with cold water. Dip a cloth in cold water and gently dab the stain. Avoid scrubbing as this can make the stain worse. Then, mix baking soda with a little cold water to make a paste. Spread the paste over the stain and let it sit for about 30 minutes. After that, wipe it off with a clean, damp cloth. If the stain is stubborn, try dissolving a gentle laundry sheet in cold water. Dab this solution on the stain to lift it more effectively.

What can I do to keep my mattress clean for longer?

To keep your mattress clean for longer, start with a mattress protector. It acts like a barrier and keeps dirt and spills from getting into the mattress. Wash the protector once a month to keep it fresh. Try changing your sheets weekly, too. Every time you change the sheets, give the mattress a quick vacuum to pick up dust and allergens. If you spill anything, clean it right away to avoid stains. And try to keep food and drinks out of bed. These simple steps help your mattress stay fresh and last longer.

How do I know if my mattress is really clean?

To tell if your mattress is truly clean, start with the basics. It should smell fresh and look free of stains. If you notice any lingering odours or spots, it may need more attention. A clean mattress should also be comfortable for allergy sufferers. If you start sneezing, itching, or feeling congested, it could be a sign that dust or allergens are still hiding in there. If you notice these signs, it might be time for a deeper clean to keep things fresh and comfortable.