The Best Way to Clean a Mattress

Mattress sizes and thicknesses have increased over the years making them difficult to move around. That means that mattresses need to be able to be cleaned where they lay. Mattresses accumulate dirt, skin and dust mite particulates that can be unsightly as well as aggravate allergies and asthma. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a typical used mattress can house anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million mites. To combat theose accumulations, mattresses should be cleaned at least twice a year.

Vacuum with hose
Vacuum upholstery attachment
Laundry detergent
Warm water
Wire whisk
Clean rags
Towel

Instructions

- 1
  Remove all bedding including the dust ruffle and mattress pad.
- 2
  Vacuum the top and side mattress surfaces with the vacuum hose and upholstery attachment. This will remove all loose dirt and dust from the mattress. Turn the mattress over and vacuum the other side as well.
- 3
  Treat any stained areas with a detergent rub. To make the rub combine 1 tbsp. laundry detergent with 1 cup warm water. Whisk rapidly with a wire whisk until solution is very foamy and bubbly on top. Scoop foam from the top of the solution with a slightly damp, clean rag and rub into the stain in a small circular pattern. When stain has disappeared, blot area with a slightly damp, clean rag to remove remaining suds. Dry the area by blotting with a dry towel.
- 4
  Allow the mattress to dry thoroughly before replacing the bedding.

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