Did you know that you spend almost a third of your life on a mattress? Keeping yours clean is essential for both a good night’s sleep and the longevity of your mattress. Learn how to get stains out of a mattress and other cleaning tricks with these six quick steps.

---

How to Clean a Mattress

Step 1: Clean the Covers

The first step is to strip your mattress of any sheets, covers or pads. Follow any specific cleaning instructions if they're provided by the manufacturer, otherwise load the sheets into your washer. Use a trusted laundry detergent and put the water temperature on a hot setting to take care of any bacteria that may be lingering on your sheets.

Step 2: Vacuum

Using a brush attachment for easy accessibility, vacuum your mattress. Make sure to get between the seams.

Step 3: Remove Stains

Knowing how to get stains out of a mattress will come in handy in your mattress’ lifetime. Use an enzyme cleaner instead of other alternatives to best break down the proteins in stains. Spray a clean cloth with the enzyme cleaner and use that to blot the stain. Let the cleaner sit for about 15 minutes while the enzymes get to work. Then, blot the stain again with the same cloth to further remove the stain. Wipe up any excess cleaner and blot the area with a cold, damp cloth.

Step 4: Deodorise

Deodorising your mattress is essential when considering how long a mattress lasts. Pour baking soda in an even layer across one side of your mattress until it is completely covered. Let this sit for a minimum of 10 minutes and up to a maximum of 24 hours. The longer the baking soda sits the more it will penetrate the fibres, removing odour and soaking up any moisture. Once it has finished setting, vacuum up the powder. You may have to repeat this step more than once to make sure all of the baking soda is vacuumed.

Step 5: Let Dry

Let the mattress air dry to ensure that it is completely void of any moisture before you return the sheets. The best place to let it dry is by an open window that lets in sunlight. The sun's rays will fight any existing bacteria, mould and odours on the mattress, drying it out faster.

Step 6: Protect Your Mattress

We recommend buying a mattress cover to keep your mattress clean, free of dust mites and allergens and protected against absorbing moisture.

How Long Does a Mattress Last?

Cleaning your mattresses correctly and regularly can increase its lifespan but eventually a new mattress becomes necessary. We recommend getting a new mattress every seven years. However, a new mattress may also be needed if your allergy symptoms start to increase, if you notice physical wear and tear in the form of rips or sagging and if you experience neck or back pain.

Tip: For more cleaning know-how, read our guides:

• Your Step-By-Step Guide to Washing Pillows
• How to Properly Clean a Bed Frame, Headboard and Mattress
• Ask the Experts: Sofa Care and Cleaning Tips