There’s nothing like slipping under the sheets after a long and tiring day. But did you know that you’re probably snuggling under a ton of germs?
It’s true! Normal adults sweat and shed dead skin cells, especially during sleep, and the sheets and your San Diego mattress absorb these. Coupled with moisture, it serves as the best environment for allergens, dust mites, and germs to thrive in.
These allergens can cause a lot of health issues like sinusitis, runny nose, sore throat, watery eyes, or skin irritation. A dust mite allergy can also cause the same; however, it can also cause facial pressure, eczema, and asthma attacks in severe cases.
This is why it is important to freshen your beddings, mattress, and pillows regularly. However, unlike pillows and beddings that you can simply toss on the washing machine, a mattress wouldn’t fit there. So how do you clean it up?
How To Clean The Mattress
Vacuum
Before you start:
- Wash the upholstery attachment of your vacuum on warm water to remove the germs and debris that were there previously.
- If you have kids, have them jump on the mattress for several minutes. This will bring any dust and dust mites to the surface, making vacuuming easier.
- Ensure that you clean all sides and surfaces of your mattress.
Deodorize
A few kitchen items can do wonders to neutralize the odor of your San Diego mattress. Sprinkle the solution or the mixture on all the nooks and crannies of your mattress, and leave it on for 30 minutes. Here are a few of the items you can use:
- equal parts of water and vinegar (vinegar is a natural odor neutralizer)
- a half cup of baking soda and 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, or lemon (the essential oils all have soothing effects)
- A mixture of cornstarch and baking soda (cornstarch will absorb the body oils that were left on the mattress while the baking soda will tackle the odor)
Air dry
Make sure you air-dry your mattress completely on one side before turning on the other. Turn on the fans and open the windows to speed up the air-drying process. Air drying the mattress is a necessary step to ensure that bacteria won’t grow back, and it will also prevent dust mites from returning to your mattress.
Other Steps to ensure a Clean Mattress
Remove Mattress Stains
Treat mattress stains immediately when you find them. Better Homes & Gardens recommend the use of foaming shaving cream because it is thick, unlike liquids that will just soak right into the mattress. Besides, it contains denatured alcohol that is a great stain remover.
Wash your Beddings regularly
Wash your beddings in hot water unless otherwise specified on the tag. Here’s a simple rundown of how often things should be cleaned:
- Sheets and pillowcases should be washed every week.
- Pillows should be cleaned and washed every three to four months.
- If you have a mattress topper, wash it monthly.
- Clean the platform of your mattress (after you have propped your mattress on the side) to prevent the platform from transferring the dust and other debris on your mattress when it is returned.
Use a mattress topper
Mattress toppers aren’t just to keep you comfortable. They can also shield your mattress from debris.
Keep your Room Airy
Turn on the fan an hour or two hours after you wake up and if possible, open the windows of your room to air dry your room, to evaporate the moisture from your sweat on the mattress (or topper), and to keep your mattress fresh for a longer time.
Conclusion
There’s nothing like sleeping on a clean and germ-free mattress. Besides, keeping your San Diego mattresses clean is not just good for your health; it’s good for your pocket, too, as the mattresses last longer when it’s properly maintained.