Bed Basics

Refresh Your Bed: How to Clean a Mattress

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New Year, New Snooze


The beginning of a new year often brings a wave of refreshing and resetting to gear up for the months ahead. Whether it's tackling those New Year's resolutions or simply taking time to get organized, resetting your life can create a sense of accomplishment and empowerment, and set you up for success later on. Many people like to start this process by refreshing their surroundings — like cleaning out the junk drawer or closet, giving the bathroom a good scrub, or freshening up the bedroom. Mattress Firm wants to help you clean up what's dirty and get start the new year fresh!

If you're like many others, you've had your mattress for a while; it may not be time to purchase a new one, but it could use a little love to give it some new life.

To help you get started, we've compiled our best mattress cleaning tactics to help you (and your mattress) start the year off on the right foot!

Refresh & Reset

Give your mattress a good vacuuming.


To give your mattress some new life, strip the sheets off your bed and, while using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum,  clean the top and sides of your mattress to remove any dirt and dust that has accumulated.

Using the crevice tool can also help dislodge any stubborn dirt. Pay close attention to the seams as this is where dirt and dust can accrue the most. For best practice, try to vacuum your mattress once every three months.

Remove any stains and deodorize.


For urine stains: laundry detergent will be your best friend! But for first steps — if you're lucky enough to catch a urine stain right away — your initial move should be to blot it up as much as possible. If you own a wet/dry vacuum, use this to help soak up the excess moisture. Immediately sprinkle baking soda to help clean the affected area. Next,  mix a few teaspoons of laundry detergent and a cup of warm water, and blot (or spray with a spray bottle — if you have one available) the mixture on the stain and dry up with a towel.

For most other stains: a simple solution of hydrogen peroxide, liquid dish soap and baking soda will usually do the trick. Mix these components together to create a stain-fighting concoction that goes directly on the blemished portions of your mattress. Blot clean with a clean wash cloth to get the job done. Another suggestion is to try mixing lemon juice and salt together to make a paste and leave it on the stain for an hour. Use a clean rag to wipe up the salt crystals that are left behind. Top off your bed with a layer of baking soda and let sit for several hours before vacuuming off to freshen and deodorize your mattress.

Of course, the fresher the stain, the easier the clean up. Mattress Firm doesn't want you sleeping on a dirty mattress if you don't have to.

Be sure to check your mattress' warranty before attempting any do-it-yourself tricks, and feel free to ask the employees at your local Mattress Firm location for help!

Give your mattress some fresh air.

If you can, air out your mattress outside, or even open the windows in your bedroom to get some natural ventilation through your bed. This can help eliminate any odors and freshen up your mattress.

Opt to lower your bedroom temperature and humidity.

By ensuring your bedroom temperature and humidity levels are low, you'll help stop any growth of dust mites in the future. If  you are worried about the possibility of dust mites, you might try sprinkling your mattress with some baking soda mixed with your favorite essential oils. Leave the mixture on your mattress and vacuum away to remove any dust and particles.

Seal the deal with a mattress protector.


Once you've taken the steps to freshen up your mattress, ensure it stays as clean as possible for as long as possible by placing a mattress protector over it. Experts say  that these pieces are essential for your mattress and can prevent spills and stains, allergens and bed bugs from reaching your Mattress Firm mattress so that it stays clean and fresh all year long!

 

If you take these steps to refresh your mattress, you'll be sleeping cleaner — and happier — in no time. Not to mention, you can check one of your New Year's resolutions off the list and gear up to take on the rest of the year like a pro.

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