Clean an Old Mattress in Simple Steps | Zurich Cleaning

The importance of a clean mattress in your life is directly proportional to good sleep. This is why cleaning or maintaining the cleanliness of a mattress is damn important. Here in this post, I will let you know each aspect involved in cleaning an old mattress, 

• how to extend its lifespan

• ways to clean your mattress at home 

• precautions while cleaning an old mattress 

• maintaining cleanliness of your mattress 

• signs of mattress aging 

• different attention for each category of mattresses

Essential Supplies for Mattress Cleaning

• You require:

• A Vacuum cleaner

• Pack of Mild Detergent

• 300gm Baking Soda

• ½ cup White Vinegar

• Essential Oils (Optional)

• Soft Cloths/Sponges/Microfiber

• Steam Cleaner (Optional)

• Preparing Your Cleaning Area:

• Make sure the area where you are cleaning a mattress is airy 

• Remove obstacles in the nearby areas to create more room for cleaning

• Remove all the bedding, protector sheets or covers 

• Arrange a dry towel to wipe out any soap spills

• Prevent all water spillage to avoid any furniture damage while cleaning the mattress 

• Clean the vacuum and other cleaning equipment before applying it to the mattress. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Old Mattress

Vacuuming the Mattress

• Use a Vacuum with an Upholstery Attachment:

• Step 1: Attach the upholstery part with your vacuum.

• Step 2: Start vacuuming using overlapping strokes from upside to downside

• Step 3: Attentionally vacuum mattress seams and crevices. mostly allergens reside there

• Step 4: Flip the mattress and repeat the process.

Airing Out Your Mattress

• Place Mattress in a Well-Ventilated Place:

• Step 1: Remove all bedding like protectors, covers, sheets and cushions. 

• Step 2: Place the mattress in a room with doors and windows open. 

• Step 3: It is recommended to place the mattress under direct sunlight.

Cleaning Mattress Stains

General Stain Removal Tips:

• Blot Stains Immediately: Attend stains quickly with a clean cloth, absorbing as much of the spill as possible.

• Avoid Scrubbing: Do not rub or scrub stains deeper into the mattress fibers. Instead, you can gently dab the stain to get the staining liquid out.

Specific Stain Treatments:

• Blood Stains:

Should the worst happen, it is a bit of an ease to this knowing blood stains are one if not THE hardest thing to get out of fabrics; try cold water over hot as HOT WATER SETS BLOOD STAINS. Blot the area using cold water and mild detergent soaked cloth. Rinse and wipe out with a wet cloth and blot dry. 

• Urine Stains:

To Rid Urine Stains: 50/50 vinegar and water in a spray bottle Spray it on the stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. 

Dab dry with a clean cloth, then sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda over the spot to soak up moisture and neutralise odours. Leave for a couple of hours before vacuuming. 

• Oil stains: 

A paste of baking soda and dish soap. Then simply apply this paste to the stain and leave for at least 30 minutes so it can soak in the oil. Scrub lightly with a soft brush and wash the past away using a humid fabric accompanied by push-to-dry.

Deodorising the Mattress

Why Deodorize?

• Remove Lingering Smells: Deodorizing is important because with the passage of time, mattresses absorb lots of smells like sweat, spills, grims and from any other use, deodorising lets all these smells vanish.  

How to Deodorize:

• Best way to deodorise a mattress:

Baking soda sucks smells because of its chemical properties. To do this evenly sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the whole surface of the mattress. To remove deeper odours, gently rub the baking soda into the mattress. Either wear plastic gloves or use a soft brush to rub baking soda. 

• Let Sit:

Rest the baking soda on the mattress for several hours. As baking soda is farr better than synthetic fragrances, allow it to sit overnight. The more it sits the more it suck bad smells 

• Vacuum:

Thorough vacuuming will remove all the baking soda along with the residues and odours.

Deep Cleaning with a Steam Cleaner

• Disinfects and Sanitizes:

Steam cleaning uses high temperatures to kill bacteria, dust mites, and other harmful microorganisms, providing a deep clean that goes beyond surface-level cleaning.

• Removes Deep-Set Stains:

The steam penetrates deep into the mattress, helping to lift and remove tough stains and grime.

Flipping and Rotating Your Mattress

Importance of Flipping:

• Prevent Uneven Wear: Flipping your mattress regularly helps to distribute the weight more evenly, preventing sagging and indentations in specific areas.

• Extend Mattress Life: By regularly flipping and rotating your mattress, you can significantly extend its lifespan, ensuring it remains comfortable and supportive for a longer period.

How Often to Flip:

• Suggested Frequency:

• Every 3-6 Months: It is recommended to flip and rotate your mattress every 3 to 6 months to maintain its shape and durability.

• Additional Tip: Consider marking your calendar or setting a reminder to help you keep track of when it’s time to flip and rotate your mattress.

Maintenance Tips for a Cleaner Mattress

• How Often to Clean and Maintain:

• Weekly: Vacuum the mattress surface to remove dust, dirt, and allergens.

• Monthly: Spot clean any stains and deodorise a mattress using baking soda.

• Every 3-6 Months: Perform a deep cleaning (e.g., steam cleaning) and flip or rotate the mattress to ensure even wear.

• Yearly: Consider professional cleaning or a thorough DIY deep clean to maintain hygiene and extend the mattress’s lifespan.

When to Replace Your Old Mattress

Signs Your Mattress Needs Replacing:

• Sagging.

• Discomfort.

• Persistent Stains and Odours

Key Takeaways:

• Regular Vacuuming: Regular vacuuming gets rid of dust, dirt and allergens. Upholstery attachment is more suitable for Mattress cleaning, vacuum both sides of the mattress in detail.

• Airing Out Your Mattress: An old mattress needs airing, so it is advisable to put your mattress outside or in a well-ventilated area of the room for some hours (or whole day) and let moisture evaporate. Let it air out for a couple of hours or overnight.

• Cleaning Mattress Stains: Wipe up the dirt as soon as you notice it, and clean with appropriate cleaners made for a specific variety of stain (blood = cold water; urine= vinegar; oil = baking soda)

• Deodorising the Mattress: Baking Soda to Deodorise the Mattress. The process is – Spread some baking soda on your mattress and allow it for several hours, then use a vacuum cleaner.

• Deep Cleaning with a Steam Cleaner: Disinfect, and remove deep stains using a steam cleaner. Make sure that the mattress dries thoroughly following the manufacturer's directions.

• Flipping and Rotating Your Mattress: Flip and rotate the mattress every 3-6 months to prevent uneven wear and extend its lifespan.

• Specialised Cleaning Techniques: Try to clean your sleeping foam categorically. For memory foam, avoid excess moisture; for latex, use mild detergents and avoid harsh chemicals.

• Maintenance Tips: Keep your mattress clean, but pay special attention to ensure that you have the right type of mattress protector for what you need it.

• When to Replace Your Old Mattress: As already explained, sagging and discomfort due the old mattress are quite clear indications that you need a new one.

FAQs

How Often Should I Clean My Old Mattress?

Vacuum your mattress weekly, flip it frequently. deep clean every 3 to 5 months. it is preferred to hire professional cleaning services 

What if My Mattress Has Mould?

Clean with vinegar and vacuum. Make sure to thoroughly dry the mattress to avoid mould coming back. 

Can I Clean a Mattress with a Steam Cleaner?

Yes, steam cleaning disinfects and removes deep-set stains effectively.

How Can I Prevent Future Stains on My Mattress?

Use a mattress protector to shield against spills and stains.

What Are the Best Methods for Removing Stains from an Old Mattress?

Blot stains immediately, use appropriate cleaning solutions, and ensure thorough drying.

Is It Worth Hiring a Professional to Clean My Old Mattress?

Yes, for thorough cleaning and handling severe stains or mould issues.