New mattresses are expensive to buy so it makes sense to look after the ones you have. Ageing can discolour your mattress – caused by material oxidisation, and nothing to be worried about. You can help to slow down this process by keeping the mattress away from sunlight.
As your mattress is constantly exposed to bodily fluids, sweat, and oils from your hair and skin it’s not surprising that stains appear. Look at what causes yellow stains on a mattress – and the best way to clean a mattress here…
The Natural Way
Mattress cleaning doesn’t have to rely on harsh chemicals or potentially irritating commercial cleaning products. For each six-monthly clean you’ll simply need baking soda, salt, and lavender essential oil. To carry out the clean you’ll also want a bowl, strainer, clean cloths, and a vacuum cleaner.
Mix a cup of baking soda with a few drops of lavender oil in the bowl, and strain. Strip the bed to enable you to vacuum the mattress all over. Then shake the mix over the whole mattress. Leave to dry and then vacuum off.
Clean mattress stains by pre-treating with a mix of baking powder, salt, and water. Rub the stain with the paste and allow to sit for 30 minutes before wiping away with a damp, clean cloth.
Your clean mattress can now be covered with freshly aired sheets and duvet.
Stain Types and Removal Methods
You can remove stains from a mattress in easy stages – depending on the kind of stain. A yellow mattress can indicate sweat stains or bedwetting. To clean urine from a mattress you’ll be able to make and use your own cleaning solution.
Put three tablespoons of baking soda with a few drops of washing up liquid into a cup. Then mix in some hydrogen peroxide – about 3% of the total – and stir until the baking soda has dissolved.
Transfer the solution into a spray bottle and squirt over the entire stain allowing it to soak completely into the area. Then you’ll need to let it dry which will take a couple of hours. You can blow-dry the mattress with a hairdryer set on low – or position a fan to speed up the drying process.
Cleaning a mattress that has blood stains is slightly different as you’ll need to treat the stain as soon as possible. Spray the mattress with the hydrogen peroxide mix then blot with a clean cloth or towel. Repeat this process several times until the stain has gone. Allow to dry as before.
How to clean mattress stains that are due to vomit needs a different spray solution. Prepare a half and half mix of water and white vinegar and pour into the spray bottle. Apply to the stained area and blot with a clean towel or cloth. Repeat the spray and blot process before sprinkling with baking soda. When thoroughly dry vacuum away the excess baking soda – and let the mattress air dry.
Persistent Stains
It’s important that you try not to spread the stain further or saturate the interior of the mattress – as this can lead to mould and mildew forming. Blotting as much as a fresh stain as possible will help – use a clean towel or cloth and continue until no more liquid is being absorbed.
Fill a large bowl with cool water and washing up liquid. Mix until you have a thick lather. Scoop the suds and not the water from the bowl with a damp, clean cloth. Rub the suds in a circular motion over the stain.
Alternate rubbing and blotting until the stain has virtually disappeared. For any remains spray with hydrogen peroxide leaving it to rest for about five minutes. Blot with a dry cloth and repeat as necessary. Then leave the mattress to dry.
Care for Your Mattress
- Professional mattress cleaning should be carried out at least once a year. Hot water extraction cleaning methods ensure that all dirt, dust, and allergens are completely removed. And experts can also eliminate pests such as fleas and dust mites
- Changing sheets on a regular basis can help stop dead skin and dust mites multiplying – start off by vacuuming the mattress with the crevice tool
- It’s a good idea to use a protective mattress cover to reduce stains, prevent allergies, and protect against bed bugs
- Every few months flip the mattress which will help keep it cleaner for longer
