Is It Important To Clean Your Mattress?

You spend one-third of your lifetime sleeping on your Mattress, so it’s important to keep it clean and fresh. Cleaning your mattress, in the best eco-friendly way, may seem complicated. However, it’s actually a lot easier than you might think.

Many people don’t realize the importance of cleaning their mattresses regularly, even though there may be dirt, dust mites, pollen, skin cells, bacteria and oils multiplying on them every night. Proper eco-friendly mattress cleaning enables you to sleep in a clean and healthy environment nightly. It may also improve the lifespan of your mattress. In this article we explore the best eco-friendly ways to clean your mattress.

What’s Wrong With Conventional Cleaners?

Conventional cleaners provide seemingly good results. But, at what cost? These products tend to contain harsh brighteners and bleaches that can irritate your lungs, skin and eyes. You’ll be particularly aware of this if you’ve ever tried to use one of these products in a confined, badly-ventilated space. Can you imagine having to then lie on your chemically cleaned mattress and breathe in goodness knows what for nights on end?

Chemical cleaners can be so harsh that when they get on your skin, you experience discomfort and redness. They also typically contain synthetic fragrances and dyes which can irritate your skin and cause headaches.

Furthermore, many conventional cleaning products are also petroleum-based and they typically contain synthetic surfactants. They are made to break down oils and help the cleaning product stick to wet surfaces. When you pour these chemicals down your drain, they end up in the environment and pose a risk to wildlife.

Why Should I Opt For Eco-Friendly Mattress Cleaning?

There are a number of reasons why you should opt for eco-friendly mattress cleaning:

• Better for the earth. Green cleaning products are gentle on both you and the environment. They’re made from plant-based ingredients so they won’t irritate your skin, lungs and eyes. They’re better for the earth too. Green cleaning products aren’t reliant on fossil fuels. They’re made with biodegradable surfactants that won’t pollute the earth.
• Safer environment. When you use gentle, natural cleaning methods for your mattress, you no longer live with the threat of harsh chemicals within your environment. You breathe in and absorb chemical cleaning fluids from your mattress, throughout the night. Be safe. Go natural.
• Air quality. No one enjoys sleeping on a mattress that emits a strong chemical smell. By practicing eco-friendly mattress cleaning, you enjoy improved air quality.
• Pet and child safety. Pets and small children are typically more sensitive to chemicals found in common cleaning products. Use eco-friendly formulations to prevent any issues or allergies with your pet or your young ones.
• Cleaning safety. Chemical-based cleaners are often harsh to the skin, lungs and eyes, whereas, eco-friendly cleaners are gentle.
• Save money. You can save money by making your own, all-purpose, eco-friendly cleaning solution, for not only your mattress, but every room in your house.

How To Clean A Traditional Mattress

There are six simple eco-friendly steps to cleaning your mattress:

1. Vacuum. Your mattress can accumulate dirt, dust mites, pollen, skin cells, bacteria and oils. Use your vacuum cleaner’s upholstery attachment to vacuum your mattress.
2. Deodorize. Sprinkle baking soda all over your mattress. Use a stiff brush to work the baking soda into the mattress. Let this sit for 15 to 30 minutes or so.
3. Vacuum again. Vacuum up all of the baking soda.
4. Turn your mattress. Flip your mattress over.
5. Repeat all of the above. You need to ensure that both sides of your mattress are clean and healthy.
6. Protect your mattress. Let your mattress air out for an hour then put on a mattress cover that protects your mattress, thus making the cleaning process far easier.

You can use a home steam cleaner if your mattress is particularly stained. Make sure your mattress is completely dry before putting on your mattress cover.

How To Clean A Latex Mattress

If you have a latex mattress, you can use all of the above-mentioned eco-friendly cleaning steps or another method for cleaning a latex mattress is as follows:

1. Remove the cover. If your mattress has a cover, take it off.
2. Add organic or natural liquid soap to water. Add a few drops of organic or natural liquid soap to warm water. Agitate the mixture with your hand until bubbles form.
3. Use a white cotton cloth. Dip a plain white cotton cloth into the soapy water. Squeeze it out gently to remove any excess water. Spot clean the mattress.
4. Dampen a second white cotton cloth. Dampen another cloth under warm, running water. Gently squeeze the excess water out. Wipe away the soapy solution from the mattress.
5. Let the mattress dry. Allow the mattress to completely air dry before you replace the cover.

Keep in mind that you should never expose your latex mattress to direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can break down the cellular structure of a latex mattress. Always be sure to let your latex mattress air dry inside and in the shade. Also, keep in mind that your latex mattress remains fresher when you keep it covered with a waterproof mattress protector.  This is an inexpensive way to ensure that your mattress stays in a “like-new” condition, while protecting it from spills, stains, dirt, etc. The protector is undetectable under your sheets and it is breathable.

How To Clean A Memory Foam Mattress

Take a look at the following tips for cleaning your memory foam mattress:

1.Vacuum your mattress. You can maintain your mattress by getting into the habit of regularly vacuuming it. A hand-held vacuum is generally the best tool for the job! Be sure to vacuum every inch of your mattress, including the sides.

2. Remove stains. Don’t use harsh commercial cleaning products, with ammonia or bleach, on your memory foam mattress. They will ruin your memory foam interior. Instead, use an organic or natural mild dish soap, mixed with water, to clean any stains. Only dip your cloth into the bubbles and not the solution for best results. If you do not have an organic or mild detergent at home, try using water mixed with vinegar instead. Place the mixture into a spray bottle and spray your mattress lightly. Then, immediately scrub the stained area quickly with a clean, absorbent cloth. The vinegar soaks up unpleasant odors while diluting the stain.

Keep in mind that unlike latex mattresses, you can place memory foam mattresses in the sunlight to dry. You can sprinkle baking soda onto any wet spots, wait a while and then vacuum if it’s not sunny outside. You can even use a hair dryer to complete the drying process. Just remember not to use it on its hottest setting and to hold it at a distance, to avoid causing damage.

Conclusion

Your bed should be your haven. Your comfortable and safe place, in which to relax, at the end of the day. A good quality mattress is expensive. Show yourself and your mattress some love by taking good care of it. Cleaning your mattress the eco-friendly way is easy, it keeps your bedroom and mattress healthy and it’s inexpensive too!

If you have any questions about properly cleaning your PlushBeds latex mattress, give us a call today toll free at 1-888-408-6489 or review our New Mattress: Use & Care instructions.

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