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Over time, more and more dirt and stains build up on your mattress, but you can clean them yourself using simple tricks and household remedies.
Cleaning Your Mattress: How to Remove Dust Mites
Over time, more than a million dust mites can accumulate in a mattress. While these tiny mites aren’t generally a problem, their droppings can trigger allergies in many people.
- You should air out your mattress thoroughly once a year. During the day, prop the mattress upright against the wall so that as little surface area as possible is in contact with the floor. Keep the window open the entire time.
- Airing out the mattress may cause it to become slightly damp. Therefore, the room should return to room temperature for one to two hours before you put on fresh bedding.
- In general, the mattress should be well-ventilated. Flip the mattress at least every few months—ideally every time you change the bedding. Foam mattresses, however, should not be flipped.
- If the mattress has a cover, you should wash it regularly as well. A maximum of two washes per year is recommended.
- A steam cleaner can effectively combat dust mites. However, the steam often does not penetrate deep enough into the mattress. With a special dust mite vacuum , you can remove dead skin cells and dust mite droppings from the mattress. Here you’ll find more information on using steam cleaners against dust mites.
- After about 7 to 10 years, a mattress has reached the end of its useful life. Replacing it is then strongly recommended for hygienic reasons.
Removing sweat stains from the mattress
If you can remove the mattress cover, it’s best to soak the sweat-stained area overnight.
- Use a mixture of washing soda and water. Alternatively, use baking powder, baking soda, and water.
- To treat the stain directly on the mattress, use vinegar and citric acid. Spray the mixture onto the stain or dab a small amount onto the area. Then scrub the stain with a brush or toothbrush.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes and wipe the stain thoroughly with clean water. Allow the stain to dry completely before putting the bedding back on.
Removing Urine Stains from the Mattress Pad
You can also remove urine stains with a mixture of vinegar and lemon juice.
- Simply apply the mixture to the stain and let it soak in and dry.
- Remove the dried residue with a brush.
- To remove even the last traces, you can use your regular laundry detergent.
Removing blood stains from a mattress
You should act as quickly as possible when dealing with blood stains.
- Whether the stain is fresh or old, gently rub it out with cold water.
- Then add a little mild detergent. Alternatively, you can cover the dampened stain with baking soda or washing soda.
- After 30 minutes, rinse the stain thoroughly with water again.
