How to clean a mattress at home

There are many ways you can contaminate even just a purchased mattress. Pollution gives an unsightly appearance and may be accompanied by an unpleasant odor. The product itself is large, so it will not be possible to simply place it in the washing machine. Therefore, it is important to know how you can remove stains and unpleasant odors with your own hands.

Each type of mattress has its own cleaning characteristics. For some, wet cleaning is suitable, for others - only dry. It is also important to know how not to damage the fabric and avoid mold. In this article we will talk about how to clean a mattress from various contaminants and odors as quickly and effectively as possible.

Features of cleaning mattresses with different fillings

Cleaning at home can completely ruin your mattress.Therefore, you should always read the label, which indicates how the product can and cannot be cleaned.

A mattress filled with cotton wool must be ventilated and turned over. This filler will not deteriorate due to water. But you need to be prepared that the cotton wool will take a long time to dry. Therefore, the less water, the better. In order for the product to last for a long time, regular wet and dry cleaning is required.

Mattresses filled with coconut coir are rapidly gaining popularity. Washing with water is strictly prohibited. You only need to clean it with a vacuum cleaner and knocking it out. The exception is light wet wiping.

Latex mattresses are not afraid of water. For a good washing effect, it needs to be soaked. It dries relatively quickly. But drying should be done exclusively in the fresh air so that the fabrics do not become damp. Ventilation and turning are also required for this type of filler. Usually these are orthopedic mattresses, which, due to their block structure, take a long time to dry, but are completely washed.

How to remove stains from a mattress at home

Each type of stain requires a special approach. Some stains are washed off better in cold water, some in hot water. It is also important to choose a product that will effectively deal with contamination and will not damage the upholstery or filling.

Important! Stains should be removed immediately after they appear. The longer the substance stays on the fabric, the deeper it is absorbed into its fibers.

How to remove fresh blood stains

To remove fresh blood stains, use only cold water. The white will coagulate when in contact with hot water. You can use a meat tenderizer to remove proteins. The rust remover will remove the remaining iron found in the blood.A stain that has just appeared can also be dealt with by cold water with salt dissolved in it. Hydrogen peroxide also works well on fresh blood stains.

How to remove old blood stains

Dried blood stains are extremely difficult to remove. It is unlikely that the tint will be completely eliminated. In order to weaken the shade, you can use a solution that consists of:

• 50 g hydrogen peroxide;
• a tablespoon of salt;
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch.

The product just needs to be applied to the stain without rubbing. When everything is dry, the grains need to be removed with a brush and vacuumed.

How to remove coffee stains

Coffee stains are especially visible. It is also very difficult to remove them, since the coffee completely saturates the fabric. For cleaning, wet washing using liquid or mild soap is required. Also, if the stain is not very old, it can be removed with a saline solution. Drying is mandatory.

How to remove wine stains

Wine dyes fabric reliably. The spot can range from pink to burgundy. Sprinkle baking soda or salt on the stain. The dirt should remain under the substance for half an hour, after which the soda (salt) is removed with a vacuum cleaner. The remaining mark must be treated with dry foam from a cleaning product.

How to clean urine from a mattress

A urine stain is not only visible visually, but also smelled. Therefore, you need to wash a dirty mattress as soon as possible. Regular liquid soap foamed in hot water is best. You can also wash it with salted lemon juice, leaving the mixture on the stain for 2 hours. Cover the old stain with baking soda. The dusted mattress can be left overnight. In the morning, the soda should be collected with a vacuum cleaner.

How to clean a mattress from mold and mildew

Due to excess moisture, mold and mildew appear on the fabric. The main means of protection is drying. Layers of mold and mildew can simply be wiped off. Any remaining spores should be vacuumed up. It is best to wipe the product with a solution of isopropyl alcohol and water. After treatment with the solution, it must be thoroughly rinsed with water. Special disinfectants are quite effective. But a store-bought product will not cope with deposits, since it only kills spores and does not remove dirt.

Rememberthat mold can even cause cancer or tuberculosis.

Cleaning orthopedic mattresses

Washing orthopedic mattresses is not recommended. Due to their large size, they will take too long to dry, which can cause the effects of dampness. Cleaning should be done referring to the filler. Latex ones with a simple structure can be washed, but be sure to leave them out to dry in the sun. Stains can also be removed with store-bought products, which come in a wide variety.

From dust and dust mites

Most often, people shake out the mattress to clean it. Dust is instantly knocked out, just like dust mites. The sun's rays are an excellent disinfectant. But the best way to remove dust particles and mites is with a steam vacuum cleaner. This aqua vacuum cleaner kills ticks with hot steam, and the dust is removed along with evaporated water particles. To completely get rid of ticks, you can use special products that need to treat the entire surface of the product.

Dust can cause many diseases. It is known as a strong allergen, so even a hypoallergenic mattress needs to be shaken out of dust. It is almost impossible to notice ticks, so the product must be regularly knocked out and warmed up in the sun.It is quite difficult to move it and if it is not possible to ventilate it in the fresh air, it is necessary to cover the mattress with a damp sheet, which will prevent dust from spreading throughout the room and slapping the mattress with intense movements. Then, after removing the sheet, let the product “breathe” for a while and dry thoroughly.

How to remove odors from a mattress

Removing odors is always difficult. Usually one remedy is not enough. Old odors are especially difficult to deal with. They are less harsh, but the aroma is therefore not more pleasant. The most common odors are:

• urine of animals and people;
• vomiting;
• mold;
• tobacco smoke.

Each type of odor pollution must be dealt with in different ways.

How to remove urine smell from a mattress

The best solution for getting rid of the smell of fresh urine is a solution of vinegar in a ratio of 1 to 1. They need to soak the stain a little, and the vinegar will absorb all the unpleasant odors. The smell of an old urine stain can be easily removed with laundry soap. You need to wet the stain and rub soap on it. Let the surface remain soapy for about 20 minutes. The soaped area is also moistened with a vinegar solution. After this, the mattress should be wiped with a damp, clean piece of cloth. It is better to dry in the fresh air, under the sun's rays.

How to remove the smell of cat urine

Pet urine is removed from the mattress, just like human urine. But it is advisable to better disinfect the place. The stain is soaked in vinegar, which absorbs odors. When the vinegar is completely dry, sprinkle the area with baking soda. Vinegar should not neutralize the baking soda. Next, the soda needs to be sprayed with the following solution:

• 100 ml peroxide;
• half a teaspoon of liquid soap;
• less than 100 ml of water.

The soda solution should form a foam, which chemically decomposes the urine.

Removing other unpleasant odors

Tobacco smoke is absorbed deep into the fibers of both the filling and the upholstery. The price of soda allows you to completely cover the area of ​​the mattress with it. Dry baking soda on the surface will absorb the smell of smoke. In less than a day, the mattress needs to be vacuumed. To completely remove soda particles, the product can be knocked out.

The smell of mold is dangerous. It can be eliminated with bleach, after which you need to thoroughly rinse the solution. Do not breathe solution vapors. But it should be remembered that chlorine will not only eliminate the smell, but will also bleach the cover or upholstery of the sofa, so you should be careful.

The smell of vomit is very strong and unpleasant. Fighting him is not easy, but it is possible. Usually, several methods are used simultaneously for this. First, the odor is eliminated in the same way as the odor of urine. After this, they are treated with a special cleaning agent for mattresses. In this case, it is necessary to wash it.

All Purpose Cleaner Recipe

If the origin of the stain is unknown, you can use a universal recipe that helps cope with many stains. Ingredients for the solution:

• 200 ml hydrogen peroxide;
• 3 teaspoons of soda;
• a couple of drops of clothes detergent.

The mixture should be poured into a spray bottle and applied to the stain. A fine foam forms, which should remain on the surface for 15 minutes. Rinse off the mixture with plain warm water, slightly wetting the mattress.

Another effective remedy can easily be created. For it you will need in equal proportions:

• lemon acid;
• acetic acid.

Rub the stain with a cotton pad or washcloth. The result is visible already in the process. When there is no longer a hint of dirt, it is better to dry the washed area with a hairdryer, which will evaporate the substance with warm air.Thanks to foaming, many types of stains are successfully removed without leaving a single trace.

How to wash a mattress cover

The cover can be washed only taking into account the composition of the fabric. The tag contains all the information on how to wash the product. If the manufacturer's recommendations allow machine washing, then you can safely do so. Features of the fabric that affect washing must be indicated on the tag (label) of a quality product. You can use regular washing powder or liquid detergent.

The cover can be safely dry cleaned. Specialists know exactly how not to damage the fabric. If washed incorrectly, it may stretch or shrink. But dry cleaners must adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations and take into account all the features of the material.

Attention! To clean items made from jacquard fabric, only dry dry cleaning can be used.

Steam generator and vacuum cleaner for cleaning the mattress

If the house has a steam generator, then removing stains will not be a problem. The main advantage of cleaning with a steam generator is its ability to kill bacteria. It is the bacteria that produce the unpleasant odor. Hot steam quickly kills bacteria and immediately removes them from the fabric. A steam vacuum cleaner can be used to process materials for which wet washing cannot be used.

A vacuum cleaner is necessary for dry cleaning of the surface. It can clean the product from dust, hair and other small debris. Also, you cannot do without a vacuum cleaner if the stain has been covered with soda or salt. Only a vacuum cleaner can completely remove them from the fabric. If cleaning is carried out with a dry odor absorber other than a vacuum cleaner, you need to shake the mattress vigorously. The chemical must be completely eliminated.

Prevention and keeping the mattress clean

Of course, there are measures to prevent the mattress from getting dirty. To ensure its cleanliness, you can:

• Buy a protective case. Waterproof mattress cover. Liquids do not pass into the mattress through the cover. The amount of dust will also be significantly reduced. There are covers that repel dust mites;
• Buy a mattress cover. It will eliminate direct contact of dirt with the surface of the upholstery. Throwing a mattress pad into the washing machine is much easier than cleaning an entire mattress;
• Bed linen and other bedding should be washed at least once a week. This will prevent ticks from appearing;
• The cover and the mattress itself must be vacuumed regularly. At least once a month;
• Airing and turning are mandatory steps to keep the mattress clean.

Airing and turning the mattress

In order for the mattress to last long and safely, there are two measures that must be taken. Every mattress needs to be aired and turned over.

Ventilation prevents the formation of mold, which is hazardous to health. It is better to ventilate in the sun. Its rays disinfect and warm the surface, which ensures rapid evaporation of moisture. If it is not possible to take it outside, you need to position it so that it stands in a draft of open windows. Ventilation should be carried out at least once a month.

For additional ventilation, the mattress needs to be turned over once or twice a month. At the same time, it is advisable to remove dust from the bottom of the bed with a wet cloth. It is better to turn it over with a figure eight. Swap not only the bottom and top of the mattress, but also the placement of the legs and head.

Important! Before turning the mattress over, you need to make sure whether this can be done. Some models are designed to be used on one side.