Mattress Maintenance Tips: How to Extend the Life of Your Investment
Regular spot cleaning, rotation, and vacuuming will help keep your mattress in good condition for many years of comfort
Understanding Your Mattress
Although we often take our mattresses for granted, they deserve our attention and care.
To appreciate the importance of regular mattress maintenance, you must consider the conditions your sleeping area is subjected to.
It’s unpleasant to think about, but mattresses are a collection spot for sebum (body oils), sweat, saliva, dead skin and the dust mites it attracts. The interior of any mattress can become a thriving environment for mould, yeast, and bacteria. These icky substances will quickly accumulate if ignored.
Regular Cleaning
mattress cleaning is vital for keeping a clean and healthy room. Mattress cleaning is more than just washing the sheets atop the bed. While changing your bedding once a week is important, you should also clean and inspect the mattress for any irregularities.
Just because your mattress appears clean doesn’t mean it is! Cleaning your mattress and bed sheets helps eliminate many of the allergens and contaminants you don’t see.
Vacuuming
Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to go over every part of the mattress, including the sides. Be sure to focus on the crevices and seams where dust mites are likely to hide. It’s good to vacuum your mattress at least once every few weeks.
If allergies are a known problem for you or your sleeping partner, a vacuum with a HEPA filter may prove beneficial, as will the purchase of an air purifier for your bedroom.

Spot Cleaning
Accidents can and will occur! Dealing with spills and stains right away is critical for protecting your mattress. The longer a contaminant is ignored, the harder it will be to remove.
When a spill happens, quickly blot it with a clean cloth. Soak up as much liquid as possible without further rubbing the stain into the mattress. You can use a mild detergent mixed with water on fresh stains.
If you’re treating older stains on a white mattress, the following homemade recipe can help.
- 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide
- 3 tablespoons of baking soda
- 2 drops of liquid dish soap
Add these ingredients to an empty spray bottle and swirl them around within the container. Spray down the stained section of the mattress. Allow the solution to soak for approximately 10 minutes before blotting dry. If your mattress is dark in colour, be advised this solution could noticeably lighten the tone.
Deodorizing
If you encounter any older stains, sprinkling 1-3 cups of baking soda over the surface of the exposed area will help absorb any lingering smells. Baking soda can sit on the mattress anywhere from one hour to an entire day. For best results, the longer it sits, the more effective the baking soda will be. Make sure it is vacuumed up thoroughly before reapplying the sheets and bedding.
Deep Cleaning
In addition to regular spot cleaning, many people will perform a deeper clean every 6 months.
If your bedroom has a window that opens, exposure to sunlight and fresh air can help with airing your mattress out.
The sun’s UV rays disrupt the cell structures of dust mites and bacteria, effectively killing their growth. Many people will bring their mattress outdoors and rest it in a clean, dry place to sit in the sun. Roughly 6 hours is recommended for proper disinfection.
Others will use a steam cleaner for older stains or for attaining a deeper clean. However, this isn’t advised for newer memory foam mattresses or latex products. If you opt for steam cleaning, ensure you don’t sleep on the mattress again until it is completely dry.
Professional mattress cleaners are available for hire if you want to ensure the deepest clean possible. Your mattress retailer can also advise on deep cleaning tricks based on the particular style you own.
Protecting Your Mattress
Use a Mattress Protector
A mattress protector is vital because it acts as a shield between your fitted sheet and the mattress. It serves as an extra layer of defence against spills, stains, dust mites, and allergens.
There are different styles and materials used for mattress protectors. All makes are designed to do the same thing: prevent the degradation of your mattress components.
A mattress protector also helps you keep your warranty valid. Many mattress warranties insist that a mattress protector be used. This makes buying a mattress protector a wise and cost-effective decision.
Keep Pets Off the Bed
Pets can introduce dirt, pollen, and other contaminants to the bedroom that build up on the mattress. Their claws or tendency to lick and chew could also pose a threat to the integrity of the bedding.
If your pet has already laid claim to your bed, you’ll need to be more aware of the pet-related issues listed above. Don’t forget that your pet may be spending time on your bed when you’re not home, which makes proactive cleaning extra important.
Proper Handling
When transporting your mattress to a new location (preferably inside a sealed mattress bag) be sure to maintain the mattress’s shape. It’s especially important if the mattress contains innerspring coils. Even folding up memory foam and latex mattresses for a few hours while travelling isn’t recommended.
Flipping/Rotating Your Mattress
Not all mattresses are designed to be flipped over and slept on on either side. Still, all mattresses can and should be rotated occasionally.
When you rotate the mattress, your weight is spread out more evenly across the surface. Rotating helps avoid wear and body impressions in certain areas, especially for side sleepers who press harder on their hips and shoulders.
Make sure to check your mattress manufacturer’s instructions. They will tell you how often to flip and rotate your mattress, as this changes based on the style and make. Generally speaking, rotating your mattress once or twice a year is sufficient.
Avoid Jumping on the Bed
Also, jumping on top of the mattress jeopardizes the integrity of the surrounding bed frame. Our advice? Leave the bouncing for the trampoline to avoid accidental breakage.
Managing Humidity and Temperature
Unfortunately, these conditions also affect the cleanliness of your mattress.
Controlling Humidity Levels
High humidity enables dust mite populations to thrive. These microscopic organisms can trigger allergic reactions that could negatively affect the complexion of your skin or even your breathing.
That’s why it’s recommended that people in warm, damp environments use a dehumidifier during the wettest months to keep humidity at a manageable level.
Opening windows or using fans can also move the air and reduce the effects of household moisture on your furnishings.
Temperature Regulation
Temperature control in your bedroom is important. It helps with comfort and also preserves your mattress. Drastic temperature changes can affect certain mattress materials. Memory foam, in particular, is sensitive to heat.
When it is warm, memory foam becomes softer. In cooler weather, it gets firmer. While this change is normal, too much heat for a long time can break down the foam, shortening the mattress’s life.
To keep your mattress in good shape:
- Keep the room temperature steady.
- Don’t position your mattress near heat sources like radiators.
- Make sure there is good airflow to stop heat from building up.
Doctors typically recommend temperatures of 15 – 21°C for optimal sleeping conditions.
Monitoring for Signs of Wear
With all the bedding removed, check for visible damage, such as tears, rips, or fraying along the edges. These conditions can worsen with continued use. Are there any new stains? Tiny red or brown spots can indicate the presence of bed bugs.
Is your nose detecting an unpleasant odour around any part of your bed? It could suggest a buildup of mould or bacteria, often caused by moisture retention.
Check for Sagging or Indentations
Listen for Noises
Whether it’s the bed frame or the mattress, structural issues aren’t something you ever want to sleep on.
Know When It’s Time to Replace
If you’re not sleeping well, it may have less to do with what’s on your mind and more to do with the quality of the mattress you’re using. If your mattress is no longer comfy, you owe it to yourself not to deprive yourself of any more restless nights.
Replacing your old, worn-out mattress is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make for your everyday happiness and vitality.
If you’ve received 7 – 10 years’ worth of use out of your current mattress, consider it time to start exploring the latest mattress offerings in the market today.
Conclusion
Proper mattress maintenance is a good idea for getting the most out of your bed. Regular cleaning and inspections ensure you get the most out of your new bedroom furnishing. Using a mattress protector will also help you maximize the mattress’s value and improve the quality of your sleep.
If you’re looking for a fine selection of mattresses, bed frames, bedside tables, and dressers to match, Q Living Furniture in Victoria and Richmond, B.C., is a terrific place to start your search.
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So, what are you waiting for? Give your house that oomph with chic and contemporary furniture from Q Living!
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