How to Clean a Memory Foam Mattress
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Memory foam mattresses require special care when cleaning. It is true that, thanks to the synthetic material they are made from, they avoid a build-up of mites to a greater extent than spring mattresses, which are made from natural materials. However, they do still need to be cleaned as they also get dirty from daily use. Dust, pollution, sweat or, in some cases, liquid stains, urine or blood can be removed easily enough if you know how. We at OneHowTo.com provide some tips and trick on how to clean a memory foam mattress for any unforeseen event.
Steps to follow:
Before we tell you how to clean a memory foam mattress, you should know that one of the best remedies for mattress upkeep is prevention. Memory foam mattresses get stained just like any other mattress. It can accumulate dust, mites and, human skin. To prevent this, we recommend using a mattress protector.
A mattress protector can be washed in the washing machine without a problem. This prevents a build-up of particles on the mattress itself. This mattress should be washed at least once a month. If you have small children, use a waterproof mattress protector in case they wet the bed or vomit.
In addition to using a mattress protector, it's beneficial to regularly rotate and flip your mattress. This helps to maintain its shape and reduces the chances of wear and tear, ensuring it lasts longer. Also, consider airing out your mattress every few months to keep it fresh.
To remove dust, the best thing to do is to vacuum the memory foam mattress. This should be carried out once a week, at the same time you change the sheets. By doing so, we remove accumulated dust and mites that can cause respiratory allergies.
To let the mattress dry, leave it in a room with ventilation to air it. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight as this may cause it to deteriorate. Similarly, do not dry it by applying heat directly, e.g. hairdryers and heaters.
It's also a good idea to occasionally use a garment steamer on the mattress surface. This not only helps in removing dust but also kills bacteria and mites. Ensure that the mattress dries thoroughly after steaming to prevent mold growth.
To get rid of marks left by drink spillages, you can use soap and water. Use a wrung cloth to prevent wetting the mattress directly, which can lead to its deterioration. If water and soap are not enough to remove the mark, you could apply bicarbonate of soda and leave it for a few minutes for it to work its magic. Then use a well-wrung cloth to wipe it up.
Citrus-based cleaning products can also do the trick if left on top of the stain for five minutes.
For added effectiveness, consider mixing a small amount of vinegar with the soap solution. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and can aid in breaking down tougher stains while neutralizing odors.
When it comes to urine stains, try to clean it up as soon as possible to prevent it from penetrating the mattress. Use an absorbent cloth to minimize moisture. Then, to eliminate any remnants, as well as smells, spray bicarbonate of soda on top and leave on overnight. Vacuum up the remaining dust the following day. OneHowTo provides more tips on how to remove urine from a mattress.
Additionally, you can use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for breaking down urine proteins. This can be especially useful in dealing with persistent odors and stains.
Bloodstains are difficult to remove from all garments, as well as mattresses. Therefore, clean up the stain as soon as possible, before it has a chance to dry. An effective way of doing this is to spray the bloodstain with hydrogen peroxide and leave for a minute before drying it with a cloth. Repeat this as many times as is needed to completely remove the stain.
For stubborn stains, consider using a mixture of cold water and salt, which can help in loosening the dried blood particles. Apply it to the stain and gently blot with a cloth.
For mold stains, leave in the sun for a couple hours. You'll see how the stain disappears almost entirely.
To sanitize the mattress from smells such as smoke, mold or other more penetrating ones, spray the mattress with sodium bicarbonate and leave it to dry. After this, vacuum it and spray with a freshener and change the sheets. This will curb smells.
If the mold persists, consider using a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Spray it lightly over the affected area and allow it to air dry. Vinegar’s acidic properties can help in killing mold spores.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Clean a Memory Foam Mattress, we recommend you visit our Home cleaning category.
