Do you know the phrase “sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite”? That’s not just a common saying that originated from nowhere. No, it was first said to have come to light in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Back then, it was common for mattresses to be held up by rope rather than wooden slats and these ropes needed to be tightened to ensure that they wouldn’t sag onto the floor. At the time, mattresses were made from straw, feathers, corn, and pea husks, which are incredibly attractive to bed bugs. Although a mattress today now sports a very different look, bed bugs are still around today and can create a huge problem for those who don’t look after and care for their mattresses. And while cleaning a mattress isn’t as easy as throwing it in the washing machine, there are ways to clean it that don’t take too much time or effort. Here, we have listed 5 easy ways to clean your mattress effectively.

Woman stripping bed sheets from mattress.

1. Strip The Bedding & Wash

First, strip the bed. You must remove any bed linen from your mattress. This includes fitted sheets, flat sheets, and mattress protectors. Duvets and pillows can be placed on one side of the bedroom when you are taking these mattress sheets off. All bed linen and sheets should be washed at a high temperature of at least 60 degrees to kill viruses and bacteria. Some sheets however can not withstand a high temperature and should be washed at a lower temperature. Always read your sheet’s care label to find the exact temperature recommendation before proceeding.

Natural Cashmere Mattress from EZ Living Furniture.

2. Vacuum The Mattress

Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to gently hoover the surface of your mattress. Always take a few seconds to check over the attachment to make sure it is clean before you begin. Once you’ve given the mattress a once-over on the top of the mattress, start on the sides. Make sure to pay particular attention to grooves, edges and corners as this is where a great deal of dust and skin cells will build up and where most people neglect to clean.

Elite Comfort Mattress at EZ Living Furniture.

3. Remove Mattress Smells Using A Steam Cleaner

Over time, a mattress will take on odours and collect dirt and dust, leading to bacteria. To prevent these from penetrating the mattress in the first place, use a mattress protector. If it’s already too late, there is a simple way to remove these stomach-churning smells and particles. Invest in a steam cleaner and use it over the entire mattress (including the sides). This is a simple technique that will eliminate dust mites and unwanted smells. A steam cleaner is safe to use on a mattress because it will not add a lot of moisture to it.

Fabric care kit at EZ Living Furniture.

4. Spot-Clean With A Stain Remover

It might come as a surprise to learn that a mattress can never really be fully cleaned which is why it is so important to protect it from the very beginning. Mattress protectors are highly durable and resistant fitted sheets that fit over the entire mattress. They protect a mattress against bacteria, dirt, and moisture. Some variations are also waterproof, meaning any spills or accidents are not a concern because they will not penetrate through the protector to the mattress. Still, this advice might be a little too late for some people who are now dealing with a stain on their mattresses. To treat any stains, it's best to spot clean using a stain removal kit (such as a fabric cleaning kit for sofas).

  • Using the stain remover solution provided, dab lightly on the stain. 
  • Allow to sit before gently wiping over with a lightly damp cloth.
  • Let it dry naturally.


 The trick here is to use as little cleaning solution and water as possible.

Gel Hybrid 4000 Mattress at EZ Living Furniture.

5. Air Your Mattress

This step is particularly important after spot-treating your mattress but in general too. A mattress needs to dry fully before the bed sheets are put back on. If this isn’t allowed to happen, mould spores can develop and lead to allergies and breathing problems. In addition to this, airing your mattress should become a regular part of your daily routine. Instead of making your bed as soon as you wake up, remove the duvet. This will expose the mattress with its sheets still on. Doing this small task allows moisture which has accumulated throughout the night due to body heat and sweat to evaporate from the mattress. Carrying out this chore every morning will keep your mattress smelling fresh.

New Lir Mattress at EZ Living Furniture.

Now that you have all of the necessary information needed to clean your mattress, it’s time to start shopping for that essential mattress protector, if you haven’t already. Browse our full range of mattress protectors here. 

Did you know? If your mattress is past its peak - we offer a mattress recycling service when you purchase your new mattress with us. All you have to do is add the mattress disposal service to your order, pay the additional fee, and your old mattress will be collected when your new mattress is delivered. It is a seamless and stress-free process. 

Interesting Read: How To Know It’s Time To Get A New Mattress.

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