Your mattress is only as clean as its surrounding environment. If you lead a messy life, chances are that your mattress may not be as clean as it can be. And with potential allergic reactions caused by dust mites, dead skin cells and oils, and even mold and mildew, your sleep and ultimately your health can be affected. Here are some tips to keep your mattress clean over the course of its lifespan.
Wash your sheets, blankets and pillows regularly – your sheets as well as your comforters are porous, so over time sweat and dust will permeate them and eventually reach your mattress. Sheets directly between you and the bed should definitely be washed once a week, while other items can be washed monthly or as frequently as you prefer.
Use dust mite covers – covering your mattress and pillows with these will delay the growth of allergens, but they are not a permanent solution. Plastic covers work best, but are crinkly and slippery – silk and wool is preferred, but these will require washing over time as well.
Wash your mattress – every six months or so, take all the sheets and covers off, vacuum your mattress and use a mild cleansing solution to wipe it down. Don’t go overboard and douse your mattress with moisture – this will just promote the growth of mold and mildew. You actually want your mattress as dry as possible.
Buy an anti-microbial mattress – mattresses like Tempur-Pedic are actually hypoallergenic and highly resistant to allergens. Natural latex mattresses are also an excellent option as they are derived from plants, are not synthetic and are eco-friendly.
Try a professional mattress cleaning service – if it’s been a few years since your last cleaning, then you may want (or need) to start with this! But if you care for your mattress properly, you won’t need anyone else to clean it.
Once you have cleaned your mattress, you will want to keep it that way. So don’t forget to regularly dust your living space, vacuum every few days, clean your windows or even install air filters. Every little thing will count when it comes to keeping your mattress hygienic and keeping your overall environment healthy.