How to Clean Your Mattress Naturally

Cleaning Your Bed Thoroughly

Just as you wash your sheets regularly, it's a good idea to clean your mattress, although fortunately not nearly as often.

1. Strip the Bed

   Strip all the bedding from your mattress, and toss it into the washing machine while you work.

2. Vacuum the Mattress

   Vacuum the top of your mattress, the sides, and underneath the bed. Now lift the mattress (get someone to help if it’s difficult), and vacuum between the mattress and the box springs.

3. Sprinkle Baking Soda

   Mix 1 cup of baking soda with a few drops of lavender essential oil in a bowl, and then put the mixture in a strainer. Shake the fragranced baking soda evenly over the entire mattress. Leave the baking soda on the bed until your bedding is finished washing and drying. Vacuum the baking soda off the mattress.

4. Treat Stains

   Spot-clean any stains on the mattress by mixing a paste of baking soda, salt, and water. Rub the stain with the paste, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Wipe away with a damp, clean cloth.

5. Remake the Bed

   Remake your bed with clean linens.

Removing Urine and Sweat Stains

Bedwetting happens plus sweat produces similar yellowish stains, and over time, it’s common for mattresses to become discolored and musty smelling from sweat.

1. Create a Cleaning Solution

   Mix 1 cup of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons of baking soda, and just a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap. Stir until the baking soda dissolves.

2. Soak the Mattress

   Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, and then spray the entire stained area of the mattress, letting the solution soak into the mark.

3. Let the Mattress Dry

   Leave the solution to air dry for at least an hour. If you want to speed things up, set a blowing fan near the mattress, or use your blow dryer on the cool setting.

Removing Blood Stains

If your mattress gets stained with blood, treat the stain as quickly as possible with the following steps.

1. Prep the Cleaning Solution

   Fill a spray bottle with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide.

2. Spray the Mattress

   Spray the bloodstain, and let the solution sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Then, blot with a clean towel. Repeat spraying and blotting the stain until it is gone.

3. Let It Dry

   Let the mattress air dry, or use your blow dryer to speed up the process.

Removing Vomit Stains

Acting quickly is key to eliminating the odor and stain from vomit. Here's what to do.

1. Prep the Cleaning Solution

   Mix a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.

2. Treat the Mattress

   After removing any solids, spray the soiled area of the mattress, and then blot with a clean towel. Continue spraying and blotting until the mark is gone.

3. Apply Baking Soda

   Sprinkle a little bit of baking soda over the treated area. After an hour, vacuum away the baking soda, and let the mattress air dry.



Tips for Keeping Your Mattress Clean Longer

• At a minimum, you should clean the mattress every six months. However, if you have the time, clean it thoroughly every three months. If there's a stain, treat it immediately to avoid setting.
• Change the sheets at least once a week to prevent dead skin—and its ramifications, such as dust mites—from building up on the bed.
• Invest in a mattress cover. This will protect moisture from getting into the mattress, which will help prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
• Regularly use a vacuum with a HEPA filter on the mattress to suck up dust mites, using the crevice tool to get into tight spots. To get rid of odors, sprinkle baking soda on the mattress first and let it sit for 10 minutes.
• Flip your mattress every three months. If it's a pillowtop mattress, rotate it from top to bottom every six months.