How to perfectly clean your mattress to get rid of dirt and allergens: 7 important tips

A mattress can become a real breeding ground for bacteria, germs, and dust mites. Common allergens settle on the surface – and we literally breathe them all night long. This can lead to a number of symptoms, including nasal congestion, coughing, allergic reactions, and worsening of respiratory problems such as asthma.

It's best to choose a mattress with hypoallergenic properties, but even that won't be safe without regular cleaning. Experts tell you how to clean your mattress at home.

What are allergens and how do they get on the mattress?

First, let's understand what allergens are and how they affect sleep. Allergens are a type of antigen that causes an allergic reaction in some people. They can come from pollen, dust, pet dander, mold spores, and more.

Sometimes the symptoms can be invisible or mild. They typically include a runny nose, cough, itchy skin and eyes, and an upset stomach. Allergic reactions to dust mites can trigger asthma attacks. Regular cleaning can help reduce allergen levels, especially during the summer months.

How to clean your mattress

One of the quickest and easiest ways to remove allergens from your mattress is to vacuum it regularly. A HEPA filter is the best solution because it traps allergens and prevents them from circulating in the air.

To get the best quality of sleep, try to wash your bedding weekly. Without regular washing, allergens will penetrate deep into the mattress fibers, making them harder to remove. Experts advise washing bedding at a temperature of 60 °C to kill bacteria and dust mites.

However, it is not necessary to make the bed. Studies show that this can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Sheets trap moisture that we have lost during the night, which provides an ideal environment for dust mites to live and feed. After sleeping, open the windows to improve ventilation and leave the blinds open as the UV rays of daylight will provide natural disinfection.

Baking soda will help keep your mattress clean and fresh as it can absorb moisture and deodorize unpleasant odors. Baking soda is a great weapon against dust mites. Take some baking soda, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, and mix. Use a flour sieve to sprinkle the mixture evenly over the surface of the mattress. Wait a few hours and remove the abrasive particles with a vacuum cleaner.

A humid environment is ideal for the development of mold, which is another common allergen. If there is fresh liquid on your bed, blot it up and then use a simple cleaning solution consisting of one part water, one part white vinegar, and a few drops of mild detergent. Spray the solution on the area and wipe it off with a damp cloth after about 30 minutes. Never wet the mattress and always wait until it is completely dry before going to bed.

Steam cleaning is one of the most effective ways to remove allergens. Allergy sufferers should try to steam clean their mattress at the beginning of each new season. It uses high-temperature steam to kill any dirt, allergens, mold, and bacteria that have gotten on the mattress. Steam cleaning is also a good way to get rid of dust mites and bed bugs, as neither pest can tolerate high temperatures.

Finally, you can treat the surface with an anti-allergenic spray. To do this, simply take a clean spray bottle and mix one part water with one part alcohol. Shake this mixture and then spray lightly over the surface of the mattress.

Thealcohol will disinfect the mattress and kill allergens. But do not use this liquid if you have a bed made of memory foam or latex, as these materials are very sensitive to chemicals. Before applying alcohol to the mattress, test it in a small area to make sure it does not damage or discolor the fabric.

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