People may easily overlook mattress cleaning during household cleaning but it plays an important role in your comfort and the quality of your sleep. While most of us wash our pillowcases and sheets at the very least, let us not forget the mattress is the foundation and can collect sweat , skin cells, oils, and even stains and become smelly.
So how frequently should we clean the mattress? You should ideally clean and maintain your mattress weekly or monthly , while you should deep clean it every 6 to 12 months. The frequency you should clean the mattress depends on the spills that occur, how often the mattress is used, the level of humidity and how much a person may sweat.
The main goal of mattress deep cleaning is to maintain a fresh and safe sleeping space. This complete guide explains you should clean your mattress why professional mattress cleaning may be necessary, the effects on frequency, and how you should maintain your mattress between cleanings.
The Importance of Mattress Cleaning
Your mattress may appear to be clean, but over time it may actually collect particles that aren’t always visible to the naked eye. Each time you go to sleep, your body comes into direct contact with the mattress. At that time, your body transfers sweat, skin cells, body oils and moisture to the mattress.
In addition, to these, dust can settle into the mattress and other debris may be collected if you do not clean and maintain the mattress regularly.
Regular mattress hygiene is important because it not only gets the mattress ready for bed, but it helps with the stains and smells that occur over time. It also helps maintain a healthy and clean sleeping environment.
Having a mattress routine is not about doing a deep clean every week. It is more about maintenance, doing spot cleans, and of course doing a deep clean when the mattress calls for it.
How Frequently Do You Need to Clean your Mattress?
Most households should deep clean their mattresses every six to twelve months. That is not to say that this is the case for every mattress.
Some situations require you to deep clean your mattress more frequently. more frequently. Thinking about things like heavy sweat, having pets that sleep on the bed, children that use the bed, eating in bed, visible stains, smells that do not go away, persistent dust, and allergies. Add to that having a humid bedroom, a mattress that is used daily, and a mattress that has not been cleaned in a while.
A mattress that is rarely used as a guest mattress would warrant less frequent deep cleans.
The most important thing is to think about your mattress, and not to put a hard timer on cleans just because of a list someone else made.
A Simple Guide to Mattress Cleaning Frequency
Getting a simple cleaning schedule makes the world of a difference when it comes to a healthy and clean mattress.
Every Few Months
Check the mattress pad for staining, odors, dirt, moisture, or visible build up. Spot clean if needed, following the instructions for the cleaning of the cover.
Every 6 to 12 Months
Consider a thorough mattress cleaning.
When Needed
Don’t wait for your regular cleaning date for large spills, strong odors, and visible soiling. Use appropriate cleaning methods.
This approach will help keep your mattress cleaner throughout the year.
Factors That Will Determine How Frequently You Should Clean Your Mattress
Every household has a different routine and thus, a different workable cleaning schedule. Different factors affect how often you should clean your mattress.
Frequency of Use
How often you use your mattress determines the frequency of the cleaning that your mattress requires.
Sleeping Sweat
Nighttime sweat can create moisture that may become problematic, especially in the summer or if you keep the bedroom closed.
Bed Pets
You have to increase mattress cleaning if you have a pet that sleeps on the mattress.
Pets carry so much outdoor dirt and debris on their fur that it’s almost impossible to avoid having them bring it all into the bedroom, including onto the bed. Vacuuming regularly and using a good mattress protector will help keep a mattress cleaner between professional cleans or deep cleans.
Children
Children are much more likely to cause spills, stains, and moisture damage to mattresses. If children use the mattress, you should inspect it more frequently and deal with spills immediately in order to avoid damage.
Allergies and Dust Concerns
If there is someone in the family with allergies to dust, you may need to clean the mattress more frequently.
Vacuuming, washing bedding, using a mattress protector, and scheduling regular deep cleans will help keep the sleeping environment much more pleasant.
Stains and Spills
Leaving a mattress after a spill untreated allows the liquid to soak into the fabric of the mattress and become embedded beyond treatment.
There are many factors that will determine the best course of treatment for a spill on a particular type of mattress. Always check the manufacturers care instructions first.
How Often Should You Professionally Clean a Mattress?
Most families find that it is good to schedule a professional clean every 6-12 months, but some families will need more frequent cleanings.
A professional clean may warrant your attention for the following reasons
- Deep stains
- Odours
- Heavy surface soiling
- Moisture damage
- Long term build up
If your family has had your mattress for a long time and you have not deep cleaned it, then professional clean may be indicated. The same holds true for tough to treat stains.
Professional cleaners have many types of special equipment built to clean all types of mattresses.
Before you clean the mattress, you have to identify the material to determine if you should be using any moisture or cleaning solution. All mattresses aren’t the same and should not be treated equally.
What Does Professional Mattress Cleaning Include?
Professional cleaning services do several things to clean a mattress, depending on the state of a mattress.
Analysis
Each mattress is checked for stains, odors, and fabric type, among other things.
Pre-Maintenance
Dust and unwanted materials at the surface of the mattress are removed.
Treatment of Specific Stains
Each stain requires a specific treatment.
Deep Treatment
Once the surface of the mattress is done, the material is cleaned using specific machines.
Moisture, Extraction or Low-Moisture Technique
The method employed depends on the type of mattress.
Drying
It is important to let the mattress dry once cleaning is done before putting bedding back on.
If you want to learn more, check out:
Professional Mattress Cleaning vs DIY: Which Is Better?
Mattress Cleaning Melbourne: How Often Is It Needed?
Different things affect how often you clean mattresses. Some of these things include seasonal changes, the bedroom ventilation, and how many pets and kids you have.
When choosing mattress cleaning Melbourne, it is important to consider the condition of your mattress rather than following a routine based on a calendar.
A Mattress Used Every Night Requires Regular Mattress Maintenance And Deep Cleaning.
A mattress used every night will see more wear and build up grime and dirt at an accelerated rate. As such, a mattress used everyday will require mattress maintenance more frequently and will benefit from deep cleaning more often. Visible stains, smells, and years of neglect are all signs indicating that a mattress is overdue for a deep cleaning.
The Importance Of Professional Mattress Cleaning
The idea behind professional mattress cleaning is to augment your mattress maintenance schedule rather than replace it.
When Is Your Mattress Is Due For Cleaning
There are some warning signs to watch for on your mattress to see if it requires cleaning before the usual six or twelve month time period is due.
Signs To Clean You Mattress
Some signs may indicate that your mattress needs to be cleaned before the next regularly scheduled cleaning (six or twelve months).
Visible Stains
Stains from food, drink, or spots that are visible should warrant a cleaning.
Unpleasant Smells
A mattress that has developed a bad smell even from changing the sheets shows that deeply cleaning it is necessary.
Dust
A mattress that is neglected from normal cleaning and vacuuming will accumulate dust.
Pet Hair and Dirt
If pets sleep on the bed, hair and dirt can buildup and justify cleaning the bed more.
Moisture/Damp
A mattress should never be damp. This will lead to odors that are certainly bad.
Long Time No Clean
Even if a mattress looks clean, sleeping on the mattress dirt and debris will build up from not being cleaned.
How To Maintain Your Mattress Between Deep Cleanings
Professional mattress cleaning at regular intervals is important for good mattress care, but equally important is practicing good mattress maintenance between professional mattress cleanings.
Vacuum the Mattress Regularly
First, choose an attachment that is suited for vacuuming the mattress. Pay careful attention to edges and seams where dust may accumulate.
Clean Bedding Frequently
Make sure you clean your bedding frequently to help clean the mattress and avoid the build up of skin cells, sweat, dust, and body oils.
A Mattress Protector is a Good Idea
It is a cheap addition to the mattress that can protect from sweat, spills, and stains.
Make Sure You Open the Windows
Reduce humidity by opening your windows to help moisture build up less.
Spills Happen
Act quickly and absorb the spill to avoid the liquid being soaked into the mattress. Avoid the cleaning method permitted that may require saturation if your manufacturer does not.
Excess Water Isn’t a Good Thing
It is nearly impossible to completely remove excess water and may cause dry spots on the mattress. Always consider the safe barriers and methods permitted by the manufacturer.
Do you Vacuum Your Mattress?
Vacuuming your mattress is essential for the upkeep of the mattress.
you should vacuum your mattress regularly to remove dirt from the surface and to help hold off professional cleanings.
Use the mattress upholstery attachment when you vacuum your mattress in nature to avoid pressing onto the mattress.
Dry Cleaning Your Mattress vs Steam Cleaning
Different mattresses may require different cleaning methods so always use the proper cleaning method needed for your mattress.
Mattresses suitable for steam or hot water extraction cleaning can provide deeper cleaning. However, moisture control is important and the mattress must be able to dry fully.
The most appropriate cleaning method depends on:
- Type of mattress fabric and construction
- Type and location of stains
- Specified manufacturer instructions
- Moisture absorbancy of the fabric
- Mattress cleaning needs
Having the right amount of moisture is critical to getting the cleaning results you are looking for without potentially causing damage.
Can Over-Cleaning Damage a Mattress?
Yes. Excessive cleaning causes the breakdown of the parts of the mattress.
Foams, fabrics and specialized mattress constructions require special attention.
Mattress cleaning service should be taken as a maintenance activity and not as a frequent cleaning activity.
Before using steam, water, chemicals, equipment for mattress cleaning, it is important to see the care instructions and manufacturer’s recommendations.
How to Keep Your Mattress Fresh for Longer
The following routine helps to reduce the need for frequent cleaning:
Use the manufacturer’s mattress care instructions and regular inspections of the mattress.
Get the mattress cleaned by a professional when needed.
Maintenance habits like using a mattress protector, vacuuming, and washing bedding regularly can make a big difference.
Letting the mattress air out and avoiding spills, eating and drinking on the bed can also help keep your mattress looking and smelling brand new.
Arranging Deep Cleaning for Mattresses and other Bedroom Fabrics
Mattress cleaning maintains the bedroom as a whole as it should.
Dust and particles accumulate in carpets and all kinds of fabrics and linens, from curtains to cushions, so it’s equally important to clean these surfaces to create a healthy overall environment for the bedroom.
For more cleaning tips, see:
For bedrooms with fabric or upholstered furniture, you should also clean the upholstery regularly,
Upholstery Cleaning Wollert Guide
Common Mistakes When Cleaning a Mattress
There are some cleaning errors that can worsen the problems with a mattress.
Mistakes such as over-wetting
There is a risk of creating a moisture problem within the mattress as it is difficult to dry a wet mattress.
Excessive use of strong chemicals
Strong chemicals may result in fabrics and the mattress deterioration.
Failure to follow the care instructions
Failure to follow the care instructions by the manufacturer is not a good idea.
Covering a wet mattress
A mattress should not be covered with sheets/blankets until completely dry.
Scrubbing stains
Aggressively scrubbing a stain can result in it spreading and damage the fabric.
Delaying stain treatment
The longer the stain is left, the more difficult it is to remove.
How long does mattress cleaning take?
The time for mattress cleaning depends on size, the state of the mattress, method of cleaning, stains present, equipment, as well as the depth of cleaning required. A maintenance clean may be quick, but more extensive cleaning may take longer.
Drying time is a major factor and may differ from cleaning method. Low moisture cleans may be quicker than method that introduce moisture and require time for the mattress to dry and additional ventilation.
Be sure to ask your cleaning professional about expected dry times before the service.
How Often Should You Replace a Mattress?
There are different components to proper mattress care, cleaning and replacement being two of them.
Cleaning your mattress on a regular basis prolongs the freshness of your mattress. However, a mattress that has exceeded its usefulness cannot be brought back to life through cleaning.
You may want to consider replacing a mattress when you see the following:
- Significant Sagging
- Permanent structural Damage
- Severe Wear
- Discomfort
- Damaged/Broken components
- Poor Support
The usability of a mattresshew depends heavily on construction, quality, usage, and care.
A Quick Mattress Cleaning Guide
If you want a simple routine, you can follow this:
Weekly:
Vacuum mattress and wash bedding
Monthly:
Look for odors, moisture, signs of wear, and check for stains
Every 3-6 months :
Check mattress condition and wash the protector
Every 6-12 months:
Consider a mattress cleaning or deep mattress clean depending on use and condition
Immediately: Address moisture, stains, and spills
you can alter the schedule depending on your households needs.
Final Thoughts
As for cleaning your mattress how often should you do it? A good rule of thumb for most households is to consider a deep mattress clean every 6-12 months, while you follow the rest of the recommended cleaning routine throughout the year . However, if your household has people or pets that will be more harsh on the mattress it may be suitable to increase the frequency of your cleaning.
A combination of regular mattress maintenance and periodic professional mattress cleaning is the best strategy. Not only does cleaning your mattress on a regular basis decrease odor, but it also reduces dirt and stain buildup.
Before cleaning your mattress, always check for the manufacturer instructions to avoid using cleaning methods which are not appropriate for your mattress. Be consistent and care for your mattress and it will remain comfortable longer.
FAQs
How often do you think cleaning your mattress is necessary?
An approximate standard is to have your mattress cleaned thoroughly every 6 to 12 months. However, spot cleaning and vacuuming must be done frequently.
Can I clean my mattress every month?
You should perform vacuuming as a light maintenance measure once a month; however, deep cleaning should not be done monthly. Some cleaning methods or excessive use of moisture may damage your mattress.
How frequently should I have my mattress professionally cleaned?
Having your mattress professionally cleaned every 6 to 12 months is good standard for most households. More frequent cleaning may be necessary if you have household members who are children or pets, if there are frequent heavy stains, sweating, odors that are persistent, or if there are stains that are heavy.
Is professional mattress cleaning justifiable?
Most households have a great justification for professional cleaning of their mattresses when there are stains that have become stubborn, strong odors, an accumulation of dirt, or when home maintenance has not been adequate to provide the cleaning needed.
Should I vacuum my mattress every month?
Vacuuming your mattress every month should be part of your regular mattress maintenance.
How often should I wash my mattress protector?
Follow your protector’s washing instructions. Most mattress protectors that are washable are better off being washed fairly frequently, especially if you use them every night.
What should I do if I spill something on my mattress?
Time is of the essence with spills! Act quickly to blot the spill and try to avoid getting the area wet to prevent further spreading of the liquid. Then follow the stain removal instructions that came with your mattress.
Is steam cleaning safe for every mattress?
No. Steam cleaning is not safe for all mattresses. The protection of the mattress has to be considered along with the instructions given by the manufacturer prior to any cleaning method being selected.
What are some ways I can avoid letting my mattress get stale between professional cleans?
Vacuum your mattress at least once a week. Put a mattress protector on it. Wash your bedding regularly. Let your bedroom air out. Avoid eating in bed. Treat spills immediately.
Can regular mattress cleaning make a mattress last longer?
Cleaning regular washing and maintenance of a mattress can help reduce staining and the deterioration of the surface from general use. Nothing can stop normal mattress deterioration.
