Sleep Hygiene 101: Caring for Your Mattress
Getting a good night’s sleep is vital for both physical and mental health. However, many people don’t realize that taking care of your mattress properly is an important part of sleep hygiene. Your mattress affects your sleep quality, comfort, and support throughout the night. Follow these tips to keep your mattress in deep clean mattress for a better night’s rest.
- Rotate Regularly
You should rotate your mattress 180 degrees every 3-6 months. This helps prevent uneven wear and tear. If you have a two-sided mattress, also flip it over during rotation to evenly distribute use on both sides.
- Use a Mattress Protector
Mattress protectors or covers create a barrier between you and the mattress. They shield against dust mites, allergens, and dead skin cells. A waterproof protector also safeguards against spills, sweat, and other moisture. This keeps the mattress cleaner and more hygienic for a healthier sleep environment.
- Don’t Jump on It
Jumping on the bed may seem fun, but it can damage the mattress springs and materials. This also compacts the padding, negatively affecting comfort. Discourage kids and others from jumping to extend the mattress lifespan.
- Clean Regularly
Vacuum the mattress surface frequently using an upholstery attachment. This removes loose dirt, dust mites, pet dander, and debris before it can accumulate. Spot clean stains immediately with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Let the mattress fully air dry before remaking the bed. Search for mattress cleaning services so that you can get the best cleaning services.
- Air It Out
Make sure to air out or “fluff” your mattress daily by pulling back all bedding. This allows moisture and heat that accumulated overnight to dissipate. Proper air circulation helps prevent mold, mildew, and dust mite growth.
- Use a Mattress Pad
Mattress pads provide an extra layer of cushioning for added comfort and support. They also absorb sweat and body oils, keeping them away from the mattress interior. Look for pads with materials like cotton, wool, or natural latex rather than synthetic fabrics that trap heat.
- Don’t Eat in Bed
Avoid eating or drinking in bed to prevent spills and crumbs from soiling your mattress. The smallest crumbs can attract pests, create odors, and damage mattress materials. Designate your bed as a sleeping space only.
- Replace Your Pillows
Replace pillows every 1-2 years. Over time, pillows lose their shape and support. Old, flattened pillows not only feel uncomfortable but also fail to keep your spine aligned properly. New pillows enhance comfort and support for better rest.
- Watch for Signs of Wear
Inspect your mattress regularly for any sagging, cracks, or indentations. Check for lumps or unevenness that indicate the internal materials are shifting. These are signs that a new mattress may be needed for ideal comfort and support.
- Don’t Overload the Bed
Avoid overcrowding the mattress with people, pets, pillows, blankets, etc. Too much weight stresses the springs and materials, causing premature wear. Stick to a reasonable number of sleepers that leaves space to move comfortably.
- Consider a Mattress Topper
Rotating and airing out may temporarily restore an older mattress, but adding a plush mattress topper can revitalize it more long-term. Look for 3-5 inch toppers with memory foam, latex, wool, or other cushy materials to rejuvenate a worn-out mattress surface.
- Let It Breathe
If storing a mattress for an extended period, do not wrap it tightly in plastic. This traps moisture and heat, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Instead, cover it loosely to allow airflow and keep pests away.
- Stand It Upright
When moving your mattress or storing it long-term, avoid laying it flat. Instead, stand the mattress upright against a wall to maintain its shape and support. Laying it flat for prolonged periods can damage the coiled springs.
- Protect From Pets
Pets can ruin your mattress by clawing, chewing, urine accidents, and bringing in dirt and parasites. Use heavy sheets or specialty pet beds to cover your mattress. Restrict pets from lying on human sleeping areas to prevent costly pet damage.
- Clean Accidents Thoroughly
For urine or other liquid spills, blot gently to absorb as much as possible. Mix water and vinegar to make a cleaning spray. Lightly spritz the stain, blot, and allow to fully dry. Repeat until the stain and odor are completely gone before replacing bedding.
- Know When To Replace
Plan on buying a brand-new mattress every 8-10 years, or earlier if you notice sagging, discomfort, or other signs of wear. Replacing an old, worn-out mattress can significantly improve sleep comfort, support, and health. A high-quality mattress is a worthwhile investment in your rest.
Practicing good sleep hygiene includes maintaining your mattress properly between sheets and bedding. Follow these mattress care tips and look for signs it’s time for a new model. With the right mattress care, your bed will optimally support rejuvenating sleep.
More Tips To Keep Your Mattress Looking New
In addition to routine mattress care, there are a few extra steps you can take to keep your mattress looking its best:
- Use a mattress cover – A fitted mattress cover not only protects your mattress from spills and stains, it also helps keep the surface clean and free of dust and debris. Look for a stretchy, breathable cover that won’t change the feel of your mattress.
- Vacuum regularly – Use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum to gently remove surface dirt, skin flakes, and other contaminants from the mattress. Vacuum every few weeks or as needed. Hire a mattress disinfection service provider regularly to clean your mattress.
- Spot clean stains – For fresh stains like food, beverages, or blood, dab the spot gently with a clean cloth and mild soap diluted in cold water. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
- Deodorize periodically – For stubborn odors, lightly sprinkle baking soda over the mattress surface. Let sit for an hour or more before vacuuming up. The baking soda will help absorb and disinfect mattress odors between cleanings.
- Let it air out – Pull back all bedding so the mattress is fully exposed. Allowing it to air out for 30-60 minutes prevents moisture buildup that can create odors and stains.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you deep clean a mattress?
Vacuum the surface, spot treat stains, and use a steam cleaner to penetrate deep into the mattress fibers to sanitize.
How to sanitize a mattress?
Spray hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol over the surface and let sit 20 mins before air drying to kill germs and bacteria.
How to disinfect a mattress?
Make a diluted bleach solution of 1 tbsp bleach to 1 qt water and wipe down the mattress surface to disinfect. Rinse and air dry fully.
How to protect your mattress?
Use a mattress protector, keep pets off, avoid eating and jumping on it, and clean up spills/stains right away.
How to protect mattress?
Rotate regularly, vacuum often, spot clean stains quickly, and consider using a mattress topper to protect the surface from wear.
Conclusion
By giving your mattress some periodic TLC, you can keep it looking fresh, clean and inviting for years to come. Make mattress care part of your regular changing and washing of bed linens. A well-maintained mattress promotes better sleep hygiene and a healthier bedroom environment.