How to Clean a Mattress to Improve Its Lifespan and Your Air Quality

We spend a third of our lives sleeping. Here's how to make sure you're not experiencing unwanted exposures while you're resting.

Despite daily use, we tend to neglect our mattresses when it comes to the chore cycle. Many of us go years without cleaning theirs, and some admit they don't know how to clean a mattress. With some help from our experts, we offer step-by-step guidance for cleaning your mattress, along with some tips on dealing with memory foam, treating stains and mold, and keeping your mattress cleaner longer.

Why Clean a Mattress?

“A dirty mattress can be a hub of bacteria, as mattresses can accumulate dust mites, bacteria, mold, dead skin, dirt, and different allergens over time,” notes Kathy Cohoon, a cleaning professional at Two Maids and a Mop.

Cleaning expert Michael Rubino, founder of HomeCleanse, adds that keeping your mattress clean improves your well-being and sleep quality, improves the lifespan of the mattress, and promotes better indoor air quality.

How Often to Clean a Mattress

Aim to clean your mattress every six months to avoid major damage or dirt, dust, and dead skin cell buildup, says Cohoon. The process is easier than you think and doesn’t take too long. Plus, if you incorporate the task into a day of deep-cleaning your home, you can work on other projects between mattress-cleaning steps.

“Homeowners should clean their mattresses more often if they notice an uptick in allergy or asthma symptoms," Rubino adds, "or if they find their mattress is losing consistency."

Pro Tip: Buy a new mattress every six to 10 years, depending on how much use it gets.

Read the full article here: https://www.realsimple.com/how-to-clean-a-mattress-6753762