They say you spend about 26 years of your life sleeping. Between the lounging, sitting, eating, not sleeping (if you catch our drift…) and the actual sleeping, that’s a whole lot of time spent on top of a mattress.
So while things like the carpet, toilet seat and benchtop might get a regular thorough deep cleaning, we reckon it’s time we paid a little more attention to the mattress, too.
Is it okay to wash a mattress?
Mattresses shouldn’t be washed per se, but they should definitely be cleaned. Even if you use a protector like a mattress topper, cleaning a mattress should be a semi-regular part of your routine. Between the millions of dead skin cells, dust mites, body oil, hair and other nasties we would rather not say, it’s commonly said that you should clean a mattress every season (so roughly three months) to every six months.
Of course how often you clean a mattress is completely up to you and your circumstances. If you’re dealing with little ones who are prone to accidents, or let your fur babies sleep on the bed, you may want to up the frequency.
Can I wash a mattress with water?
Mattresses are not designed to get wet so they shouldn’t be washed with water. Water can damage the mattress, especially if it has been submerged for a long period of time.
What happens if you don’t clean a mattress?
Two words: dust mites. Dust mites feast on dead skin cells so the longer your mattress stays uncleaned, the more likely these little microscopic critters plus other allergens can build up over time. Not cleaning your mattress can mean an increase in allergies and asthma.
What are the best cleaning supplies to clean a mattress with
- Universal Cleaner
- Vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment
- Universal Cloths
- Atomiser Spray Bottle
- Lavender Calm Essential Oil (optional)
What is the best way to clean a mattress?
To clean a mattress without the need for harsh chemicals or fancy equipment, follow these simple steps:
Step 1
Strip the bed to remove all the bedding including the fitted sheet, duvet cover, pillow cases and mattress cover. Wash in the washing machine in hot water. Better yet, use Universal Laundry Liquid for a deep clean without nasties
Step 2
Vacuum the bare mattress thoroughly using the hose attachment to remove any dirt, dust and debris
Step 3
Spot clean any stains using Universal Cleaner. Simply spray directly onto the affected area. Wait 1-3 minutes, then wipe down with Universal Cloths
Step 4
If stains are particularly stubborn, repeat step 3
Step 5
Allow the mattress to air out completely before putting the clean bedding back on
Cleaning tips for best results
- Pay special attention to the crevices and corners of the mattress when you’re using the vacuum cleaner
- Be sure to test Universal Cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area of the mattress before applying to the entire surface. This could be somewhere like the bottom corner or on the side. This is to ensure it doesn’t cause any discolouration or damage to your mattress
- You can also open a window or turn on a fan to help speed up the drying process of your mattress
- If the mattress has a bad odour, you can use a few drops of Lavender Calm Essential Oil with Universal Cleaner to help neutralise the smell. Spray liberally across the surface of the mattress, let it sit for an hour, then vacuum
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Sprinkle extra drops of Lavender Calm Essential Oil across the mattress if you prefer
Why use Koh cleaning products for a mattress
Universal Cleaner paired with the Atomiser Spray Bottle is a powerful stain remover for cleaning a mattress. It’s eco-certified to the GECA cleaning standard and recommended by the National Asthma Council Australia's Sensitive Choice™ program so it’s the perfect choice when dealing with something as high-touch as your mattress.
While it isn’t 100% necessary, a few drops of Lavender Calm Essential Oil with its calming floral scent is a dream to fall asleep with.
