HOUSEHOLD items can be used to rid mattresses of dust mites, dead skin, and debris, according to an expert.
She warned that skin can become irritated if you sleep on a mattress that hasn’t been routinely cleaned.
Rebecca Mayes is a Sleep Expert at luxury British bedmaker Harrison Spinks.
Speaking to The U.S. Sun, she shared tips for prolonging the lifespan of a mattress.
BLOT OUT STAINS
Mayes said a mattress needs to be flipped a few times a year and cleaned at least once every six months for a “fresh and healthy” night’s sleep.
“It doesn’t need to be complicated or costly to do this, and you can clean and maintain your mattress easily using a few simple household items,” she said.
“For a deep spring clean use gentle, bleach-free, unscented laundry powder, or washing-up liquid mixed with a small amount of water.
“Simply blot this onto any marks, and then apply a thin layer of bicarbonate of soda across the entire mattress to neutralize odors.
“Leave this for a few hours then clean it off with a clothes brush.”
She said stains should be tackled using a “gentle” circular mothing rather than soaking.
Once the process has been done on both sides, the mattress should be left to dry out completely.
BRUSH AWAY DUST
Mayes recommended using a soft brush to remove dust from a mattress effectively.
“You must never use a vacuum cleaner on beds that contain natural fillings, like all our sustainable mattresses,” she said.
“This can displace the filings and pull the fibers through the fabric.”
She said rotating or flipping the mattress every few months can “prevent damage” and extend its lifespan.
“Turn-free or pillowtop mattresses should be rotated, keeping the soft sleep surface at the top,” she added.
What are dust mites?
According to Healthline, dust mites are small bugs that feast on dead skin cells.
They belong to the spider family and can survive in all temperatures.
They thrive in warm places that trap moisture such as bedding and carpeting.
Allergen-proof bed covers alongside regular cleaning can help manage dust mites.
Up to 20 million people in the United States are allergic to dust mites, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
FRESHEN UP BEDDING
Mayes said fresh sheets should be put on weekly, while pillows and duvets need to be cleaned every few months.
These basic cleaning rules help keep the “whole bed” feeling fresh.
“Adding a mattress protector, ideally made from natural materials, which can be cleaned more often with a lot less effort, will also help to keep your bed in the best condition,” she said.
