WHEN was the last time you cleaned your mattress?
An expert in bedroom interiors has revealed many of us overlook the importance of cleaning our mattresses, despite spending a third of our lives in bed.


This neglect allows dirt and bacteria to accumulate over time.
And Brian Dillion has revealed the best way to clean your mattress so it is fresh and hygienically clean.
Speaking on behalf of bespoke bed company Crafted Beds, he said: “Your mattress can become a breeding ground for dirt and bacteria.
“The average person sheds around 10 grams of dead skin cells each week, providing an abundant food source for millions of dust mites.
“These microscopic organisms thrive in the warm, humid conditions of our beds and can lead to various health issues, including allergies, asthma, and eczema.”
However, these aren’t the only bugs lurking in your bedding.
As well as dust mites, a recent study suggested that over 10 million bacteria might be hiding in your mattress – which is utterly nightmare educing.
“Our bodies produce sweat, oils, and other bodily fluids while we sleep, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth,” the expert elaborated.
How to keep your bed clean:
1. Have the correct bedding
Regularly change your duvet cover and pillowcases.
2. Deep clean you mattress
Brian recommends cleaning it at least once every six months to eliminate accumulated dirt and bacteria.
He added: “Investing in a mattress protector can also help maintain cleanliness between cleanings.”
As for how to clean you mattress, the expert said: “Thoroughly vacuum the mattress using the upholstery attachment to remove dirt and dust.
“For stains, a mixture of baking soda and water or a mild detergent can be used, ensuring the mattress is completely dry before replacing bedding.”
Baking soda costs less than a £1 in supermarkets, with it being 59p from Sainsbury’s.
3. Clean pillows and duvets regularly
Apart from mattresses, pillows, and duvets are two other items prone to accumulating dirt and bacteria.
Brian explained: “Similar to mattresses, pillows and duvets can trap dirt, dust mites, and bacteria, worsening allergies and other health conditions.
“Washing pillows and duvets every six months, or more frequently for allergy sufferers, is advisable.”
For washing pillows and duvets, Dillon recommends using a gentle detergent on a low temperature setting and adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to eliminate bacteria and odours.
Whilst it might seem like an extreme amount of cleaning just to get a good night’s sleep, Brian reckons that you will rest easier after this deep clean.
He added: “It’s startling to realise how dirty the place where we spend so much of our time can be.
“Yet, by implementing a few simple cleaning routines for our mattresses, pillows, and duvets, we can transform our bedrooms into safe, hygienic havens for relaxation and rejuvenation.”

Cleaning hacks and tips

Here are some tips to help you clean your home like a pro:
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- Clean your shower to ensure it’s always sparkling
- How to clean your microwave using cheap household items
- Here’s how to get rid of that nasty limescale in your kettle
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- Unblock a toilet without a plunger
- Clean your fabric or leather sofa in a few easy steps
- If you haven’t cleaned your mattress in ages, here’s how
- Steps to cleaning your dishwasher to leave it looking brand new
- This is how to clean mirrors and windows without streaking
- Keep your toilet clean in four easy steps
- Give your TV screen a once-over
- Did you know your Venetian, Roman, vertical, or roller blinds also need cleaning?
- Deep-clean your fridge in five simple steps