CLEANING TIPS FOR MATRESSES
August 29, 2008
It is very depressing to see your expensive mattress in a soiled condition. Spilling of food or drinks, bed wetting by the child or making it dirty by your pets are some of the reasons for the poor condition of the mattress. Apart from the physical strains that are involved in the cleaning process, the anxiety about a complete restoration will plague your mind. The stains, the moisture and the stink that damage the mattress will at times make it beyond restoration. The delicate job of cleaning a soiled mattress is to be done then and there with due care and caution.
At the outset, it is better to prevent than cure. Precautions should be taken to maintain your mattress spick and span. After all it is a matter of health and hygiene. As far as possible, avoid having tea or breakfast on the bed. Train you pets or make them understand that the bed you use is out of bounds for them. But the baby of the house will have to be given the privilege of using your bed and there is no way out. Rubber sheets can be provided between the mattress and the sheet, but some babies may not appreciate it because of the discomforts it may cause. Dryer sheets or plastic covers are alternatives, but again the question of comfort arises. Mattress bags or liners are comparatively comfortable options. Mattress pads are also effective, even though they are expensive.
It is better to ponder over the remedial measures to clean and restore the mattresses in case it is soiled, despite of all the precautions and preventive measures. A few tips in this context will be useful. If a liquid substance like beverages, urine or vomit spoils the surface, try to extract by blotting it out using a dry rag. Apply pressure for sometime so that the maximum amount of liquid will be absorbed. Any solid substance in the spill can be carefully removed. After removing the spilled substance completely, use any enzymatic cleaner to remove the stains. As an alternative lime juice or vinegar mixed in cold water can be used. In case of organic spills or synthetic fluids, upholstery cleaners can be used. Use vacuum cleaners to finish the process.
Bad odours can be countered with perfumed dryer sheets or baking soda. In case of bad odours caused by smoking, better to use fabric spray. Baking soda can be sprinkled over the soiled spots and can be vacuumed after some time. Keep the mattress under sunlight after the above mentioned treatments. Dirt, dust and humidity will attract mildew, dust mites and mould to the mattress which are harmful to health. Many breathing problems and allergies are caused by such fungus infections. Vacuum cleaning and exposing to sunlight will help to get rid of such problems.
Flip out or turn the mattress upside down, once in three months. Change the sheets frequently. Eliminate bad odours. If the mattress is soiled very badly, it is better to discard the piece and replace it with a new one.
