When was the Last Time You Cleaned Your Mattress?

A clean bed means more than washing your sheets and pillowcases.
A clean bed means more than washing your sheets and pillowcases.

If you haven't thought about cleaning your mattress lately, think about this: You probably spend at least six or seven hours there every night. That's a long time to be somewhere that's not as clean as it could be. Follow these tips every few months and you'll rest easier knowing your bed is extra fresh.

Related: Save Money and Make Your Cleaning Products Last Even Longer

1. Ditch dust
The easiest way to tackle dust is to use the upholstery tool on your vacuum cleaner to go over the top and sides of the mattress and as much of the box spring as you can access. Press firmly on the tool to draw out dust beneath the fabric's surface. Then use the crevice tool to get into the quilting, along the edge welting, and where any pillow top is attached. If you have a garment steamer, go over the mattress with the steamer before you vacuum to help kill and remove dust mites lurking near the surface.

Related: We Know Why It's So Hard to Get Your Home Dust-Free

2. Zap stains
If pets sleep on your bed or you like to snack in bed, chances are your mattress may have some stains on it. The easiest way to remove them is with an upholstery cleaner formulated to remove pet stains, like Good Housekeeping Seal-holder Bissell Pet Stain and Odor Remover. What I like about these formulas is that they not only remove stains, but also contain enzymes to tackle odors. Avoid over-wetting the mattress and let it dry thoroughly before making the bed.

Related: Yes, You Need to Clean Your Pillows (Not Just the Cases)

3. Kill odors
For any telltale odors, spray the mattress and box spring with a disinfecting spray, like Lysol. It's safe to use on fabric and kills bacteria that causes odors. To freshen your mattress between cleanings, sprinkle some Arm & Hammer baking soda onto the fabric, wait 15 minutes, and vacuum.

- By Carolyn Forte, Good Housekeeping Research Institute

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