King Mattress

How to Clean a Mattress

How to clean a mattress - several techniques that work well, and can be used to remove stains and keep your mattress fresh.

Vacuum the mattress. This helps to keep it clean by the sheer fact that when it does get wet, there is less matter in the dirt to cause it to stain.
If the surface does get soiled or dirty, try using an upholstery cleaner. Since they are made for surfaces that touch your skin (e.g. your couch), then, unless you are extremely sensitive to cleaners in general, it should work. It also has the advantage of removing dust mites and their refuse.
Use enzyme cleaners. Enzymes cleaners are effective in breaking down the 'structure' of the stains which helps to lessen them.

Spray it with a citrus type cleaner and let it set for about five minutes. Afterward, blot (don't rub) as much of the cleaner out as you can using a clean, white, absorbent cloth. A mild dish detergent can also be used.

Try using hydrogen peroxide to help with the removal of blood stains. Blot it while it is bubbling. This may not remove all the stain, but will help to lessen it. Be sure to blot it with a clean, white, dry cloth.

Using the same process as above, apply it to the entire mattress, one section at a time.
Launder your linen even more often than you would on an ordinary basis. This will help keep the odor from being so pervasive.

Give your mattresses a 'suntan'. These types of stains are caused by too much moisture. Try taking your mattress outside on a bright, sunny day and let the sun dry it out. Try to remove the excess mold and mildew by wiping it off or sweeping it off.

Blot the excess fluid as much as possible.
Using the oxy-clean type cleaners, or those that say they remove the stains (of which there are many), spray the stain and methodically blot it.
Once dry, shake baking soda over it, let it set over night and vacuum it the next day.

Although impossible to remove entirely, you can alleviate the degree of the stain by using citrus cleaner and/or vinegar to lessen it.
Many drink stains are soluble in isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). Alcohol will also carry the stain further, so blot with a clean absorbent cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol, rather than pouring it on the stain.
Mattress manufacturers and dry cleaners will also have information on removing stains, or provide a service for a fee.