When you lay your head down at the end of every night, the goal is to get a good night’s sleep.
One of the ways to do this is to ensure the surface you’re sleeping on is clean and hygienic. With these tips on how to clean and care for your mattress, not only will you have greater peace of mind, you may find yourself breathing easier, staying cooler and being able to prolong your investment.
According to Made in CA, the average mattress will last between seven and ten years. Of course, many of us hold onto our mattresses for much longer. What’s most important is that we properly care for them and make sure that mattress maintenance is a part of our regular household routines.
Cleaning
While you might prefer not to think about it, mattresses can be home to a number of unsavoury elements: dust mites, fungi and bacteria among them. They also tend to attract pet hair, dead skin and dust.
What many don’t realize is that even if you are diligent about washing your sheets regularly and you always use a mattress topper, bacteria can still build up in your mattress.
Experts suggest that you clean your mattress every six months. Start by stripping your bed of all linens and washing them thoroughly. The next step is to give your mattress a good vacuuming; in fact, vacuuming every few weeks is recommended—there’s no need to wait six months. Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum (make sure it is clean) and vacuum the surface, sides and bottom of your mattress; don’t forget the edges and the area between the box spring and the mattress. It’s also a good idea to open the windows and let some fresh air in to circulate.
You’ll also want to disinfect and sanitize your mattress. The products you use should be natural (white vinegar, baking soda, water, liquid dish detergent) and the method you use will depend on what is required, if there are any stains, etc. For more detailed instructions, this article from NapLab includes some helpful suggestions. Keep in mind that memory foam mattresses are different and can be trickier to clean; separate rules apply.
Care
Now that your mattress is in tip-top shape, it’s all about maintenance. Keep things fresh and clean and protect this valuable item by always using a mattress protector. Ensure every bed in your home has one.
The Excelsior invincible mattress protector is a health-conscious choice. It protects the warranty you have on your mattress. It features a stretch-knit, impermeable fabric with a non-slip backing and it will fit your mattress snugly, from twin to king. You’ll be able to enjoy a restful sleep, thanks to the breathability of the fabric and the peace of mind you’ll have knowing it includes a protective dust mite barrier. It comes in both a high or a low profile so it can fit memory foam mattresses as well, which tend to be slimmer.
Excelsior also offers a Stay Cool mattress protector with a dri-cool topper. It uses a technology that wicks moisture away to keep you cool and dry while you sleep. It also features a patented zipper system that makes putting it on and taking it off a breeze. This breathable protector is perfect for the Spring and Summer seasons; it also happens to be popular with women over 50 who are looking for a way to stay cool while they sleep.
Are you in need of a new mattress? Be sure to check out these options.
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