The 🔑 to Healthy Sleep: Why Cleaning Your Mattress Matters
We know that sleep hygiene is the buzz word of the day and we’re all for it. But the way we mean it this WTD Thursday is literally: sleep. hygiene. Or rather, mattress hygiene. Yes, you read that right. Cleaning your mattress is not just about maintaining hygiene; it’s about ensuring a conducive and ‘clean’ sleep environment. Now here comes the why and the how:
Why do it?
Allergen Management Mattresses accumulate dust mites -ick-, dead skin cells, and other allergens over time, contributing to respiratory issues and allergies.
Hygiene Maintenance Sweat, body oils, and spills seep into the mattress (or nightime-toddler-accidents), creating a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. -double ick-
Prolonged Mattress Lifespan Regular cleaning prevents premature wear and tear, preserving the integrity and durability of your mattress.
Improved Sleep Quality A clean mattress promotes better sleep hygiene and enhancing overall sleep quality.
How to — there are a few tried and true techniques that get the job done but here’s the non-toxic DIY method we like:
Vacuuming Start by vacuuming the mattress surface using a handheld vacuum or vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove dust, dirt, and debris.
Spritz In an empty spray bottle, mix a solution of 1 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup witch hazel and spray gingerly across the entire top of the mattress. (You don’t want it sopping wet, just a light spritz for disinfecting)
Spot Cleaning Treat stains promptly with a mild detergent or dishwashing soap (we love Branch Basics, Salsuds or Castile soap) diluted in water. Blot the affected area gently with a clean cloth to avoid spreading the stain. Let it dry.
Sprinkle and deodorize Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the mattress surface to neutralize odors. Let it sit for a up to 5 hours before vacuuming it off.
Sunlight Exposure Take advantage of sunlight, a natural disinfectant, by placing your mattress outdoors on a sunny day to air it out. Or at least by an open screened in bedroom window with sunlight shining through UV rays help kill bacteria and eliminate odors.
Mattress Protector Invest in a waterproof mattress protector to shield your mattress from spills, stains, and allergens. Wash the protector regularly to maintain its effectiveness.
P.S. Rotate and Flip Rotate your mattress every few months to distribute wear evenly and prevent sagging. If your mattress is double-sided, flip it occasionally to prolong its lifespan.
