Clean and deodorize a mattress (stains, mites)
We spend a third of our lives on it. It deserves a deep cleaning from time to time.
Recommended Materials
- Baking soda
- Vacuum cleaner
- White vinegar (for stains)
- Essential oil (Lavender)
Steps to follow
Step 1
Why do it? : We spend 8 hours a night on our mattress. It absorbs our perspiration (around 1/2 liter per night!), our dead skin and dust. It is the favorite playground of dust mites that cause allergies.
Step 2
The big dusting: Start by removing all the sheets and the mattress pad. Vacuum the entire surface of the mattress thoroughly, including the seams and sides, to vacuum up as much dust and dust mites as possible.
Step 3
Dry cleaning (Bicarbonate): Sprinkle baking soda generously over the entire mattress (allow around 250g for a double bed). Use a strainer to distribute the powder evenly. The bicarbonate will absorb moisture, neutralize bad odors and sanitize the fabric.
Step 4
The Essential Oil option: For enhanced anti-mite action and a good smell, mix 5 drops of Lavender or Tea Tree Essential Oil in the bicarbonate before sprinkling.
Step 5
Patience: Leave it on for as long as possible (at least 4 hours, ideally all day with windows open). The longer you leave it on, the more time the baking soda will have to absorb odors and humidity.
Step 6
The end result: Vacuum the mattress again to remove all the bicarbonate (which will have become grayish by absorbing the dirt). Your mattress is fresh and clean! Repeat this operation at each change of season.
Step 7
Specific stains: For a blood stain, dab with an ice cube or very cold water (never hot water which cooks the blood). For a urine stain, dab with white vinegar.
Precautions
- Ventilate the room well during drying.
- Use a waterproof mattress pad to protect the mattress in the future.
