Keeping your mattress fresh should be a regular part of your home maintenance routine. In this article, I’ll walk you through quick and effective steps to clean and rotate your mattress, helping it last longer and stay comfortable for you.
As someone who loves sharing practical tips on home maintenance, I’m excited to dive into an often overlooked task – cleaning and rotating your mattress. This simple routine, best done every six months, will help extend the life of your mattress and keep it fresh.
But I’ll admit, this is a task I’ve put aside since we got the new mattress nearly four years ago! So, trust me when I say that the update is long overdue. In this post, I’ll walk you through quick and effective steps to make your mattress look like new. If you have guests coming over for the holidays, now is a good time to tackle this quick home maintenance task.
Hint, hint… If you’re ready for more reminders like these, Your Home Run Guide has plenty of easy-to-follow guides to keep you on track.
Rotate (or flip) the mattress
First, let’s turn this mattress 180 degrees. I like to think of this as a little “update” to our bed because moving the mattress helps prevent any sagging in those worn spots. Plus, it keeps it in good condition longer.
If your mattress is double-sided (not as common anymore, but still around!) you’ll want to flip it all over, rather than just rotate it.
My mattress was quite heavy, but after a little tugging, I was able to flip it all the way.
Vacuum the surface of the mattress
Now that we’ve got that rolling, let’s grab the vacuum and get rid of the dust mites and dead skin cells. Gross, I know.
Inspect the entire surface of the mattress with the upholstery attachment, paying extra attention to edges and corners where dust tends to hide. I have a Dyson V8 vacuum and it comes with all of its accessories. They have come in handy over the years.
Don’t forget to vacuum the sides of the mattress as well. It only takes an extra minute and makes a huge difference! This step alone helps get rid of the allergen and gives a fresh foundation for the next step.
Deodorize using baking soda
Time to bring in the baking soda! Spray a thin layer evenly over the entire mattress. This is an easy trick that absorbs bad odors and leaves the bed smelling fresh. Leave it for at least 30 minutes so it can do its job!
Vacuum again
Once the baking soda has had enough time to settle and absorb, it goes back into the vacuum. I went over the mattress again to pick up all the baking soda. After this final pass, it should look and feel fresh.
Extra step: Treat stains on your mattress
If you notice any stains on your mattress while cleaning, don’t worry, here’s a quick way to treat them:
Make a cleaning solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water, or a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to get rid of tough stains. If you are using a memory foam mattress, dilute the liquid so it does not soak in too deeply. Dab, don’t rub: Dip a clean cloth or sponge into your solution and gently pat the stained area. Avoid rubbing, as it may push the stain further inward. It may take a few passes, but patting is the safest way to remove the stain without damaging the mattress. Let it air dry: Once you are satisfied with the stain removal, allow the stain to air dry completely before putting the bedding back on. If you want to speed up the process, place a fan nearby or open your bedroom windows.
If you have stains, I recommend getting a mattress protector. More on that below…
Why a mattress protector is essential
Let’s talk about the mattress protector – a small product that can make a big difference! If you don’t have one already, it’s worth purchasing. Our high-quality mattress protector acts as a barrier between your mattress and all the small spills, dust, sweat, and allergens that inevitably end up in our beds.
A mattress is a big investment, and a protector helps keep you in good condition longer. This is the waterproof mattress protector on our bed. I put it in the washing machine every couple of months and it’s good to go.
Waterproof covers are also essential for your children’s beds. I bought this for my daughter’s new big girl room because it has a mattress cover to make things more comfortable.
Don’t forget to refresh your pillows
Even though you wash your pillowcases regularly, you probably forget to give your pillows some love too! Dust, sweat, and allergens can build up on your pillows, just like your mattress, so a little TLC every few months goes a long way toward keeping them fresh.
Here’s a simple guide to caring for your pillows…
Check the care label: Pillows come in all types, and each type has its own cleaning needs. A quick look at the care label will tell you the best way to clean. MACHINE WASHABLE PILLOWS: If your pillows are machine washable, you’re in luck! Simply throw them in the washing machine with mild laundry detergent. I like to add an extra rinse cycle to make sure all the detergent is used up, especially since the pillows are right near our faces. Memory Foam or Specialty Pillows: For memory foam pillows, it’s best to stick to spot cleaning or hand wash only. A little warm water, soap, and a clean cloth work well to remove any stains or spills. Drying: Once washed, dry your pillows on low heat with a dryer ball (or clean tennis ball) to help them fluff up again. Make sure they are completely dry before bringing them back into your bedroom, damp pillows can lead to mildew, which is the last thing we want. Consider using a pillow protector: Just like a mattress, you can use a pillow protector to keep your pillows clean and fresh. These are the ones we have!
For extra credit, you can also spritz your pillows with my favorite scent! It’s a lavender and sandalwood pillow mist made with essential oils and I adore it!
Main bedding sources in my bedroom
Although I love a good deal, I don’t skimp when it comes to mattresses, bedding, or pillows. I mean, we spend a third of our lives in bed, so it better be comfy!
Here are all the resources for setting up my bedroom.
Make it a habit twice a year
Keeping your mattress and pillows clean isn’t just a one-time thing. It is best to give them an update every six months. Adding this simple routine to your regular home maintenance schedule will keep your sleeping space fresh, comfortable, and supportive all year long.
Mark your calendar, set a reminder, or simply go to Your Home Playbook to help you stay on track.
Tell me now, do you clean your mattress regularly? I’m trying to get better at doing this on a regular basis.
