Rest Easy: The Best Tips for a Clean & Protected Mattress

1. Strip the Bed: Remove all bedding and wash your sheets.
2. Deodorize Your Mattress: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over your mattress and rub it in gently. Leave it on for several hours or overnight.
3. Vacuum the Mattress: Use the upholstery attachment of your vacuum to clean the entire surface of your mattress, including crevices, sides, and seams.
4. Spot Clean Mattress Stains: Use an enzyme-based cleaner for bodily fluid stains. There are many you can find for sale on Amazon or Walmart. For DIY cleaning, mix 16 ounces of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 4 tablespoons of baking soda, and 2-4 drops of liquid detergent. Spray all stains generously.
5. Sprinkle Baking Soda (Again): After cleaning, sprinkle another layer of baking soda over your entire mattress and leave for a couple of hours.
6. Vacuum (Again): Vacuum up the excess baking soda, paying special attention to the seams and edges.
7. Air Out Your Mattress: Let the mattress dry for about 8-10 hours. If possible, air it out in the sun.
8. Flip the Mattress and Repeat: Clean the other side of the mattress by repeating steps 1-7.

For specific stains:

• Sweat Stains: Use a mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide, liquid dish soap, and water and spray the solution on the stain. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes before blotting out any excess.
• Blood Stains: Use a mixture of cold water and hydrogen peroxide and dab the stain.
• Urine Stains: For dried stains, use vinegar to soak the stain, then cover the area in plastic wrap for 24-48 hours.