Most mattresses should be turned twice a year to equalize wear. This is a good time to vacuum the mattress, and the box spring, too, using an upholstery tool, brush attachment and crevice tool. Vacuuming removes a surprising amount of dust, and it drastically reduces the population of dust mites, whose fecal matter is a leading cause of allergic reactions.
Many mattress odors can be removed by sprinkling baking soda on the surface and leaving it there for at least a day. Vacuum it up using an upholstery and crevice tool, and brush attachment.
If urine stains are a problem, apply a pet stain and odor removal product containing enzymes, following all label instructions closely. Other kinds of stains may be removed with upholstery cleaners. In either case, try to stand the mattress on its side and use liquids sparingly to keep them from soaking too deeply into the mattress padding.
Reference:
Consumer Reports editors in How to Clean and Care for Practically Anything.
The Healthy House Institute (HHI), a for-profit educational LLC, provides the information on HealthyHouseInstitute.com as a free service to the public. The intent is to disseminate accurate, verified and science-based information on creating healthy home environments.
While an effort is made to ensure the quality of the content and credibility of sources listed on this site, HHI provides no warranty - expressed or implied - and assumes no legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product or process disclosed on or in conjunction with the site. The views and opinions of the authors or originators expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of HHI: its principals, executives, Board members, advisors or affiliates.
