How to clean and maintain your mattress and pillows

 How to clean and maintain your mattress and pillows

Almost a third of our life is spent in bed. That's where we start and end the day, and it is natural to enjoy a soft and cozy bed. Unfortunately it is also common to wake up with itchy eyes and throat and a stuffy nose. If you suffer from allergies, surely you know very well what I say! Maintaining a proper mattress and pillow cleaning routine will help you sleep better… and breathe better .

- How to clean and maintain your mattress and pillows and Pillows Product

How to protect the mattress

The best way to protect a mattress and keep it clean for as long as possible is to use a protective cover that is easy to put on, take off and wash. If you suffer from allergies, check that the cover is waterproof and hypoallergenic. This type of cover closes with a zipper and fully protects the mattress, not just the top and sides. Wash the protective cover - following the brand's instructions - at least once a month.

How and how often the mattress should be cleaned

It is essential to clean the mattress periodically, despite using the protective cover, and regardless of whether the mattress is made of springs or more modern materials, such as foam or latex, to keep it clean and fresh. How often? Most experts recommend cleaning it at least twice a year, but if you suffer from severe allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems , my advice is to deep clean it at the end of each season (four times a year).

Start by removing all the textiles and pillows from the bed. Using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner, carefully vacuum every inch of the mattress. Pay special attention to the edges, indentations, and seams. The objective? Eliminate both dust and dust mites. These tiny and virtually invisible insects feed on the dead cells that shed from our skin, and the mattress is one of their favorite havens.

Remove stains

Next, examine your mattress to identify any possible stains. Remember that, as a general rule, the best way to treat stains (whether from food, drink or human or animal fluids) is to clean them immediately. If you detect the stain when it is already dry, make a paste by mixing a quarter cup of hydrogen peroxide with a tablespoon of salt and a couple of drops of liquid dish soap. Rub the paste on the stain (do it with an old toothbrush) and let it work. When the paste is completely dry, remove any residue with a cloth.

Eliminate odors

In the event that you notice bad smells emanating from the mattress, try this trick. Put distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray lightly on the mattress. Be careful not to saturate or wet the mattress surface excessively. Don't worry about the smell because the vinegar scent evaporates quickly, but it's great for neutralizing other odors. See my column on how to eliminate bad odors .

Refresh with baking soda

When you check that the mattress is completely dry, sprinkle a cup of baking soda over its entire surface. Leave it on for an hour or two and carefully vacuum the mattress again to remove any dust residue. Once the mattress looks and feels dry, clean and fresh, put back the protector and the sheets and other bedding (ideally natural fibers).

Why turn and turn

Depending on the type of mattress you have, you will have to turn it over at least once a year (this is no longer necessary with the most modern models), so the wear will be homogeneous. In any case, I recommend rotating it three or four times a year (or follow the manufacturer's recommendations) in order not to reduce the quality of your rest.

How to protect pillows

As with the mattress, pillow covers are ideal if you suffer from allergies or if you simply want to extend the life of your pillows and keep them clean for longer. These covers keep dust mites at bay and act as a shield against excess moisture, helping to prevent mold growth. My favorites are the covers that fully wrap the pillow and close with a zip. Take advantage of putting them in the washing machine in warm water next to the mattress protective cover, once a month.

How to wash the pillows

Even with the protective cover and slipcover (wash the latter once a week along with the sheets), plan to wash your bed pillows a couple of times a year. Before washing them, carefully read the label with the manufacturer's instructions.

• Pillows filled with cotton, synthetic fibers, down, or even feathers can normally be machine washed.
• Wash two pillows at the same time to avoid unbalancing the washing machine and use a mild liquid detergent (not powder), warm water and the delicate cycle.
• Tumble dry the pillows on low heat along with two or three new tennis balls, wrapped in clean white socks, to prevent the interiors from caking or the color of the balls from transferring to them.
• Pillows filled with foam ( foam or memory foam ) cannot be machine washed. However, you can cool them by putting them in the dryer (without heat) for about 15 minutes.

I share a secret: once you feel that the pillows are not comfortable for you to sleep, use them as additional filling for the sofa cushions!