How to clean mattress without vacuum is essential for a good night’s sleep, but it can be difficult to do without access to a vacuum cleaner. Dust, dirt, and sweat accumulate over time, resulting in unpleasant odors and the spread of allergens.
Fortunately, you can use several cleaning methods to keep your mattress free from pet hair, stains, and dust mites without the need for a vacuum – so if yours isn’t working or if you just want an extra deep cleanse every once in a while – read on! This post provides advice on cleaning your mattress without using a vacuum, including stain removal and deodorizing tips.
We hope these safe cleaning strategies help bring relief so that all-important sleep doesn’t get disturbed any more than necessary!
What Will You Need?
- Baking soda
- An upholstery brush
- White vinegar
- A clean cloth/sponge/brush
- Vacuum cleaner (optional)
Once you have gathered the necessary supplies, you are ready to begin cleaning your mattress.
8 Easy Steps on How to Clean Mattress Without Vacuum
Step 1: Vacuuming (Optional)
If you do have access to a vacuum cleaner, then this is the best way to start. Vacuuming will help remove any dust mites and debris that may be lurking in your mattress. Make sure you cover all areas.
Step 2: Deodorizing with Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can absorb moisture and odors. To use baking soda for cleaning your mattress, sprinkle a generous amount over the entire surface. Pay special attention to stained areas or spots that smell particularly bad.
Let the baking soda sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour. The longer it sits, the more effectively it absorbs odors and moisture. Consider letting it sit overnight for maximum effect if possible.
Step 3: Brushing Off the Baking Soda
After allowing the baking soda to sit and absorb odors, it’s time to brush it off the mattress. Use an upholstery brush for this task, and get into all the nooks and crannies. Brush the baking soda off onto the floor, where it can be swept or mopped up later.
This process helps to loosen further and remove any dust and dirt that might still be caught in the mattress’s fabric.
Step 4: Stain Removal with White Vinegar
White vinegar is an effective and natural cleaner that can help remove stains from your mattress. Soak a clean cloth, sponge, or brush in white vinegar and gently blot any stains on your mattress. Be careful not to soak the mattress; a damp cloth is sufficient.
Allow the vinegar to sit on the stains for 5 – 10 minutes before blotting with a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture. This method works well for most food and drink stains and sweat and urine stains. Allow the mattress to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 5: Air Out the Mattress
After stain removal, the next step is to air out your mattress to assist in drying and to help with deodorization. Take your mattress outside and let it sit in the sunlight for several hours. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light has disinfecting properties and can kill any residual bacteria or dust mites.
If taking your mattress outside isn’t feasible, place it in a well-ventilated room or use a fan to speed up drying. Ensure the mattress is completely dry before proceeding to the next step to avoid mildew or mold growth.
Step 6: Flip and Repeat
Another key step towards a thoroughly clean mattress is flipping it over and repeating the cleaning process. Unless they’re pillow-top, Mattresses should be flipped every three to six months for even wear, and cleaning is a great opportunity to do this. By flipping your mattress, you ensure both sides receive a deep clean.
Thus, repeat steps 2 through 5 on the other side of your mattress to ensure comprehensive cleaning. This step helps maintain the mattress and extends its lifespan by preventing the accumulation of dust mites, sweat, and other allergens.
Step 7: Protection With a Mattress Cover
After thoroughly cleaning your mattress, you can protect it from future dirt and stains by using a mattress cover. A high-quality, waterproof mattress cover can keep allergens and bugs at bay while also reducing the likelihood of future spills and stains.
Removing and cleaning a mattress cover is much easier than cleaning the mattress itself. Ensure the cover fits properly and is easy to remove for regular washing. This will keep your mattress fresh and clean for longer, reducing the need for deep cleaning.
Step 8: Regular Maintenance
Routine maintenance is necessary to keep your mattress in the best possible condition. Change and wash your sheets at least once a week, and clean any spills or stains immediately to avoid them. If you have a mattress cover, remove and wash it regularly as well.
It’s also a good practice to air out your mattress occasionally, especially after deep cleaning, to ensure it remains fresh and odor-free. By keeping up with these simple steps, you can extend the life of your mattress and ensure you’re getting a clean, healthy night’s sleep.
Following the above steps, you can easily clean your mattress without needing a vacuum. This deep cleaning technique will help reduce odors and the spread of allergens while extending your mattress’s lifespan.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- If your mattress has a removable cover, take it off and wash it in the washing machine. This will help to reduce allergens and kill germs.
- For tough stains or odors, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub into the surface with an old toothbrush. Leave it for 15-20 minutes, and then vacuum it up.
- You can also use a mixture of white vinegar and water for tougher stains or odors, but be sure to let the surface dry fully after cleaning with this solution.
- Once you’ve removed any visible dirt, spray your mattress with a disinfectant spray such as Lysol or Clorox.
- Adding a mattress protector before use can help protect your mattress from dirt, dust, and other allergens that can build up over time. It will also extend the life of your mattress by protecting it from spills and stains.
Following these tips will help keep your mattress clean and free of dirt, dust, allergens, stains, and odors without using a vacuum cleaner.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid using steam cleaners or hot water on your mattress, which can damage the material.
- Do not use commercial cleaning products, as these can contain harsh chemicals that may irritate the skin and eyes.
- Do not use bleach, as this will discolor the fabric of your mattress over time and may also cause health concerns due to its toxic fumes.
- Avoid scrubbing at the mattress with a brush or hard-bristled tool, as this can damage the surface.
- Do not use scented products on your mattress, as these may leave a strong odor and attract dust mites.
By following these tips, you can keep your mattress clean and fresh without vacuuming it every time.
Can You Shampoo a Mattress?
Using a shampoo on your mattress is not recommended unless it has been specifically designed for mattress cleaning. The chemicals and soaps used in shampoos can damage the material of the mattress, leading to thinning or discoloration over time.
If you choose to clean your mattress with a specialized shampoo, test it in an invisible area first. This will help you avoid any potential damage to the fabric and ensure that it is safe for your mattress. Once shampooed, allow your mattress plenty of time to dry before making up the bed again.
How Do You Clean a Smelly Mattress?
A smelly mattress can be difficult to get rid of, but the good news is that it doesn’t have to stay that way. To start, sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface and leave for a few hours before vacuuming.
Next, use white vinegar and water to scrub the surface with an old toothbrush. Let it sit for 15 minutes, and then use a vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining debris.
Finally, spray your mattress with a disinfectant such as Lysol or Clorox to help reduce the odor and kill any germs that may be present. Ensure the surface is fully dry before you make up the bed again. By following these steps, you can effectively clean and deodorize your smelly mattress without having to use a vacuum.
Conclusion
How to clean mattress without vacuum is an excellent way to remove dust, dead skin cells, and other debris. You can use the previously mentioned method or use your creative methods to keep your mattress clean.
Even if you don’t have access to a vacuum, you can still enjoy a clean and comfortable sleeping surface by taking the time at least twice a year to scrub it with soapy water and baking soda properly. Not only will this help improve air quality within your home, but it also ensures that you look forward to getting into your bed every night.
Lastly, be sure to put on fresh sheets after each cleaning session to slip in between those cool, clean sheets for a good night’s rest!
