Memory foam is produced from the synthesis of petroleum. Therefore, when cleaning a mattress made of memory foam, the treatment should be different from the mattresses made of other materials.
If we can not clean the memory foam carefully, it may lose its responsive feel. Therefore, cleaning a memory foam mattress requires a little knowledge and expertise.
I will guide, in this article, on how to clean memory foam mattresses in the right way.
Table of Contents
Why should you clean memory foam mattress?
The advantages of cleaning your mattress are many. It will not only make the mattress fresh but also benefit some other ways. Below are some of the key advantages.
- A memory foam mattress can last around 10 to 15 years. If you clean it properly and regularly, then the lifespan can be extended to some extent.
- Your sleep quality is dependent on the cleanliness of the mattress. Apart from dirt, the mattress will be free from allergens after the cleansing. Therefore, you will have a better quality of sleep.
- If your mattress is not clean, it will pollute the air of the bedroom. Therefore, cleaning the mattress will make the air fresher and healthier.
- When the mattress is kept unclean for a long time, it may grow mold and mildew. Many people are sensitive to these substances. As a result, people may suffer itchy eyes, nose, and skin due to these substances.
- You will get rid of the dead cells such as dead hair and skin. Accumulated deal cells create discomfort and may contain allergens.
Replace or clean memory foam mattress?
Memory foam is not made for a lifetime. When the mattress needs replacement, cleaning it will not do any good. But how do you understand that my foam mattress has to be replaced? Below are some signs that you help you determine that it’s time to purchase a new mattress.
Sagging is one of the universal signs of mattress deterioration. This problem is common to both innerspring and foam mattresses. When sagging occurs, the responsiveness of the foam degrades.
You may notice imprints when giving pressure to the comfort layer. It will not bounce back as before. If you see this, then it is time for the replacement. Therefore, it is necessary to a clean memory foam mattress.
When the mattresses get older, they create discomfort. When we take a restful sleep on them, they can not support the pressure points anymore. Therefore, it may cause a sleeping problem and back pain.
If you are changing your sleeping position too often, it is a sign that you are not comfortable on the mattress. This such a condition, you may think about replacing it.
Other than these, if your mattress has physical damage, it can expose the mattress to dirt and allergens.
The damaged area can be the abode of the insects. Therefore, if the mattress has physical damage that you can not repair, you may consider replacing it.
Tools to clean memory foam mattress
Vacuum cleaner
A handheld vacuum cleaner is necessary to suck out the dust and dirt from the surface of the mattress. It is also necessary when you are using powder-like substances such as baking soda during the cleaning process. The vacuum will suck out the remaining soda, which is left after you clean memory foam mattress bed.
Spray bottle
It is necessary equipment during spot removal. Make sure the spray bottle can produce small mist particles. Otherwise, it will soak the mattress and may cause damage.
Water
You will need lukewarm water to surface clean memory foam mattress and its topper. The water should be neither cold nor so hot. Excessive hot water may damage the sensitive fiber and chemical properties of the foam. Water is also necessary to prepare different kinds of cleaning solutions.
Baking soda
It is a stain and spot removal substant. Baking soda is an effective deodorizer as well. Baking soda removes stains, dark spots, and odor from the mattress surface. It is good for removing larger stains.
White vinegar
White vinegar is another great option for the removal of spots and stains. A diluted solution of white vinegar works fine to remove small spots on the mattress foam. The acidic nature of vinegar is the reason for its stain removal character.
Enzyme based stain removal
This kind of stain removal is used to fight the strongest stains, which are difficult to deal with. Enzyme-based stain removals contain good bacteria that multiply the number when applied to the stained surface. Then they eat up the wastage and clean memory foam mattress surface.
Mild detergent solution
A good-quality laundry detergent solution is an alternative to enzyme-based stain removal. This solution also fights difficult stains. It not only removes the dirt but eradicates it from the root.
Vacuuming to clean memory foam mattress
Vacuuming is the first step you take when cleaning your mattress. Strip the mattress off the bed and start vacuuming the surface. The mattress protectors should have stitches. These stitches are magnets for dust and dirt.
Therefore, vacuum those corners with extra effort. Most vacuums come with a soft brush attachment. It is better to use these creative tools to remove dust from the hard-to-reach areas. Below is a quick checklist for the time of vacuuming the mattress.
- Use the upholstery attachment with the vacuum cleaner when vacuuming the mattress.
- Make sure that the upholstery is clean. If it is dirty, remove the dirt and wash with soap water. Then dry the attachment before using.
- Vacuum the sides and the corners of the bed.
- If you have a pet, make sure you have got rid of pet hair and dandruff.
- Read the instruction manual and find whether the mattress can be flipped. If the manufacturer allows, then vacuum both sides.
- Use the vacuum brush to reach areas where the dust may accumulate.
- Vacuum thoroughly at the quilt and button areas.
- Start vacuuming from the top. Then work on the sides and then flip the mattress.
Stain removal to clean memory foam mattress
We usually become too aggressive when removing stains from the mattress. It may result in unintended damage to the mattress. Also, trying too hard may push the stain even further. Therefore, be aware of the type of stain first and apply the right method of removing it.
Baking soda method: For mild stains
By using baking soda you will have an easier time as you clean memory foam mattress. This is because using baking soda will help you by absorbing the stains both wet and dry variety. After the baking soda absorbs all the stains you can easily vacuum up all of it.
- Take 1 part of baking soda and 2 parts of water in a bowl.
- Apply the solution to the stains and allow to sit it for around 20 minutes.
- Apply baking soda solution to the stain by dabbing them on the spot. Do not rub.
- Use a damp cloth to dab the solution.
- For larger stains, apply the sprinkles of the solution on the stained spots.
- Leave it for a couple of hours so that the mattress gets dried in the air.
- Finally, vacuum to clean the debris.
Vinegar baking soda method: To get rid of urine
- Remove the mattress protector cover and beddings and wash them as soon as possible.
- Take the spray bottle with 50/50 water and white vinegar solution.
- Now take a dry towel that can blot the urine from the memory foam.
- Spray the vinegar solution simultaneously while blotting the urine from the foam.
- After blotting is done, sprinkle baking soda on the stain and allow it to sit for at least 6 hours.
- Clean the soda off the entire mattress and repeat the whole process if you are not happy with the result.
Enzyme-based cleaner: For difficult stains
- Enzyme based solution is the best option to clean the toughest stains.
- Light detergent solution is an alternative to enzyme-based solution.
- Take 1 part of gentle detergent and 3 parts of water to prepare the detergent solution if you do not find an enzyme-based cleaner.
- Take the solution to a spray bottle and apply the solution to the stain.
- Overapplying the solution may cause damage to the foam. Be careful about it.
- Leave the solution for about 30 minutes and dab with a clean towel to remove excess solution.
Drying and cleaning up water and spills
You should take steps to dry the mattress right after you have applied liquids to it. The step of the drying process is to dab the liquid with an absorbent towel. Then, apply the towel to the wet area gently. Do not scrub the stain. It will push the liquid even further. You can use multiple paper towels if necessary.
Taking the mattress in the backyard to dry it in the sunlight is another good approach. Dry out the mattress in the morning or afternoon and avoid the sun of noon.
After the liquid is dried out, apply an additional stain removal method if necessary.
If there is a window beside the bed, open it and leave the mattress for a few hours. The mattress will start drying out in the air. Additionally, set a fan and place it near the place where the spill has occurred.
Cautions while you clean memory foam mattress
Memory foam mattresses are made of a sponge-like material. Therefore, the cleaning process should be careful enough to save the mattress from any permanent damage.
Not all cleaning products are suitable for cleaning memory foam. Therefore, take special care and know the tricks when you are cleaning your mattress by yourself.
Do not machine wash the mattress
Trying to clean memory foam mattress topper with the machine may permanently damage them. Because of the structure of the spongy material of the memory foam, it is recommended to clean and dry the mattress by hand.
Although some memory foam toppers can be cleaned and washed in a machine, they are not made of memory foam. Therefore, keep away the mattress foam from washing machines.
Do not use hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide (HO) is a popular stain and color removal. But his strong chemical substance is not good for the memory foam mattress. When you apply HO to the mattress, it will remove the skin from the surface and the dirt and stain.
For difficult stains, you should use enzyme-based stain removers instead of HO and similar products.
Do not leave the mattress in direct sunlight
It is ok to dry the mattress and clean memory foam mattress topper in the sunlight in the morning and afternoon. But never do it at noon. The scorching sun will deform and damage the memory foam. So instead, dry the mattress either in sweet sunshine or in the air.
Never use hot water
Hot water can break the structure of the memory foam. Therefore, if you need to use water, then use lukewarm water. Do not directly pour water on the foam. Instead, use a spray bottle and apply as little water as possible. If you excessively soak the mattress foam, then it will foster the growth of mold and mildew.
Maintenance of your memory foam mattress
Use the mattress with a foundation. Mattress foam can disintegrate if you place pressure on any specific area for a long time. Using a bed base can enhance the longevity of the memory foam mattress.
Rotate the mattress every 6 months. If you practice this, your mattress will wear uniformly from both sides. Keep the memory foam mattress in the mild sunlight every two or three months. It is a natural way of deodorizing the mattress.
Use a mattress protector cover to keep the memory foam mattress clean. A zipped cover will be a better option. You can wash the beddings and covers once a week to keep your bed fresh. A mattress topper is also a great choice to keep the mattress from direct exposure to dirt.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Can I use shampoo to clean memory foam mattress?
Enzyme-based cleaners work best for cleaning difficult stains and spots. However, you can also use a light homemade detergent or cleaning solution. I do not recommend using any other cleaning or washing liquids to apply on memory foam.
How frequently should I clean memory foam mattress?
You should thoroughly clean memory foam mattress every 6 months. However, you should also vacuum the surface of the mattress while washing the cover every one or two weeks. Frequent vacuuming will prevent the accumulation of hair, dust mites, and dead skin cells on the surface. In addition, it will enhance the quality of your sleep by enhancing the freshness of your bed.
Can I use steam cleaners on the memory foam mattresses?
You can not use steam clean memory foam mattresses. More harm than good will happen to the foam. Steam cleaners are very common to apply on the traditional innerspring mattress. However, they are not ideal for foam mattresses. Memory foams are extremely liquid absorbents. On the other hand, steam cleaners use liquid and steam to clean the dirt. Therefore, if you apply steam cleaners to memory foam, the foam will soak the water.
It is almost impossible to dry out the liquid completely after applying the steam cleaners to the foam. If not dried properly, the mattress can produce molds and fungus. Steam can also impose irreparable damage to the mattress.
Therefore, instead of using steam cleaners, you can use spot and stain cleaners for cleaning difficult dirt.
How often should I rotate my mattress?
You should rotate the mattress every 6 months. We recommend a deep cleaning twice a year. You can rotate the mattress after the deep cleaning is done. While rotating, one important note is that the memory foam mattress does not have equal comfort on both sides. Usually, the upper layer is more comfortable than the bottom layer. While rotating the mattress, you should keep this in mind.
It might not be as cozy as before after flipping the mattress. But this is not a big deal. You will get used to it after a few days. Rotating a memory foam mattress is a good practice. It will enhance the lifespan of the mattress to a great extent.
Conclusion
Nearly a third or more of our lives are spent on a mattress. That’s an overwhelming amount of time. Cleaning the mattress is directly related to the quality of sleep, the freshness of the bedroom, and the longevity of the mattress itself.
Moreover, cleaning the mattress will keep the allergens, mold, and mildew away. Therefore, it is related to living a healthy life as well.
