Keeping your bed hygienically clean is extremely important for your health, but also for a good night’s sleep. A person sweats out up to 1.5 litres of water per night, which is partly absorbed into the mattress, sheets and bedding. In addition, microscopic skin particles, as well as hair and dust, remain in the bed. This combination is a breeding ground for bacteria, mould and other ailments that are definitely not good for you. So how do you take care of your bed?
The mattress contributes significantly to the quality of sleep. In order to have a healthy sleep, during which a number of regenerative processes take place in the body, you need to sleep in a suitable environment. Insufficient rest will affect your physical and mental state. You will be exhausted, tired, distracted and may even experience anxiety. So be careful what you sleep in.
Wondering why you should care for your mattress? Mainly because it is home to microscopic mites that feed mainly on the scales of your skin. How do I clean my mattress of dust mites? You can’t get rid of them completely, but with regular maintenance you can reduce their reproduction.
In addition to dust mites, bacteria and moulds also seek refuge in the mattress. The conditions the mattress offers are ideal for them. They breed in a moist and warm environment where no air circulates. Mould can be responsible for respiratory diseases and allergies. It is therefore important to ventilate the mattress regularly, vacuum the mattress of dust and keep the mattress protector, topper or mattress cover clean. A properly selected mattress topper, which should match the mattress, also contributes to the ventilation of the mattress. Find out how to choose a bed, mattress, pillow and duvet for an allergy sufferer.
Replacement after 7 years of use is generally recommended. Although it may not be damaged yet, it is primarily a matter of hygiene. After 7 years, mattresses become unhygienic. How do you know when it’s time to replace?
What are the general guidelines for keeping a mattress in perfect condition?
The most common stains on a mattress are blood and urine stains.
For all stains, it is generally recommended to clean them as soon as possible, and this is especially true for blood. If the bloodstain is fresh, cold water and gentle rubbing with a clean cloth will do. If the stain does not disappear, sprinkle salt on it and leave it for 30 minutes. Then rinse everything off.
To remove dried blood from the mattress, try the so-called dry way. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain, rub it gently into the mattress and leave it on for more than 10 hours. Then vacuum up the powder with a vacuum cleaner. You won’t remove the stain completely, but you won’t damage the mattress.
The removal of urine is difficult, but not impossible. To keep the mattress from smelling, you need to use 3 tablespoons of baking soda, 240 ml of hydrogen peroxide and 2 drops of dishwashing liquid. Rub the stain with this mixture, but do not scrub it. Leave the damp spot to dry.
Always vacuum with the special upholstery attachment. Vacuum not only the bed and bottom surface, but also the sides of the mattress. Don’t forget to pay close attention to the creases. After vacuuming, sprinkle salt on the mattress using a sieve. The layer of salt may be higher.
Use a brush to work the salt into the mattress. Scrub as if you were cleaning the floor. That way the soda will get deep into the mattress. You can leave the soda on all day. If you want the mattress to smell nice, add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to the soda. Then vacuum the soda. Soda can absorb moisture, odour and grease.
If you want to protect your mattress from liquids, urine, dust and other contaminants, you can protect it with a topper, protective pad or cover.
Not only does proper care of the mattress contribute to a clean bed, but also to the care of the bedding. When washing sheets, blankets and pillows, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s advice.
It makes a difference whether you wash down comforters and pillows or down duvets and pillows. Washing memory foam is also treated differently.
How to wash a feather pillow and duvet? Unless the manufacturer prohibits washing, down comforters and feather pillows should be washed at 30 °C. Your washing machine may also have a special programme for washing feathers. Use only products designed for down. Avoid detergents with enzymes as these can degrease the down. Dry either outdoors, but not in direct sunlight, or in the dryer.
Hollow fibre blankets and pillows are easier to wash than down ones. Most hollow fibre products are machine washable. Because rayon gets quite full, make sure your washing machine is only one-third full. Use a mild detergent for washing and wash at a maximum of 40 °C. Hollow fibre can be tumble dried.
Remember that memory foam does not belong in the washing machine or dryer. It must therefore be washed by hand using liquid detergent. Let the pillow dry freely after thoroughly rinsing.
When choosing sheets and bed linen, pay attention not only to the aesthetic appearance, but also to the ease of maintenance. Linen should be changed and washed at least once every 14 days. In general, washing at 40 °C is recommended, as higher temperatures can lead to colour fading. For lightweight materials, including microfibre and satin, it is better to wash only at 30 °C. It is worth washing the linen on the reverse side.
Take our advice and enjoy a good night’s sleep in a perfectly clean bed.
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