How to Clean a Mattress Without Baking Soda?
- By Jessica
- Last Update: June 12, 2023
Do you have trouble sleeping, and you can’t seem to figure out why? Your mattress may be the culprit. If you haven’t cleaned it in a while, it could be harboring allergens, dust mites, and other unpleasant surprises.
Keeping your mattress clean can be a challenge, especially if you don’t want to use harsh chemicals or baking soda. It’s essential to find a safe and effective way of getting rid of dirt and odors to ensure a good night’s sleep.
In this article, we will show you how to clean a mattress without using baking soda, so you can sleep soundly knowing that your sleeping surface is clean and fresh. We will explore alternatives to baking soda that are equally effective and easy to use. So, let’s dive in and learn how to keep your mattress clean and healthy.
Table of Contents
Why You Should Not Clean a Mattress with Baking Soda?
1. Damage the Fabric of the Mattress
Unbeknownst to you, baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda, has an abrasive texture that can damage your mattress. This chemical can cut through the fabric of your pricey mattress if you use the wrong amount. You can potentially ruin your fragile mattress as baking soda involves using a bit of pressure to scrub.
It’s also worth mentioning that baking soda can discolor and stain the surface of your mattress if you leave it in for too long.
2. Attract Dust
Refreshing your mattress with baking soda can make it dustier rather than cleaner. This product is a desiccant — a natural absorber and dust can easily settle in it.
This dust will embed in the mattress’s fabric, attracting bacteria and irritants that can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues. And, if you use large amounts of baking soda, you can leave some dusty residue atop the surface of the mattress.
3. Ineffective
Cleaning with baking soda alone will be less proficient in discarding stains and odors from your mattress. First off, it is too abrasive for a fragile mattress.
It also has limited cleaning properties for tough stains like urine, pet stains, or blood. You must couple it with high-performance cleaning procedures and products for an optimal outcome.
4. Create an Unpleasant Odor
Using this product to deodorize can fail and cause an offensive odor if it reacts with the moisture in your mattress. It will rob your mattress of freshness and potentially harm individuals who react to particular smells and allergens.
What You Need
Here are a few items you must grab before starting your chore.
- A Vacuum Cleaner
- A few rags
- A brush/ toothbrush
- Clear dish soap
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Essential oil (gets rid of odor)
Steps on How to Clean Mattress Without Baking Soda
Step 1: Strip Your Bed
Get blankets, pillows, comforters, sheets, and any other linen on your bed off your bed before you embark on the mattress cleaning process. Throwing the linens in the laundry will be even more prudent. It’ll help remove dust mites and gunk they absorb over time while you clean the mattress.
Step 2: Vacuum First
Now give the mattress a perfect vacuum. If you didn’t invest in a mattress pad, it undoubtedly harbors loads of skin flakes, saliva, sweat, dust mites, and other bodily fluids you secrete at night.
Ensure you set your appliance to vacuum the mattress thoroughly by engaging a low setting. The crevice tool on the appliance will come in handy when you get to the hard-to-reach dips and the sides. Vacuum the mattress from top to bottom, flip the mattress, and vacuum the other side.
Also see: Best Mattress Vacuum Cleaner 2023
Step 3: Spot Clean
Fill a spray bottle with one or two squirts of white dish soap, a cup of hydrogen peroxide, and a cup of water. You can also add some scent to your mattress by adding a few drops of a deodorizer or essential oils to the solution. Remember to shake it nicely before you spray over stains.
Use a damp rag to dab the solution over a difficult stain and allow it to sit for thirty minutes or more, then come back and scrape it away with the rag. A toothbrush will be helpful in case there’s a need for a scrub. Go ahead and get the excess moisture up by vacuuming over the spot.
Step 4: Turn the Mattress
Flip the mattress to access the other side of your mattress and repeat the above procedure. Be careful with the solution, though. It should be just enough not to soak up the mattress, as you may want to avoid a build-up of excess moisture.
Also see: Can You Flip Pillow Top Mattresses?
Step 5: Leave to Air
Since your mattress is now clean and it’s not humid outside, give it a sunbath for a couple of hours. Once it’s all good, replace the sheets, blankets, and linens.
Useful Tips to Keep Mattress Clean
There’s something you can do to your mattress to help protect its appearance and get the most out of it.
1. Create a Decent Space for It
It may seem like a no-brainer, but placing your mattress or bed in a space full of clutter will deny it room to breathe. You’ll be better off if you let go of the plastic wrapping that comes with a new mattress. It will cause discomfort, keep moisture within and retain that annoying smell of new in your mattress.
2. Use a Mattress Protector
You want something that creates a wall between you, the mattress, and the surroundings. Mattress covers effectively guard against spills and incidents that occur while you sleep. Invest in one of these if you want your mattress to stay in excellent shape and serve you for a long time.
3. Change Sleeping Positions
Switch sleeping positions randomly at night if you are a back or side sleeper. It is an effective way to prevent your mattress from absorbing odor, stains from sweat, skin oils, and other fluids that build up in the same spot.
4. Launder Bedsheets and Pillow Cases Regularly
The bedsheets and pillow encasements are a hotbed for bacteria from molds and the bodily fluids you excrete. The best way to eliminate such gross gunk is to wash and change your sheets and pillowcases at least every week.
It’ll help with the longevity of your mattress. And as experts suggest, washing can help prevent health issues that arise from not laundering your bedsheet enough.
5. Avoid eating in Bed
Bringing food and drinks to your room and then to bed is attractive. But refrain from doing so. Accidental spills and food crumbs can lead to staining. It’ll not only ruin the appearance of your mattress but also encourage the growth of bacteria and odors on it.
FAQs
Can I use a carpet cleaner for my mattress?
Yes, you can use a carpet cleaner for your mattress. However, you should be cautious about the type of cleaner you use and ensure it is safe for use on upholstery and fabrics.
It is recommended to spot test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area of the mattress first before applying it to the entire mattress. Make sure to follow the instructions of the cleaner, and avoid using too much water.
It is also important to let the mattress dry completely before using it. Alternatively, you can use a handheld steam cleaner or hire a professional mattress cleaning service.
Can I clean a mattress with a steam cleaner if it's water-sensitive?
If a mattress is water-sensitive, it is best to avoid using a steam cleaner to clean it as this can damage the fabric and potentially void the warranty.
Steam cleaners use high-pressure steam to clean, and this moisture can seep into the mattress and cause mold or mildew growth. Instead, it is recommended to use a dry cleaning method such as vacuuming, baking soda, or a specialized mattress cleaner that is designed for water-sensitive materials.
It is always important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and any cleaning guidelines provided to ensure proper care and maintenance of the mattress.
Can I use commercial cleaners instead of homemade solutions?
Yes, you can use commercial cleaners instead of homemade solutions.
Commercial cleaners are formulated with a specific purpose and can often be more effective in removing tough stains, grime, and bacteria. They are widely available and come in a range of price points to fit any budget.
Additionally, commercial cleaners have undergone extensive testing and have been proven to be safe when used as directed. However, it is important to be mindful of any chemicals used and to always follow the instructions carefully to avoid any adverse reactions or damage to surfaces.
Are there any safety precautions to consider?
Yes, there are many safety precautions to consider in various aspects of life.
At home, it’s important to have smoke detectors and fire extinguishers handy and to lock doors to prevent break-ins. When driving, it’s essential to wear a seatbelt, follow traffic laws and avoid distractions like using your phone.
In the workplace, employers are required to provide training and equipment to ensure employees’ safety under OSHA laws. In terms of personal health and well-being, precautions like practicing good hygiene and staying active can help prevent illness.
It’s important to educate oneself on various safety precautions and to be aware of potential risks in order to protect oneself and others.
What if the stains or odors persist after cleaning?
If stains or odors persist after cleaning, it is important to first identify the cause of the issue. If it is a persistent odor, it may be necessary to use a specialized odor elimination product or call in a professional cleaning service for deep cleaning.
For stubborn stains, reapplying the cleaning solution and using a scrub brush or a steam cleaner can help. In some cases, replacing the affected area or item may be necessary.
It is important to address persistent stains and odors as soon as possible to prevent them from becoming worse and potentially causing health issues.
Summary
Learning how to refresh your mattress without using the conventional baking soda hack is a life skill you want to have. It’ll help it last beyond its warranty, and most importantly, you’ll have more pleasant night rests.
However, if your mattress is causing you frequent dust mite issues, maybe it’s close to time for a brand-new one.
Jessica is a lover of both life and gardening. She loves to share his passion for both on social media. He often posts about his latest gardening projects, as well as tips and tricks for others who might be interested in starting their own gardens. She also frequently posts about the different aspects of his life that he enjoys, from spending time with friends and family to exploring new places.
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