We all have that one mattress that's been with us for years. It's been with us through the chaos of our first move, Netflix nights, visits from kids, puppies, and yes - even those unfortunate incidents we'd rather not talk about out loud.
Although we try to make the bedroom our oasis of peace, mattress It often becomes a quiet and not-so-smelling archive of our everyday lives. When it starts to accumulate stains, dust mites and suspicious smells, the logical question arises: can we even salvage it – without calling the CSI team or ordering a new one?
The good news is that you probably already have the solution in your kitchen. bicarbonate of soda, this unsung hero of home remedies, can clean your mattress all naturally and effectively. No more disinfectants that sound like a high school chemistry lesson, and no more expensive deep cleanings. It's a simple process that really works.
Preparing for action (or: how a mattress prepares for its spa day)
Before you start, make sure the mattress is dry. If it's slightly damp from sweat, spills, or dog kisses, let it air out thoroughly first. Then follow removal of all textiles – coatings, sheet, pillows, decorative accessories (which are usually more for Instagram than for sleeping) and yes, wash the protective cover if you have one. Ideally, you should throw all of this in the washing machine before you start so that when you finish cleaning, your sleep will be fresh in every sense of the word.
Before you start, check the manufacturer's labels on your mattress—some materials are more delicate than others and may require special treatment. Then, check where the stains are and how big they are. Knowing where the problem spots are will help you target the soda exactly where it's needed most.
What do you need?
Ingridients:
- baking soda (quite a bit – at least a cup)
- essential oils (optional – lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree are the most popular)
Tools:
- vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
- strainer or small container for even application
- steam cleaner (optional, but very satisfying)
The process of cleaning a mattress with baking soda: almost meditative
Vacuum the mattress thoroughly.
Not superficially. Like looking for lost jewelry in the seams. Vacuum up dust, crumbs, and anything that has accumulated there. Pay special attention to seams and edges, where dust mites and skin debris tend to linger.
Prepare the baking soda.
Pour baking soda into a bowl and add a few drops of your chosen essential oil. This will give your mattress that hotel-fresh feel. Mix the mixture well and use a strainer to spread it evenly over the entire surface of the mattress. Be careful not to spread too much in one place – this is not a strudel.
Let the soda do its work.
At least 30 minutes, ideally at least two hours. If you have time, you can leave it overnight. While the baking soda works, it absorbs unpleasant odors, moisture, and other traces of life that have become entangled in your sleeping rituals.
Vacuum again.
This time, more thoroughly than the first time. The baking soda has done its job, but now it needs to be removed gracefully. If you used essential oils, you will feel a pleasant freshness from the first sweep of the vacuum cleaner.
Optional, but recommended – use a steam cleaner.
This will be your icing on the cake – the steam kills dust mites and refreshes the fabric. Just make sure you don't get the mattress too wet. And after steaming, let it dry thoroughly – naturally, with the help of air, or even a little sun if you're lucky enough to have access to a balcony.
In the end: new bedding, new feeling.
Once everything is dry and clean, put on fresh bedding. The chances of you sleeping like a baby that night increase by at least 87% (this is not scientifically proven, but our experience says so).
How to prevent your mattress from starting to “smell of life” again
Now that you've cleaned it, you're probably wondering: How do I keep it fresh for longer than three days? The most important thing is protective coating – this is your shield against sweat, pee incidents, morning coffee in bed and other “oops”.
Regular ventilation is also key. If you have the opportunity, expose it to the sun – UV rays are free disinfection, nature loves you. If you don’t have a balcony, an open window or a good ventilation system or air purifier.
And also: Vacuum it once a month. and sprinkle it with a thin layer of baking soda – for prevention. The odors won't even have a chance to "settle in".
Clean mattress = better sleep = better well-being
Sleep is sacred, and if your mattress is unclean, it's almost blasphemous. In just a few steps, you can create order, fragrant order, and get the sleep you deserve. And no, you don't need a dry cleaner or expensive professional services - just a little baking soda, willpower, and a vacuum cleaner.
