Of all the items in your home, mattresses are one of the most used, thus the need to keep them clean. However, not all households take the time to clean them because they probably think it’s a mammoth task. But the truth is, cleaning mattresses should not be as complicated as it seems.
You can eliminate foul smells and clean the mattresses with baking soda alone. Baking soda may be a simple ingredient, but it is a versatile cleaning agent. It is so effective that it is helpful for many household tasks.
Hence, rather than replacing your dirty mattresses, why not learn how to clean them with baking soda instead? Read on to learn how baking soda cleans mattresses.
Why Should You Use Baking Soda?
Before we tackle how baking soda cleans mattresses, let’s learn why it’s essential to have this ingredient at home. This way, you will be confident to use baking soda for other items you have at home.
Baking Soda is Abrasive.
It is abrasive, can be made into a paste, and won’t damage the mattress’s fabric or upholstery. Because of its abrasive property, baking soda can also clean dirt and stains from the mattress.
Baking Soda Doesn’t Contain Harmful Chemicals.
Baking soda is safe to use because it doesn’t contain toxic chemicals. It is natural and water-free. There are cleaning agents that are effective but are harmful to your skin and health. Baking soda is safe for you, your pet, and your children.
Baking Soda is Affordable.
You don’t need expensive cleaning agents to clean the mattress. You can do it with an inexpensive product like baking soda. With baking soda, you can remove dirt and stains on the mattress without using a vacuum. After all, baking soda is gentle enough for the fabric.
How Does Baking Soda Clean Mattresses?
Baking Soda is one of the most efficient cleaning tools for deodorizing and cleaning mattresses. It is a mild ingredient; hence it is safe to use on mattresses. Later we will tackle how to use it, but first, let’s learn how baking soda cleans mattresses.
Removes Bad Odors
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer. It will keep your mattresses smelling fresh as it neutralizes terrible odor. If you sleep with a pet or endure sweaty summers, then baking soda is beneficial to freshen up your bedroom.
Eliminates Tough Stains
Mattresses are also prone to stains. After all, it may absorb menstrual stains, bleeding, dropping of food and drinks, and sweating. However, don’t fret if you can’t squeeze your mattress into the washing machine. Baking soda can clean dirt and remove stubborn stains!
Can Baking Soda Kill Bed Bugs?
Although baking soda is known as a DIY method for getting rid of bed bugs, there is actually no scientific evidence that supports this. The best DIY method for getting rid of bed bugs is to start by washing your sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and bedding on high heat, around 140°F. Then contact a pest control company.
How Long Should Baking Soda Stay on Mattresses?
You can leave baking soda for about 30 minutes to 24 hours. It is better to leave it on the mattress longer to make it fresher and cleaner. However, it is understandable if you can’t leave it on all day. After all, where can you rest at night?
Hence, cleaning with baking soda first thing in the morning is recommended. This way, you can go to work or do some errands as the baking soda perform its magic.
While 30 minutes is enough to clean the mattress, it is best to allow it to work longer. Leave the baking soda on the mattresses for as long as possible. Whether a mild stain or a stubborn one, good results are even achievable once they stay for an extended period.
How to Use Baking Soda to Clean Mattresses
Are you excited to know how baking soda cleans mattresses? Well, get the baking soda from in the pantry and follow these steps:
Things you’ll need:
- Baking Soda
- Water
- Bowl
Instructions
- Wet the stained part of the mattress so that the baking soda will stick to it.
- Make a baking soda paste. To do this, simply blend the baking soda with water. Put it onto the mattress and let it sit for an hour.
- After 1 hour, rub the mattress to absorb the paste thoroughly. The baking soda eliminates the stain. Leave it on the mattress until it is dry. You can expose the mattress with baking soda to sunlight to dry quicker.
- Once dry, clean the baking soda residue with a clean cloth or brush.
Does Baking Soda and Vinegar Clean Mattresses?
Baking soda cleans mattresses better once you pair it with vinegar. This hack can clean away tough stains and make the mattress smelling fresh. Learn how below.
Things you’ll need:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Essential Oil (Optional)
- Thick Bristle Brush
- Spray Bottle
Instructions:
- Pour the white vinegar unto the spray bottle and use it to spray the surfaces of the mattress.
- Now, scrub the dirt on the mattress using the thick bristle brush. Then vacuum the mattress and let it dry.
- Sprinkle baking soda all over the mattress to remove odor. Leave the mattress for an hour.
- Again, vacuum the mattress to keep it clean. Spray some essential oil to freshen up the mattress.
- Leave it dry before you replace the bedding.
Does Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Clean Mattresses?
Bedwetting and sweating while sleeping happens, creating yellowish stains on the mattress. Fortunately, hydrogen peroxide helps baking soda clean your mattress even better. Find out how below.
Things you’ll need:
- 3 tbsp. baking soda
- 1 cup hydrogen peroxide
- Liquid dishwashing soap
- Bowl
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
- Put baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap into the bowl. Stir the mixture until the baking soda dissolves
- Pour the finished product into the spray bottle. Now, spray the stained area with the mixture. Make sure the mixture will soak into the stained part of the mattress.
- Leave the mattress until dry. To speed up the process, expose it to sunlight or set a fan near the mattress.
Best Tips to Keep Mattresses Neat and Clean Longer
Ideally, it is best to clean your mattress every three months. But if you’re busy, wash the mattress every six months. If there’s a stain, clean it immediately.
Here are the many ways you can clean the mattress so it will serve you longer.
Change the Seats
Only use bedsheets for a week. This will prevent dust mites, dead skin, hair, and other filth from piling up on the bed.
Invest in a Good Mattress Cover
Invest in a good mattress cover to prevent the growth of mildew and mold. It will protect moisture from soaking into the mattress.
Vacuum Regularly
To remove dust mites, vacuum the mattress regularly. Also, to eliminate any foul smells, sprinkle some baking soda and leave it for about 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Indeed, baking soda cleans mattresses! Whether you want to keep your mattress clean or odor-free, baking soda has your back. It is a practical household cleaner that makes every cleaning task easy to do.
Do you need a recap of this article? Basically, sprinkling baking soda neutralizes odor. And when you blend it with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, it can clean stubborn stains. Also, the longer baking soda is allowed to sit on your bed, the better it does at eliminating odors and stains; and refreshing your mattress.
If you’re interested in learning what else baking soda cleans in your home, check out our post – Does Baking Soda Clean Toilets?