A latex mattress is a great option for people who are looking for an eco-friendly and healthy sleep surface.
The best natural latex mattresses can last a long time, much longer than other mattress materials. But to prolong their lifespan, you need to know how to care for them properly.
Like all mattresses, latex mattresses need to be cleaned on a regular basis. If you don't clean your mattress regularly, it can become stained and smelly over time.
Today, we will discuss how to clean a latex mattress using only eco-friendly methods, and no harsh chemicals.
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There are a number of ways to clean a natural mattress without using harsh chemicals.
Your choice of cleaning method will be dictated by what tools and cleaning substances you have available, and the type of stains (if any) that you need to remove.
Some of the most common stains are:
I'll list a number of alternative techniques here, and you can choose the ones that best suit your needs.
Before you start cleaning your mattress, you should always vacuum it first. This will help remove any surface dirt, dead skin, and/or dust mites that could be trapped in the latex.
You can use a handheld vacuum cleaner or a soft upholstery attachment on your regular vacuum. Just make sure to go over the entire mattress, including the sides and corners.
Baking soda is a natural stain remover and cleaning agent that can be used on many different surfaces. It's also great for absorbing odors.
Simply sprinkle baking soda liberally over the surface of the mattress.
Be sure to pay special attention to any areas that are stained or have an odor. Allow the baking soda to sit on the mattress for at least 30 minutes, or until it has absorbed the stains.
For tough stains, mix baking soda with warm water first to form a paste, You can use this to gently scrub away more stubborn stains. Then leave the paste to dry.
When you've finished with either of these methods, remove the baking soda using your vacuum cleaner.
If you have tougher stains or odors on your mattress, you can combine hydrogen peroxide with baking soda. This method cut through a stubborn urine stain on my child's mattress that nothing else could move.
Hydrogen peroxide is a strong cleaning agent that can remove even the toughest stains and odors. But it's important to use it carefully, as it can also damage some surfaces.
To use hydrogen peroxide to clean your latex mattress, simply mix a solution of approximately 4 parts hydrogen peroxide, 3 parts baking soda, and 1 part dish soap.
Use a spray bottle to apply the solution. Try it on a small area first as a precaution, to make sure no discoloration occurs.
Leave it for a few minutes and use a damp cloth or light-colored sponge to remove it.
White vinegar is another natural cleaning agent that can be used to clean latex mattresses.
To use white vinegar to clean your mattress, simply mix it with water in a 50/50 ratio. Then, pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply it to the stain.
Allow the vinegar to sit on the mattress for at least 30 minutes before rubbing it clean with a cool, damp towel.
If you are using vinegar to treat a urine stain, the resulting smell can be quite eye-watering. So do this in a well-ventilated area. You can use baking soda afterward, once the stain has been removed, and it will remove all traces of odor.
If you have tough stains or odors on your mattress, you can also use a gentle, non-toxic laundry detergent to clean them.
To use laundry detergent to clean your mattress, simply mix a few drops of detergent with cold tap water. Then, using a clean cloth or sponge, apply the mixture to the stained areas of your mattress.
Allow the laundry detergent to sit on the mattress for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off, then dry as per the instructions below.
If you have a home steam cleaner, you can also use it to clean your latex mattress.
Steam cleaners are great for removing tough stains from mattresses, such as blood stains or urine. They also kill any bacteria or germs that may be on the surface of the mattress.
To use a steam cleaner to clean a natural mattress, first, make sure that the surface is dry. Then, carefully follow the instructions that came with your steam cleaner to clean your mattress.
If you only have a small stain or odor on your mattress, you can also spot clean it with cold water.
To spot clean your latex mattress with cold water, simply soak a cloth or sponge and then dab the stain or odor until it's gone.
Once you've finished cleaning your mattress, it's important to dry it thoroughly.
The best way is to simply let your latex mattress air dry. Open as many windows as possible to allow fresh air to circulate and then prop your mattress up on its side so that it can dry evenly.
However, unlike memory foam mattresses, you need to make sure you keep latex mattresses out of direct sunlight, as this can harm the cellular structure at its core. Keep it in the shade at all times.
If you live in a humid climate, you may also want to use a fan to help speed up the drying process.
Once your mattress is completely dry, you can put sheets back on it and start using it again.
So that covers the different eco-friendly ways to clean latex mattresses. But now, how about taking some steps to protect them, in order to cut down on the amount of cleaning you'll have to do in the future.
If you want to protect your mattress and prevent stains, you can use a topper or mattress cover.
A topper is a piece of fabric that goes over the top of your mattress. It's usually made from cotton or polyester and it helps to absorb any spills or stains.
Our guide shows you how to find a great natural organic latex mattress topper in stores or online.
A mattress cover is similar to a topper, but it's made from a waterproof material. This makes it ideal for protecting your mattress from spills or accidents.
Another way to protect your mattress and prevent stains is to wash your bedding regularly.
Bedding, including sheets, blankets, and pillowcases, can pick up dirt and dust over time. This can lead to odors or stains on your mattress.
If you wash your bedding regularly, you'll keep it clean and fresh and you won't have to worry about it transferring dirt or dust to your mattress.
That's why it's important to have at least two organic sheet sets, so you can use one while the other is in the laundry.
Wash your bedding at least once a week in hot water to remove any dirt, dust, or stains.
Another way to keep your latex mattress clean is to vacuum it regularly.
Vacuuming your mattress will remove any dirt, dust, or dead skin cells that may be on the surface. This will help keep your mattress looking and smelling fresh.
You can vacuum your mattress once a week or as needed. Just make sure to use a soft brush attachment so you don't damage the surface of the mattress.
Natural latex mattresses don't need to be rotated as frequently as other types in order to prevent sagging, but it is still useful to ensure that you don't get a build-up of dirt or debris in one particular place.
Read our guide to preventing mattress sagging for more information.
Yes, a natural latex mattress can get wet. However, it's important to dry it as soon as possible to prevent mold or mildew from forming.
You should clean your latex mattress at least once a month. However, if you have allergies or asthma, you may need to clean it more often.
Yes, you can use a vacuum cleaner on your latex mattress. However, make sure to use a soft brush attachment to avoid damaging the surface of the mattress.
The best way to dry your latex mattress is to air dry it. Open as many windows as possible and prop the mattress up on its side so that it can dry evenly. If you live in a humid climate, you may also want to use a fan to help speed up the drying process.
Yes, you can use a steam cleaner on your latex mattress. However, make sure to use the lowest setting and hold the steamer about six inches away from the surface of the mattress. Do not use a steam cleaner if your mattress is already wet.
No, baking soda does not damage latex. In fact, it can be used to clean and deodorize your mattress.
Yes, you can use vinegar on your latex mattress. However, make sure to dilute the vinegar with water before using it. Vinegar is a natural cleaner that can help remove stains and odors.
To maintain any sort of mattress, including latex, you should clean it regularly and vacuum it often. You should also avoid sleeping on the same spot every night to prevent indentations from forming.
Mattresses made from latex can last up to 20 years with proper care. However, if you have an indentation or lump in your mattress, it may be a sign that the mattress needs to be replaced.
No, latex mattresses do not grow mold during normal use. However, if they get wet, including during cleaning, then it's important to get your mattress dry as soon as possible to prevent mold or mildew from forming.
