According to statistics, we spend a third of our lives sleeping. This means you’re spending a lot of time on your mattress and it should be cared for. The quality of your mattress and how well its looked after, affects the quality of sleep.
If not cared for correctly, your mattress can prevent you from falling asleep and reduce the amount of hours you stay asleep. A dirty mattress can also lead to certain health problems, especially if you suffer from asthma or a respiratory issue. Here are some tips to extend the lifespan of your mattress and keep it in tip top condition.
Invest in a Mattress Protector
A mattress protector can significantly extend the useful life of a mattress. Even though you can’t see them, skin flakes, body oils and liquids soak through the sheet and go into the mattress if not protected. Over time, these can degrade a mattress and could lead to you needing to upgrade much sooner. Using a protector also minimises the chance of you voiding the mattress warranty.
Rotate Your Mattress Regularly
We are creatures of habit and tend to have a favourite sleeping position. By sleeping in the same spot on your mattress for years on end, this can lead to one section wearing out more quickly than the others. Most mattresses benefit from a rotation every 3 – 6 months, but check with your brand manufacturer if you’re unsure.
Spot Clean Stains Immediately
While its best to avoid eating and drinking in bed, as this can lead to the attraction of pests. If a food spill happens, address the stain immediately to increase the chance of getting it out. To clean up a stain on a light coloured mattress, mix lemon juice with salt into a paste. Rub it onto the stain a leave for 30 – 60 minutes. Wipe clean with a dry towel.
Keep Pets Off the Bed
Another simple way to extend the lifespan of your mattress is by keeping pets off the bed. As nice as it is to have furry cuddles, pets will be covered in dirt, germs and bacteria from their latest walk, that will be transferred onto your mattress. They can even transfer the eggs of fleas, roundworms and hookworms onto your sheets, which is terrifying!
Have Your Mattress Steam Cleaned
Even without bugs crawling from your pets to the bed, studies show that an aged mattress can harbor from 100,000 to 10,000,000 dust mites! Crusted sweat and old skin cells can start to affect a person’s health and even cause insomnia. Professional mattress steam cleaning is the most effective way to sanitise your mattress. By removing all the dirt and contaminants, your mattress will live a longer, more useful life.