Maintaining and cleaning your mattress

Firstly, read and make sure that you fully understand any care details that are packaged with your mattress. Failing to follow them may render any guarantee or warranty invalid. With a cheap mattress this may not be a concern, however with a more expensive model it may prove to be a big mistake.

If you have no care details, or inherited a mattress from someone else, be aware of the following as a guide.

1. 99% of composite mattresses are “no turn” mattresses. This means that whilst it is advisable to swivel the mattress around on a regular basis (i.e. so that the head end is moved to the foot end), the mattress should not be turned so that the underside becomes the top.

A composite mattress is one that is made from different materials and layers where each layer performs a specific function within the sequence (or distance) that it is from the top most surface.

As an e.g., we have a composite mattress that combines layers of gel, memory foam and springs. The spring box is at the bottom of the mattress, so to turn (flip) it would render the other layers impotent, i.e. it is a “no turn” mattress.

2. The best way to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of any mattress is by using a mattress protector. A mattress protector is essentially a layer of water impervious material that is placed on top of the mattress but below the sheet. It acts to prevent sweat, moisture and even liquid from reaching the mattress and causing a smell or discoloration.

Many modern mattress protectors also combine a padded topper.

3. If for some reason you feel the need to clean your mattress, contact the manufacturer first. Applying any kind of liquid or cleaner to a mattress will invariably do more harm than good. If the mattress appears dirty or discolored, you can use a vacuum cleaner on the top surface to remove dust and lift the fabric. But again you should be aware that this may invalidate any warranty.

4. When you leave your bed in the morning, pull back the quilt or blankets and let the mattress breathe.

If you remove the bedding completely (e.g. to wash), rather than re-cover it immediately with a second bedding set, allow it to breath for the rest of the day.

Whenever possible leave a window open in the bedroom. Good ventilation will keep the bed and bedding fresh and odour free.