How to wash a foam mattress properly for maximum cleanliness

Did you know that keeping your mattress clean has an impact on maximum sleep comfort? A clean foam mattress not only supports sleep quality, but also keeps your health from dust and dirt.

In this article, we’ll cover how to thoroughly clean a foam mattress, from stain removal steps to tips for keeping your mattress in good condition.

Proper care is essential, especially for quality foam mattresses such as those provided by IKEA . With proper care, your IKEA mattress will continue to provide maximum comfort for a better night's sleep.

Read more: Fresh laundry, happy mood
 

Preparation before washing a foam mattress

Before you start cleaning a foam mattress, it’s important to know the proper way to avoid damaging the foam or the upholstery. Foam mattresses can’t be washed like regular fabric mattresses, but they can be treated with more careful methods to maintain their durability. Here are some things you need to keep in mind.
 

Can foam mattresses be washed?

Foam mattresses cannot be washed in the usual way like washing clothes or fabrics. Submerging a foam mattress in water or cleaning it with a lot of water can damage the foam structure and upholstery.

Therefore, cleaning a foam mattress requires special techniques to avoid damaging the material, but still clean it effectively.
 

Tools and materials needed

Before starting cleaning, prepare the following tools and materials to help the cleaning process:

• Vacuum cleaner : To clean dust and light dirt from the surface of the mattress.
• Special mattress broom : An alternative if you don't have a vacuum cleaner, you can clean the dust manually.
• Baking soda : Effective for removing stains and unpleasant odors on mattresses.
• Vinegar and water : To clean stubborn stains on the mattress.
• Clean cloth : Used to absorb liquids or gently clean wet stains.
• Liquid detergent : Used to clean certain areas with stains, avoid using powdered detergent which can leave residue.

 

Steps to properly wash a foam mattress

Cleaning a foam mattress not only keeps it clean, but also extends the life of the mattress and improves sleep quality.

Below are the steps you can take to thoroughly clean a foam mattress:
 

Clean dust and dirt

Dust and dirt particles can accumulate on the surface of the mattress over time, potentially causing allergies and reducing sleep quality.

Therefore, to clean the dust you can use a vacuum cleaner to suck up dust and dirt from the surface of the mattress, or if you do not have a vacuum cleaner, use a special mattress broom to clean the dust manually. Clean slowly so as not to damage the foam mattress.
 

Removing Stubborn Stains on Foam Mattresses

Stains such as tea, coffee, blood, or pee often soak into foam mattresses and cause unpleasant odors. The following steps can help remove stubborn stains:

• Sprinkle baking soda on the stained area, then let it sit for a few hours to allow the baking soda to absorb the stain and odor.
• After that, clean the remaining baking soda using a vacuum cleaner.
• For more stubborn stains, wipe the area with a cloth dampened with liquid detergent until the stain is gone. Avoid using too much water to avoid getting the mattress too wet.

 

Eliminates bad odors

Foam mattresses can also emit unpleasant odors due to bacteria that grow in damp mattresses, such as the smell of pee, sweat, or mold.

Therefore, you can spray a mixture of baking soda and vinegar on the smelly area, then leave it for a few hours until the smell is absorbed and gone.

After that, dry the mattress in a place exposed to sunlight until dry to ensure that the unpleasant odor is completely gone and the mattress remains fresh.

Read more: A flexible laundry nook in earthy tones​
 

Foam mattress drying process

Drying foam mattresses is an important step in maintaining them to keep them clean, free from moisture, and comfortable to use. The correct process for drying foam mattresses is as follows:
 

1. Choose the right location

Dry the mattress in a place that is exposed to direct sunlight and has good air circulation.

Sunlight helps kill bacteria and removes moisture trapped inside the mattress.
 

2. Position the mattress horizontally

Place the mattress flat on a flat surface to maintain the shape of the foam. Avoid hanging the mattress as it can cause deformation or damage to its structure.
 

3. Dry the stained or wet part

Make sure the area affected by stains or moisture gets maximum sunlight. 

Sun the mattress for 3 to 6 hours, depending on the humidity level and sunlight intensity.
 

4. Turn the mattress regularly

To ensure that all parts of the mattress are exposed to sunlight evenly, flip the mattress after a few hours to allow both sides to dry completely.
 

Additional tips and tricks for caring for foam mattresses

After carrying out the steps to clean a foam mattress properly, there are several additional tips that can be applied to keep the mattress in the best condition, namely:
 

Use a mattress protector

Using a mattress protector is one of the most effective ways to protect your foam mattress from spills, stains, and dust.

This protector prevents dirt from directly seeping into the mattress and makes maintenance easier.

That way, you can extend the life of your mattress and maintain sleeping comfort.
 

Change sheets regularly

Clean sheets are key to keeping your mattress clean. Sheets that are not changed regularly can become a source of dirt that will transfer to your mattress, reducing its cleanliness.

Therefore, it is important to change the sheets at least once a week to keep the mattress clean and hygienic.
 

Avoid eating and drinking in bed

Spilled food and drinks can damage foam mattresses by leaving permanent stains and causing unpleasant odors.

To maintain the cleanliness of the mattress, it is highly recommended to avoid bringing food and drinks onto the mattress. If a spill occurs, clean it up immediately before the liquid soaks in further.

Read more: 5 ways to make laundry day a chill day
 

Frequently asked questions about how to wash a foam mattress

Washing a foam mattress can raise some questions. Below are some common questions and answers to help you properly care for your foam mattress:

Can foam mattresses be washed with water?
Answer: No, soaking a foam mattress in water can damage its structure. It is better to use a dry or wet cleaning method with a little water to keep the mattress in good condition.

How to deal with a foam mattress that has been stained with pee?
Answer: To deal with a foam mattress that has been peed on, absorb the liquid with a clean cloth first. Then, use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean the affected area. After that, sprinkle baking soda on the area and clean it after a few hours to remove the odor.

Is powdered detergent safe to use to wash foam mattresses?
Answer: Not recommended, because powder detergent can change the color and texture of the mattress cover. It is better to use liquid detergent which is softer and safer for foam mattress material.

Read more: Get every part of your home cleaned
 

Washing and caring for foam mattresses properly

Overall, washing and maintaining your foam mattress regularly is the answer to ensuring the comfort and cleanliness of your bed.

Here, we are also very excited to introduce you to products from IKEA . At IKEA, you can get quality foam mattresses that are easy to care for and designed to provide maximum comfort.

Each of our mattresses is designed to provide the support you need for a good night's sleep. That's why you can try the mattress at home with 90-day free returns and a 10-year warranty, ensuring a deeper, risk-free night's sleep.

Also, explore our latest offerings on sleep essentials. From mattresses to accessories, we have what you need to sleep better at prices that many can afford.

Let's find your favorite furniture products on the IKEA website, IKEA app, or visit the nearest IKEA, and build your good sleep #HanyaDiIKEA