HOUSEHOLD items can be used to rid mattresses of dust mites, dead skin and debris, according to an expert.
She warned that your skin can become irritated if you sleep on a mattress that isn’t cleaned regularly.
Rebecca Mayes is a sleep expert on the luxury British bed Harrison Spinks.
In conversation with The US Sun, she shared tips for extending the life of a mattress.
ERASE STAINS
Mayes said the mattress needs to be turned over a few times a year and cleaned at least once every six months for a “fresh and healthy” night’s sleep.
“It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to do, and you can easily clean and maintain your mattress using a few simple household items,” she said.
“For a deep clean, use mild, bleach-free, fragrance-free laundry detergent, or dish detergent mixed with a small amount of water.
“Simply go over any marks and then apply a thin layer of baking soda to the entire mattress to neutralize odors.
“Leave it for a few hours and then clean with a clothes brush.”
She said stains should be treated with a “soft” circular cloth rather than soaking.
Once the process is done on both sides, the mattress must be left to dry completely.
BRUSH THE DUST
Mayes recommended using a soft brush to effectively remove dust from your mattress.
“You should never use a vacuum cleaner on beds that contain natural fillings, like all of our sustainable mattresses,” she said.
“This can dislodge the filings and pull the fibers through the fabric.”
She said rotating or flipping your mattress every few months can “prevent damage” and extend its lifespan.
“Rotating or pillow-top mattresses should be rotated, keeping the soft sleeping surface on top,” she added.
What are dust mites?
According to Health LineDust mites are small insects that feed on dead skin cells.
They belong to the spider family and can survive in all temperatures.
They thrive in warm places that retain moisture, such as bedding and carpeting.
Allergen-proof bedspreads along with regular cleaning can help control dust mites.
Up to 20 million people in the United States are allergic to dust mites, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
REFRESH BEDDING
Mayes said clean sheets should be added weekly, while pillows and comforters need to be cleaned every few months.
These basic cleaning rules help keep the “whole bed” fresh.
“Adding a mattress protector, ideally made from natural materials, that can be cleaned more frequently and with much less effort, will also help keep your bed in the best condition,” she said.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story