Foam mattresses are very comfortable and easy to care for. If you need to clean the foam mattress, use water and detergent very carefully. Foam rubber retains water and other liquids, especially in excessive quantities or when cleaning too intensively. To care for such a mattress, it is better to regularly vacuum it, and also use a very moderate amount of water and detergents.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Vacuuming your mattress
Step 1. Remove the bedding
Remove the blanket, blankets, sheets, pillows, and mattress topper. All sheets and mattress cover should be washed. Change your bedding regularly to keep your mattress clean for longer. The vacuum cleaner can be used after all laundry has been removed.
Wash the mattress topper at the same time you clean the mattress. Check the information on the label and select the appropriate washing mode. Typically a standard washing machine setting is suitable
Step 2. Use a vacuum cleaner with a cloth attachment
To clean the mattress, you will need a matching nozzle. If it is clean, put the brush on the tube of the vacuum cleaner and get to work.
If it is dirty, use your hands to remove all particles of fabric and dust from the brush. Wash the attachment in soapy water. Rinse with clean water and leave to dry for one day
Step 3. Vacuum the mattress
Use the dedicated fabric attachment. Remove any hair, dust, lint, or debris from the mattress. Start cleaning at the top of the mattress and then work your way down to the sides. Turn the mattress over or lean against the wall and clean the underside.
Method 2 of 4: How to remove stains
Step 1. Use water and detergent carefully
Foam mattresses cannot be wetted too much, so be careful when removing stains. Rubbing stains too vigorously can risk accidentally rubbing them deeper into the mattress or over-wetting the material. If the mattress is damp, mold may develop in it.
- Do not allow the mattress to soak in water or liquid detergent.
- Use a spray bottle instead of a steam cleaner or damp cloth. Spraying small amounts of water will prevent the mattress from getting too saturated with moisture.
Step 2. Choose a detergent
Use vinegar and baking soda or an enzyme detergent to remove stains. The latter will do a great job, but vinegar is a cheaper and more proven remedy.
- You can mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Sprinkle baking soda directly over the stain.
- When using an enzyme product, follow the directions on the label.
Step 3. Treat the stain
Spray a small amount over the stain and let sit for five minutes.
Step 4. Remove as much of the stain as possible
When the detergent seeps into the stain, wipe it off with a clean cloth. Use a vertical back and forth motion (not a circular motion) to get rid of the stain.
Rubbing too hard can enlarge the stain area
Step 5. Sprinkle baking soda over the stain
Leave the baking soda overnight. Vacuum up the baking soda in the morning. This will help remove not only the stain on the foam mattress, but also associated odors.
Step 6. Dry the mattress
Leaving the mattress wet is risky, so dry it right away. In fine weather, the mattress can be taken outside and left in the sun. In bad weather, you can put a fan in the room and direct it towards the mattress.
Method 3 of 4: How to Remove Liquid Traces
Step 1. Dry the mattress
If you spill liquid on the mattress, dry it immediately. On a sunny day, you can take it outside. Once the stain is dry, it can be removed with a suitable product such as baking soda.
Step 2. Collect moisture
If the stain is wet, wipe off the moisture with a clean cloth or absorbent cloth. Press the cloth against the damp area. When some of the moisture has been absorbed, reapply the cloth to the mattress with the dry part.
- You do not need to use circular motions and rub the stain too vigorously, otherwise it will only be absorbed into the mattress more strongly.
- Several wipes or towels may be required depending on the size of the stain.
Step 3. Install the fan
Place a fan in front of the mattress. Turn on high power and direct the fan towards the wet spot on the mattress.
Step 4. Wait for the mattress to dry
Once the stain is removed from the mattress, it will need to be left on for a few hours to dry. There is no need to make the bed if the mattress is still damp.
Open a window in the room to increase air circulation. This will dry the mattress faster
Method 4 of 4: How to get rid of odors
Step 1. Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress
Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress and leave it on overnight or from morning to evening while you are at work. Then vacuum up the baking soda.
Step 2. Spray a citrus cleaner over the mattress
You can use a lemon or other citrus herbal remedy to get rid of unpleasant odors. Spray a small amount of liquid and wait until it is completely dry.
You can make a homemade citrus cleanser. Place the lemon or orange peel in an airtight container, cover with white vinegar and let sit for two weeks. Strain the vinegar from the peel and pour into a spray bottle
Step 3. Move the mattress to fresh air
Leave it on your porch or backyard for a couple of hours. The sun and wind will help remove bacteria and odors. If you live in the suburbs or in the countryside, this is the easiest way.
- Be sure to keep an eye on the weather and bring the mattress into the house so it doesn't get wet.
- Do not use this method if you live in an industrial city with dirty air.
Step 4. Put on the mattress topper
When you vacuum and clean your mattress with stain and odor removers, you need to place it in the mattress topper to keep it fresh and clean longer.