Weekly and monthly care
- Weekly: wash sheets and pillowcases. Strip the bed for an hour in the morning so sweat dries out.
- Monthly: vacuum the mattress surface and seams with an upholstery nozzle.
- Every three months: rotate the mattress head to foot. Flip it if it is the same on both sides (most pillow-tops are one-sided).
- Every six months: wash the protector and check the base for broken slats.
How to clean a mattress
- Strip the bed and vacuum the whole surface, then the seams and edges.
- Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) over the top, leave it for a few hours to absorb smells, then vacuum it off.
- Spot-clean stains (below). Never soak a mattress: water trapped in foam takes days to dry and causes mould.
- Let it air dry fully in a well-ventilated room, in shade, before you make the bed.
Removing common stains
| Stain | How to treat it |
|---|---|
| Sweat and body oil (yellow marks) | Dab with a cloth dampened in mild soapy water, then blot with a dry cloth. Bicarbonate of soda paste helps lift old marks. |
| Urine | Blot as much as you can at once. Dab with one part white vinegar to two parts water, blot, then cover with bicarbonate of soda once dry and vacuum. |
| Blood | Use cold water only (hot water sets it). Dab with cold water and a little salt or mild soap, blot, repeat. |
| Tea, coffee, juice | Blot, then dab with mild soapy water and blot dry. |
Always blot, never rub, and use as little liquid as possible. Test any cleaner on a hidden corner first.
Damp, mould and humidity
Damp is the biggest risk for mattresses in Kenya, especially at the coast, around the lake and in rainy months. Keep the mattress off the floor, open windows in the morning, don't put a mattress against a damp wall, and air it in shade after cleaning. Spring and hybrid builds breathe better than solid foam in humid towns.
Protectors and covers
A waterproof, breathable protector is the cheapest way to keep a mattress clean and protect the warranty. It stops sweat, spills and dust reaching the foam and comes off for washing. Shop mattress protectors and pillows.
Bedbugs
If you see bedbugs, act early. Read bedbugs and your mattress for what works and what doesn't.
Questions
How do I clean a mattress at home?
Vacuum it, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda and leave it a few hours, vacuum again, spot-clean stains by blotting, then air dry in shade.
How do I remove urine from a mattress?
Blot quickly, dab with one part white vinegar to two parts water, blot dry, then cover with bicarbonate of soda and vacuum once dry.
How often should I rotate my mattress?
Rotate head to foot every three months. Flip it only if both sides are the same.
Can I wash a foam mattress with water?
Don't soak it. Water trapped in foam takes days to dry and causes mould. Spot-clean only.