Perhaps the most difficult mattress to maintain is the innerspring mattress. It does not have anti-bacterial or anti-allergenic features newer foam mattresses have. The older models of innerspring beds are still prone to molds and mildew formation.
That being said, they require more care and attention from their owners. Cleaning and disinfecting your innerspring mattress can keep it in top shape. This will also prevent health threats such as chemical off-gassing. Apparently, off-gassing can mess up with the serotonin-producing functions of the brain.
Here are some of the steps you should use when taking care of your innerspring bed:
1. Take your mattress in an area where you can clean it and dry it completely. It should be a well-ventilated area so your mattress can dry up properly. Excess moisture inside might cause the appearance of molds and mildew.
2. Prepare your cleaning materials. You need a soft-bristled brush, distilled white vinegar, baking soda, spray bottle, a bucket full of water and towels. You also need a hand-held vacuum cleaner or a shop vac.
3. Vacuum all sides of the mattress first. Carefully remove dirt particles and dust mites. Linger on the surface of the mattress as this is the area usually loaded with dead cells or dirt.
4. Mix your cleaning solution. Mix one part distilled white vinegar with two parts water. Place the solution in a spray bottle. Spray it all over the mattress. This cleaning solution will help disinfect the mattress. Moreover, it will also help dissolve molds and mildew or any stains your mattress might have acquired. Let it stay there for an hour.
5. Soak a towel in warm water. Wring out the excess. After an hour of letting the vinegar solution disinfect and freshen up the bed, wipe the cleaning solution using the damp towel.
6. Sprinkle baking soda all over the bed. This will help remove any lingering smell from your mattress. It will also help get rid of stains and discolorations. Use the soft-bristled brush to brush the baking soda on the stained areas. Let it stay there for another hour. Baking soda can also absorb excess moisture inside the mattress.
7. After an hour, vacuum the mattress again. Make sure you remove all dirt particles.
8. Let it dry completely. Do not use the mattress unless it has dried up completely.
You should use these steps in cleaning your innerspring mattress. It is ideal to clean your mattress at least twice a year to ward off bacteria, molds, and germs.
