A memory mattress is best known for its ability to contour and fit against your body’s shape, which allows it to offer much better support and pressure relief than a regular mattress. And compared to a traditional mattress, you’re much less likely to feel any unnecessary movements that could be caused by another person, nor hear any noise due to the lack of springs inside it.
Most of these can be attributed to the unique structure and build of the memory foam mattress itself, but it can come with many downfalls as well such as higher absorbency, density, moisture sensitivity, and more. Because of this, they may require a bit more care and attention to clean, but it’s possible. Here’s how you can clean your memory foam mattress easily at home with just a few simple household items and ingredients!
How to Clean a Memory Foam Mattress
Step 1: Remove and Wash Bed Covers and Fabrics
While most of these items can be washed in a washing machine, it’s always best to check the attached tag for the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning instructions. The information on this tag should always be your primary reference when it comes to cleaning.
Step 2: Vacuum the Memory Foam Mattress
Once all the covers and layers have been stripped, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment and gently run this over the entire surface, making sure to work in gentle circular motions to remove any traces of impurities.
Step 3: Spot Clean Stains
Soapy Water Solution
When it comes to cleaning any stain, it’s important to remove them as soon as possible. Most stains can be removed with equal parts mild liquid detergent or dish soap and some water. Combine these two into a bowl before dipping a cloth into the solution and working around the stained area in circular motions, making sure that the cloth is only damp and not dripping.
Repeat this as many times as needed before using another dampened cloth to wipe away the soapy solution. Then, get another clean and dry cloth and use this to dab around the area and remove excess moisture.
Diluted Vinegar Solution
For more stubborn stains, combine ¾ cup of water and ¼ cup of white vinegar into a bowl. Then, use a clean cloth and dampen this with the solution before gently rubbing it around the affected area in circular motions.
When most of the stain has been lifted, start removing the leftover solution with a cloth dampened with clean water. Afterward, you can get a final clean and dry cloth and use this to absorb as much moisture as you can before leaving your memory foam mattress to dry completely.
Baking Soda
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the area and leave this for a few hours. Once you notice the baking soda turning into a paste, use a clean cloth to wipe everything away before running over the spot with a vacuum cleaner to remove any extra traces.
Step 4: Deodorize Memory Foam Mattress
You can easily deodorize your mattress by mixing one part laundry detergent and two parts water into an empty spray bottle. Use this to gently mist over your memory foam mattress before letting it dry completely.
You can also sprinkle some baking soda over your entire surface as it’s a natural deodorizer that absorbs and neutralizes nasty odors. After leaving it to sit for a few hours, you can simply remove the powder with your vacuum cleaner.
Step 5: Leave Memory Foam Mattress to Dry
The easiest way to dry your memory foam mattress is by bringing it out and placing it under direct sunlight. Sunlight will not only remove any moisture, but it can also eliminate odors, bacteria, and pests effortlessly.
You can also use an electric fan to promote air circulation around your mattress, as well as a dehumidifier to control the humidity levels indoors. You can even use a hair dryer so long as you hold it five to six inches away from the mattress and keep it in a warm setting rather than hot.
Common Questions About Cleaning a Memory Foam Mattress
Can You Wash Memory Foam with Water?
Yes, you can wash memory foam with water, but it’s important to use any moisture sparingly. Cleaning with excessive water or liquids can be counterproductive and cause more problems down the line such as mold and mildew growth due to the high porosity and absorbency levels of memory foam mattresses.
Can I Use Vinegar on Memory Foam?
Yes, you can use vinegar on memory foam in small amounts. Not only does vinegar boast antibacterial and antifungal properties, but it also deodorizes, while also being natural and non-toxic. There’s also the fact that it’s accessible and affordable for most of us, and it’s also an effective way to break down and lift stains from your memory foam mattress.
Can a Memory Foam Mattress Be Washed?
No, a memory foam mattress cannot be washed. Memory foam mattresses are made from a unique material that can easily absorb and cling to moisture, which is why it’s best to introduce any liquids to it sparingly and in small amounts. Memory foam is also moisture-sensitive, meaning that excess moisture can lead to mold or mildew growth.
Is a Memory Foam Mattress Ruined If It Gets Wet?
No, a memory foam mattress is not ruined if it gets wet as long as you deal with it properly. While there are some problems that you risk running into such as mold and mildew, weakening of structure, and stubborn odors, these can still be minimized if you act quickly and allow for proper drying and ventilation, preferably outside and under direct sunlight.
Does Baking Soda Dry a Memory Foam Mattress?
Yes, baking soda can dry a memory foam mattress. A generous amount poured over a spill or a stain is a quick and easy way to lift the liquid without having to put in much effort. After a few hours, you’ll notice that the baking soda begins to transform into a paste, and this is how you know that it’s working its magic. Just wipe the paste away with a clean cloth and vacuum up any remaining powder.
Other Memory Foam Mattress Cleaning Tips
Never Rub Stains Too Aggressively
As tempting as it may be to rub a stain, it’ll do you more harm than good. Using excessive force will only push the stain more deeply into your memory foam mattress and make this much harder to remove and completely erase. Instead, it’s best to use gentle dabbing and blotting motions or circular motions to work your preferred cleaning solution into a stained area.
Always Let the Memory Foam Mattress Dry Completely
One of the most important things to remember when it comes to cleaning your memory foam mattress is that you have to let it dry completely before returning it. Any lingering moisture can transform your mattress into a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and other bacteria to grow, which will turn your mattress into a toxic and contaminated area.
Avoid Excess Water Exposure
When using any cleaning solution or product, you must use this sparingly as using too much water on your memory foam mattress can potentially damage its inner fibers. Due to the more complicated composition of this type of mattress, it’s more likely to hold onto any moisture, which can lead to anything from contamination, unpleasant odors, compromised comfort, and more. This includes anything from steaming to full submersion.
Never Use Harsh Detergents or Cleaners
Exposing your memory foam mattress to harsh chemicals can not only aggravate existing stains but also cause new ones and potentially damage the foam of your mattress. It might also lead you to some discoloration, as well as a different texture. This includes products like bleach and low-quality cleaners.
Call the Professionals
If you’ve made a mess of your memory foam mattress and don’t know what to do, the quickest fix would be to call a professional household cleaning company for convenient and affordable mattress cleaning services.
