How to clean a mattress healthfully

Using non-toxic methods to clean a mattress will keep you and your bedroom healthy.

*PREVENTION

Prevention is the best way to keep your mattress clean, however you may find that despite your best efforts, the mattress becomes soiled or you must use an older mattress until you can perhaps purchase a new, much healthier organic mattress.

Encasing the mattress in tightly woven organic cotton is best, as it will protect from dust mites and soiling. Avoid waterproof backings as these are usually made of polyurethane or vinvl/PVC which outgases harmful chemicals. If you must have a waterproof backing, polyethylene is the safest alternative according to one chemist who has worked extensively in the plastics industry. Some Organic or natural stores carry this type of product.

Keeping the room humidity below 50% and the room temperature below 70 degrees also keeps dust mites to a minimum as they prefer warm, moist, dark environments. Then a wool mattress pad is a good choice also for added protection. It will repel dust mites and absorb some of the chemicals released from a non-organic mattress.

Your mattress can also be covered with three layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil. This prevents most of the chemical outgassing from the mattress, and prevents staining and moisture from perspiration which adds to the growth of bacteria and fungi in the mattress.

It also cuts down on dust mite growth which occurs in all mattresses unless they are made of organic wool or organic latex. It’s best to put one or two organic fabric pads or fitted sheets over the aluminum foil to cut down on sounds from it as you sleep and move on the bed and to help secure it.

*CLEANING WITH VINEGAR AND SUNSHINE

For cleaning stains such as urine, apply white vinegar and blot. Let it soak for about 1 hour. You can sprinkle on some baking soda also. The chemicals will react and help to loosen the stain. Rinse with hot water, using a scrub brush and or a soft cloth to blot up moisture. Try to do this when the weather is warm, so the mattress will be able to completely dry.

Blood stains can be cleaned first with cool water, and an effective detergent. The sooner you are able to remove these types of stains, the better the result. The stains will set more if you use hot water, because of the proteins in blood. You can use hot water near the end of the cleaning if you desire, after the stain has been removed.

If moisture remains, this encourages the growth of molds, fungi and bacteria. If you’re able to remove the mattress and clean it outside, that is even better. Let it dry in the sun for several hours, or all day if possible after cleaning. The UV light is also very effective at killing bacteria and viruses. That's why it's a good idea to simply allow your mattress to air out in the sun as often as possible.

*BAKING SODA

Baking soda is an effective natural deodorizer. Sprinkle it on the mattress generously and let it set for a few hours. Then vacuum it. Kirby vacuums or other good quality vacs are able to remove substantial amounts of dust mites from the mattress.

*HOT WATER

This method is also best if you are able to take the mattress outside, and if you are trying to remove larger stains or soiling. Pour hot water onto the stain, add baking soda or a mild detergent and scrub with a brush. Repeat as necessary until the stain is removed. Rinse with more hot water, then cool water to remove any leftover suds. Squeeze out the washed area if you’re able to do so, and let it dry in the sun. If you cannot dry in the sun, then use a fan or space heater or dry near a wood stove to completely dry mattress. This may take 1-2 days.

*AVOID CHEMICAL CLEANERS

These should be avoided because of the harmful chemicals they contain. While the products may be effective at removing stains, they also contain toxic chemicals which will outgas for a long time. It’s best not to breathe these chemicals in all night, if you want to protect your health.

Deodorizing sprays or those that claim to REMOVE odors actually just use chemicals which are much stronger than the offending odor to COVER UP the smells. They do not remove the odors. Many of these chemicals are not checked for safety (most cleaning products are not). It’s been found that most of the chemicals in them are extremely harmful to humans and many are known carcinogens. It’s best and far healthier to use ingredients that are simple, natural, and biodegradable.

For more information on chemicals and healthier cleaning products check out

mothersmoon.com.

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