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While pillowcases and sheets are washed frequently, many people may not be washing their mattresses. However, mattresses can accumulate a lot of dirt from sweat, moisture, sebum, dander, and dust.
This article introduces types of washable mattresses, how to care for them, and recommended products for those who prioritize sleep quality and want to care for their bedding, but are concerned about dirt because their bedding cannot be fully washed.
Are Mattresses Dirty? Why Do They Need to Be Washed?
It is said that people sweat about one cup's worth while sleeping. In the summer, even more sweat is released.
Just as clothes absorb sweat, mattresses also absorb a lot of it. In addition to sweat, dirt such as sebum, hair, and dander also accumulate.
If such dirt is left unwashed, mold and dust mites can grow, feeding on these substances. The dust, mold, and dust mite droppings and carcasses accumulated in mattresses can lead to asthma and allergies.
Washing your mattress not only removes dirt from the mattress itself, but also dust, mold, and dust mites. Therefore, it is necessary to wash your mattress regularly to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for mold and dust mites.
What Types of Mattresses Are Washable?
First, let's introduce the types of mattresses that are generally considered washable.
High-Resilience Fiber Mattresses
High-resilience fiber mattresses are a prime example of washable mattresses.
You can maintain their cleanliness by washing them entirely with water at home, even if they get dirty with sweat, food stains, or pet messes. Moreover, high-resilience fiber mattresses have many hollow sections and good breathability, making them resistant to mold, which is a recommended feature.
High-Resilience Urethane Mattresses
High-resilience urethane mattresses, popular for their excellent pressure distribution and minimal body strain, come in both washable and non-washable types, so be sure to check the care labels.
Products marked as washable can be rinsed with a shower or hand-washed like a sponge. Be careful not to wring them out too forcefully, as they can tear easily when wet.
Waterproof Mattresses
Mattresses with waterproof covers can be washed with water and detergent, or wiped clean with a cloth dampened with alcohol. The idea is more about wiping waterproof mattresses clean rather than washing them.
However, waterproof mattresses are often used in medical and nursing care settings, and there are currently few products available for general use.
Fiber Type is Most Recommended from a Washing Perspective
In terms of ease of washing, high-resilience fiber mattresses are the best. They can also be soaked in water with detergent, making them suitable for any type of stain. They are also durable enough to be washed daily.
Not only can they be easily rinsed with a shower, but because they have many hollow sections, they are less likely to remain wet inside and dry quickly just by being placed in a well-ventilated area.
Additionally, tri-fold mattresses are recommended as you can remove and wash only the soiled inner material. They take up less space for both washing and drying than larger mattresses, making maintenance easy.
How to Wash a Mattress
Although dirt on mattresses may not be easily visible, if left unattended, it accumulates and can lead to mold and dust mites, so regular cleaning is essential. However, mattresses are large and cannot be washed in a washing machine, and the washing method varies depending on the material, so please refer to the washing instructions for each material.
For Fiber Mattresses
Fiber mattresses, made of intertwined resin fibers, are characterized by being washable with water.
If you're concerned about dirt, take it to the bathroom and rinse it thoroughly with a shower. Some products are sensitive to high temperatures, so please check the instruction manual or laundry symbols for water temperature and washing method before proceeding.
Care Steps
1: Remove and wash the cover
Remove the mattress cover and wash it separately from the mattress, checking its laundry symbols.
2: Wash the mattress with water or warm water
Wash the mattress entirely with water or warm water, depending on the product. Some products can be washed with water mixed with neutral detergent, so check the instruction manual or laundry symbols.
3: Air dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area
After rinsing thoroughly, dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. If you put the cover on while it's still wet, mold may form, so make sure it's completely dry.
For Urethane Mattresses
Urethane mattresses, made of resilient sponge material called urethane foam, often cannot be washed, but some products can.
There are various types, such as those where you remove the cover to wash, or those where you wash with the cover on, so always check the care label before washing.
Care Steps
1: Remove the mattress cover
If the cover is removable, take it off and wash it separately from the mattress, checking its laundry symbols.
2: Hand wash the mattress with water
Soak the mattress in water and gently press-wash it. Be careful not to twist or pull forcefully, as this can tear the mattress.
3: Air dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area
After rinsing thoroughly, dry it in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Urethane is vulnerable to water and prone to mold, so instead of leaving it flat, stand it upright to dry. Also, urethane is vulnerable to sunlight and heat, and sun-drying can cause the mattress to deteriorate, so always air dry it in the shade.
For Spring Mattresses
Spring mattresses, which have metal springs built into their core, generally cannot be fully washed.
If the cover is removable, it can be machine-washed, and the main body can be spot-cleaned for localized dirt.
Care Steps
1: Remove the mattress cover
If the cover is removable, take it off and wash it separately from the mattress, checking its laundry symbols.
2: Remove dirt with a towel dampened with diluted detergent
Dampen a towel with diluted detergent and lightly wring it out. Pat the stained area with the towel to absorb the dirt, repeating until the stain is gone.
3: Wipe off detergent solution with a clean, damp towel
Wipe off the detergent solution by patting with a towel rinsed in clean water.
4: Absorb moisture from the mattress with a dry towel
Absorb moisture from the mattress with a dry towel and dry thoroughly.
Mattress Care Methods by Stain Type
In addition to everyday dirt like sweat, sebum, hair, dander, and dust, mattresses can also get partial stains from mold, bedwetting, or blood. Here are care methods for different types of stains.
For Mold, Use Disinfectant Ethanol
Spray disinfectant ethanol on the moldy areas of the mattress, leave for about an hour, then wipe off the mold with a wrung-out towel.
Repeat until the mold is removed and ensure it is thoroughly dry. Avoid chlorine-based detergents used for bathroom mold removal, as they can damage the mattress.
For Bedwetting, Use Citric Acid
To treat bedwetting stains containing alkaline ammonia, use citric acid.
First, absorb as much liquid from the bedwetting as possible with a towel. Next, create a citric acid solution by adding 1 teaspoon of citric acid to 200ml of water, spray it on the stained area, let it sit for about 5 minutes, then wipe it off with a towel. Repeat until the stain is gone and ensure it is thoroughly dry.
For Stains and Yellowing, Use Neutral Detergent
Gently blot stains from coffee or juice, or yellowed areas, with a towel soaked in water to dilute the stain.
Be careful not to rub the stain, as this can spread the dirt.
Next, gently pat the stain with a towel dampened with neutral detergent. Once a good amount of the stain has been removed, wipe off the detergent with a towel soaked in water. Repeat until the stain is clean and ensure it is thoroughly dry.
For Night Sweat, Use Baking Soda
For yellow stains caused by night sweats, baking soda is effective. Create a baking soda solution by adding 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 100ml of water, spray it on the stained area, let it sit for about 5 minutes, then wipe off the moisture with a dry towel.
Repeat until the stain is gone and the odor disappears, then stand the mattress upright to dry thoroughly. In addition to baking soda, sesquicarbonate can also be used.
For Blood, Use Sesquicarbonate
If stained by nosebleeds or menstrual blood, cleaning immediately increases the chances of removing it completely. Create a sesquicarbonate solution by adding 1 teaspoon of sesquicarbonate to 500ml of water, spray it on the stained area, let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, then wipe off the moisture with a dry towel.
Repeat until the stain is clean and ensure it is thoroughly dry.
When removing blood, avoid water hotter than body temperature as it can solidify the blood and make it harder to remove. Use water or lukewarm water below 30°C.
Precautions When Washing a Mattress
We have explained how to wash a mattress, and here are three important points to keep in mind when washing it.
1: Do Not Use Coin Laundromats or Washing Machines
You cannot wash a mattress in a coin laundromat or washing machine as it can cause the mattress to deteriorate.
Also, the washing machine may break due to being overloaded, so hand wash it instead.
2: Wash Approximately Every Six Months
The "Guidelines for Sanitation Management in Ryokan Businesses" published by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare state that bedding such as futons and pillows should be fully washed at least once every six months to maintain cleanliness.
If you are concerned about dirt or odor, it is advisable to wash it at that time. However, depending on the material, washing the mattress too frequently can accelerate its deterioration, so for partial stains, only clean that specific area.
3: Do Not Expose to Direct Sunlight
Mattresses made of heat-sensitive materials like urethane and latex may discolor or deform when exposed to direct sunlight.
Exposing them to direct sunlight does not effectively suppress dust mites, so a thorough wash is best. After washing, dry them in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
If You're Going to Wash Your Mattress Anyway...
To remove various types of dirt such as sweat, sebum, hair, dander, mold, dust mites, and dust, choosing a washable mattress is optimal.
It would be ideal to have a mattress that can maintain cleanliness and also provide a good night's sleep. That's why we recommend the 'Brain Sleep Mattress Plus Float'.
Comfortable Sleep Improves Various Daily Performances
There's an interesting research finding related to sleep. According to a study published in an associated journal of the JAMA by Dr. Esra Tasali's team, who leads the sleep research laboratory at the University of Chicago, when obese and sleep-deprived Americans were instructed to extend their sleep by about an hour, their daily calorie intake decreased, and they were able to lose weight.
In other words, sleep had an impact on diet.
Thus, good quality sleep can be expected to improve various daily performances.
Let's improve your daily performance by using a washable mattress that provides a good night's sleep!
【References】
※ https://www.47news.jp/7587876.html
※ https://www.cnn.co.jp/fringe/35183341.html
