You spend about a third of your life on your mattress. In Florida's humid climate, mattresses can become a breeding ground for dust mites, mold, and allergens. Here's how to keep your mattress clean and healthy.
Why Mattress Cleaning Matters in Florida
Florida's humidity creates special challenges for mattress care:
- Dust mites thrive in humid environments
- Moisture can seep into mattresses and cause mold
- Sweat doesn't evaporate as quickly in humid air
- Allergens build up faster in our climate
Regular Mattress Maintenance
Weekly
Change sheets and air out mattress for an hour with bedding off
Monthly
Vacuum mattress surface using upholstery attachment
Quarterly
Deep clean and deodorize, rotate mattress
Yearly
Replace mattress protector, flip if double-sided
How to Deep Clean Your Mattress
Step 1: Strip and Vacuum
- • Remove all bedding, including mattress protector
- • Vacuum the entire surface with upholstery attachment
- • Pay extra attention to seams and crevices
- • Vacuum the sides and bottom if possible
Step 2: Deodorize with Baking Soda
- • Sprinkle baking soda evenly over entire mattress
- • Use about 1 cup for a queen-size mattress
- • Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (longer is better)
- • Open windows or run a fan to help it work
Step 3: Vacuum Again
- • Thoroughly vacuum up all the baking soda
- • Make multiple passes to get it all
- • Check crevices for any remaining powder
Step 4: Air It Out
- • Let mattress air dry completely before making bed
- • Open windows or turn on ceiling fan
- • In Florida, run the AC to reduce humidity
- • Wait at least 2-3 hours before putting sheets back
Removing Mattress Stains
Fresh Stains
- Blot immediately - don't rub
- Mix dish soap with cold water
- Dab solution on stain with cloth
- Blot with clean water to rinse
- Press dry towels to absorb moisture
- Let dry completely
Sweat/Yellow Stains
- Mix 1 cup hydrogen peroxide
- Add 3 tbsp baking soda
- Add 1 drop dish soap
- Spray on stain lightly
- Let sit until dry
- Vacuum residue
Blood Stains
- Use COLD water only
- Blot with cold water first
- Apply hydrogen peroxide
- Let bubble for 5 minutes
- Blot with clean cloth
- Repeat if needed
Urine Stains
- Blot up as much as possible
- Spray with enzyme cleaner
- Let sit 15 minutes
- Blot with clean cloth
- Sprinkle baking soda
- Vacuum when dry
Controlling Dust Mites
Dust mites love Florida's humidity. Here's how to keep them under control:
- Use a mattress protector - Encases mattress to keep mites out
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water - At least 130°F to kill mites
- Keep humidity below 50% - Run AC or use dehumidifier
- Vacuum mattress monthly - Removes mites and their waste
- Use allergen-proof pillow covers - Don't forget pillows harbor mites too
Keep Your Mattress Clean Longer
- Always use a mattress protector - Waterproof ones protect against spills
- Shower before bed - Reduces oils and sweat on sheets
- No food or drinks in bed - Prevents stains and attracts pests
- Let bed air out daily - Pull back covers for an hour each morning
- Rotate mattress every 3-6 months - Evens out wear and helps it dry
When to Replace Your Mattress
Sometimes cleaning isn't enough. Replace your mattress if:
- It's over 7-10 years old
- You see or smell mold
- Stains won't come out
- It has visible sagging
- You wake up with allergies or aches
Need Help With Bedroom Cleaning?
Our cleaning service includes bedroom deep cleaning. We'll vacuum your mattress, change linens, and freshen up your sleep space.