We tend to take our mattresses for granted… However, it’s estimated that, throughout a lifetime, the average American spends 36 years in bed. All those hours spent sleeping raise an important question: are you slacking when it comes to the care and cleaning of your mattress?

In addition to kicking dust mites and allergens out of your bed, regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your mattresses – which is good for both your wallet and the planet.

Here, we mythbust some common misconceptions about mattresses and talk through some simple steps you can take to protect and preserve yours for years to come.

When it’s time to bring the experts in for a total refresh, our mattress cleaning service provides a comprehensive clean that guarantees good dreams.

The sad truth about the mattress industry

You’ve probably heard somewhere that you should replace your mattress every 8 years. But this is not always the case! It’s a stat that’s been passed around by the mattress industry to encourage us to ditch our mattresses prematurely, even when they’ve been properly cared for.

And these tactics are working. The average person buys a new mattress every 4 years – for many of us, that could amount to more than 20 mattresses over a lifetime.

Hygiene is always important, but we can’t deny that this callous habit is impacting our planet. Americans throw away up to 18.2 million mattresses a year, and each one spends 80-120 years in a landfill before decomposition begins.

All those big numbers add up to one sad reality: cycling through mattresses is creating a nightmare for our environment. But do we need to compromise on comfort and hygiene in order to be more green?

The answer is no. Depending on the type you have and how diligently you care for it, your mattress can reasonably last 10 years or longer.

How to care for your mattress

Incorporating mattress care into your routine will fend off dust mites, bacteria, and other allergens that collect in the soft encasement of your mattress.

It will also preserve the shape and comfort of your mattress, so you can continue to enjoy the same good night’s sleep for years down the line.

Get a protective case: Normal mattress covers don’t offer full protection like an encasement can. Choose a zippered encasement that fits snugly around your mattress—look for one with a soft and subtle feel that won’t crinkle beneath your sheets.

This will help to keep pests, allergens, and spills safely distanced from your mattress, preserving its quality and freshness. Place one on your clean mattress and wash it every 2-3 months in hot water.

Adequate support: Make sure your mattress is supported properly by your bed frame. Any dips or weak areas can warp the shape and accelerate wear over time. Spring mattresses are best supported by a box, while foam and other mattress types do well with slats or platform foundations.

Rotate: Rotate your mattress every 3-6 months, to ensure it maintains an even shape and can provide all-round support.

Keep it upright while moving: If you’re moving to a new home, keep your mattress upright in the process and avoid bending or squishing it, to prevent damage to the structure or springs.

No more monkeys jumping on the bed: Don’t allow kids or pets to jump on the bed, as this can damage the structure of your mattress and the support beneath.

Air it out: Every few months, remove the sheet and casing from your mattress and leave the windows in your bedroom open for a few hours, to give it a chance to air out. If possible, leave it in the sun, which is effective in tackling dust mites and bacteria.

Vacuum it regularly: Vacuum your mattress when you wash your mattress casing (at least every 2-3 months). Be sure to use an appropriate attachment so you can get into the crevices.

Bring in the pros

Bi-annual professional mattress cleaning can add years of life to your mattress. Plus, if you give us a call within a year of your first mattress cleaning treatment, you can save 15% on your next one!

The process involves:

• Deodorizer spray: We’ll use a non-toxic detergent to tackle odors and allergens that have accumulated by way of dust mites, pets, perspiration, and other bacteria.
• Rinse: We’ll use hot water extraction to target dirt and soils below the surface– hot water is sprayed and immediately removed, for a thorough and effective rinse that won’t leave residues behind.
• Post-spray treatment: We’ll apply a planet-friendly spray to keep your mattress clean and repel allergens for up to 6 months.

Investing in a quality mattress, taking care of it, and sticking with it over time means can rest easy knowing you’ve made a good choice for your health and the planet. If it’s time to book a pro cleaning, get in touch with our friendly team today.