How to Clean a Mattress

How to clean a mattress - several techniques that work well, and can be used to remove stains and keep your mattress fresh.

Steps

General steps

  1. Vacuum the mattress. This helps to keep it clean by the sheer fact that when it does get wet, there is less matter in the dirt to cause it to stain.
  2. If the surface does get soiled or dirty, try using an upholstery cleaner. Since they are made for surfaces that touch your skin (e.g. your couch), then, unless you are extremely sensitive to cleaners in general, it should work. It also has the advantage of removing dust mites and their refuse.
  3. Use enzyme cleaners. Enzymes cleaners are effective in breaking down the 'structure' of the stains which helps to lessen them.

For unidentified mattress stains

  1. Spray it with a citrus type cleaner and let it set for about five minutes. Afterward, blot (don't rub) as much of the cleaner out as you can using a clean, white, absorbent cloth. A mild dish detergent can also be used.

Blood stains

  1. Try using hydrogen peroxide to help with the removal of blood stains. Blot it while it is bubbling. This may not remove all the stain, but will help to lessen it. Be sure to blot it with a clean, white, dry cloth.

Cigarette odor removal

  1. Using the same process as above, apply it to the entire mattress, one section at a time.
  2. Launder your linen even more often than you would on an ordinary basis. This will help keep the odor from being so pervasive.

Mold and mildew removal

  1. Give your mattresses a 'suntan'. These types of stains are caused by too much moisture. Try taking your mattress outside on a bright, sunny day and let the sun dry it out. Try to remove the excess mold and mildew by wiping it off or sweeping it off.

Urine stains and odor

  1. Blot the excess fluid as much as possible.
  2. Using the oxy-clean type cleaners, or those that say they remove the stains (of which there are many), spray the stain and methodically blot it.
  3. Once dry, shake baking soda over it, let it set over night and vacuum it the next day.

Removing stains caused by colored drinks.

  1. Although impossible to remove entirely, you can alleviate the degree of the stain by using citrus cleaner and/or vinegar to lessen it.
  2. Many drink stains are soluble in isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). Alcohol will also carry the stain further, so blot with a clean absorbent cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol, rather than pouring it on the stain.
  3. Mattress manufacturers and dry cleaners will also have information on removing stains, or provide a service for a fee.

Friday 8 June 2012

Bed, Mattress and Sheeting Sizes 101

Learn the Dimensions of Standard Bed Sizes

From Coral Nafie, former About.com Guide

o you really know the difference between bed sizes? Sure, you know the difference between a twin size bed and a queen size bed. But do you know the measurements of the beds?
And if you found a beautiful wrought iron antique bed or an interesting trundle, would you know what size mattress to put on it?
We have the measurements of different bed sizes so that you can find the size that will fit your room or a mattress that will fit your bed.
  • Mattress Sizes
    • Twin--39 x 75 inches (or 99 x 190 cm)
    • X-Long Twin--39 x 80 inches (99 x 203 cm)
    • Full--54 x 75 inches (137 x 190 cm)
    • Queen--60 x 80 inches (or 153 x 203 cm)
    • King--76 x 80 inches (or 198 x 203 cm)
    • California King--72 x 84 inches (or 182 x 213 cm)
  • Fitted Sheet Sizes
    • Twin--39 x 75 inches (or 99 x 190 cm)
    • X-Long Twin--39 x 80 inches (99 x 203 cm)
    • Full--54 x 75 inches (137 x 190 cm)
    • Queen--60 x 80 inches (or 153 x 203 cm)
    • King--76 x 80 inches (or 198 x 203 cm)
    • California King--72 x 84 inches (or 182 x 213 cm)
  • Flat Sheet Sizes
    • Twin--66 x 96 inches (or 167 x 243 cm)
    • X-Long Twin--66 x 102 inches (or 167 x 259 cm)
    • Full--81 x 96 inches (or 205 x 243 cm)
    • Queen--90 x 102 inches (or 228 x 259 cm)
    • King/California King--108 x 102 inches (or 274 x 259 cm)
  • Comforter Sizes
    • Twin--68 x 86 inches (or 173 x 218 cm)
    • Full/Queen--86 x 86 inches (or 218 x 218 cm)
    • King/California King--100 x 90 inches (or 254 x 229 cm)