Over the past few weeks you may have found yourself spending more time than usual lounging in bed; you’re aren’t the only either! It’s always important to practice good sleep hygiene and even more so with increased use. So, to make sure your sleep/rest/work/family gathering spot is as fresh and clean as possible you should ensure your mattress is as clean and fresh as possible. This is much easier than it sounds and only adds a little extra time to your cleaning routine. The result is a renewed and healthy sleeping space that will have you going to bed and waking up in a much better mood.

Wash All Bedding

First, remove all the bedding, even the mattress cover and duvet, and toss them in the wash with your favorite laundry soap. Sheets and pillowcases should be washed at least every two weeks, but in times of increased use you may want to wash them more often to ensure a sanitary sleep environment.

Vacuum & Deodorize

While that’s washing, vacuum the top of the mattress with the brush attachment to remove dust and dirt. Then, sprinkle the top of the mattress with a layer of baking soda, let sit 10 minutes as it works its deodorizing magic, and then vacuum it up.

Open up the windows and let a cross breeze ventilate your mattress. If you can, place the mattress in direct sunlight which allows the heat and UV light to naturally kill bacteria and mold spores that may be present.

Add A Soothing Scent

For an extra boost of continuous freshness, you can place scented dryer sheets on the mattress before adding the mattress pad, cover, or fitted sheet. Add new dryer sheets every time you wash the bedding and repeat the cleaning process once a month or so to keep your mattress fresh.

In between regular washes you can use a lightly scented linen spray to give your bedding a fresh scent. If you don’t own one you can easily make your own. In a spray bottle, combine distilled water, 1 tablespoon vodka, and 10 to 20 drops essential oils (like calming lavender). Gently shake the bottle before spritzing your duvet cover or blanket.

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