Foam mattresses are very comfortable and require little maintenance. If you have to clean one, you should use water and liquid detergents with caution; this material tends to absorb and retain moisture, especially when using large doses of water, soaps or rubbing with excessive force. For this type of mattress it is best to use a cover, vacuum regularly and use only minimal doses of water and liquid detergents.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Using the Vacuum Cleaner
Step 1. Remove the sheets
Start by removing blankets, duvets, sheets, pillows, and mattress covers. Wash the laundry; if you want the mattress to remain clean, you must regularly sanitize the fabrics that cover it, such as the mattress cover. Once you have removed all the layers above, you can use the vacuum cleaner.
It is worth washing the cover the moment you clean the mattress. Read the fabric label to select the appropriate washing machine program; most of the time it is possible to start a normal cycle
Step 2. Attach an upholstery accessory to the vacuum
This tool is needed to get rid of particles from foam rubber; if the accessory is clean, start immediately and plug it into the appliance.
If it is dirty, you should remove all traces of dust and fibers using your fingers before washing it with soapy water; then rinse the device and let it dry for 24 hours
Step 3. Clean the mattress with the vacuum cleaner
Use the upholstery device and treat the entire surface; get rid of hair, dust, or crumbs from midnight snacks. Start on the top and then move to the sides before turning the mattress over and treating the bottom surface.
Method 2 of 4: Remove Stains
Step 1. Proceed with caution when deciding to use liquids
Foam rubber should not be exposed to excessive amounts of water, so you must be careful when treating spot stains. It is easy to proceed too aggressively, thus pushing the dirt deep into the material or impregnating it excessively; if the mattress gets wet, mold may develop.
- Never soak it with water or cleaning products.
- You should use a spray bottle in place of a steam machine or wet rag; this trick prevents you from wetting the surface too much, by spraying only small doses of water.
Step 2. Choose a cleaner
To remove stains from foam rubber, you need vinegar, baking soda, or a commercial enzyme product; the latter works very well, but vinegar is a proven and inexpensive solution.
- You can use a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar to pour into the spray bottle.
- You can sprinkle baking soda directly on the patch.
- Follow the instructions on the enzymatic cleaner label.
Step 3. Spray the liquid on the soiled area
After spreading a moderate amount of the cleanser, let it work for 5 minutes.
Step 4. Try to remove as much dirt as possible
Once the substance has had a chance to degrade the stain, take a rag to remove it; tamp and press the material avoiding rubbing in a circular direction.
If you rub the surface too much, you run the risk of spreading the stain even more
Step 5. Pour some baking soda
Wait for it to work overnight and vacuum it off the next morning; by doing so, you should get rid of the bad smells associated with the patch.
Step 6. Dry the mattress
Since moisture is the enemy of foam rubber, you need to evaporate it as soon as possible. If you can expose the material outside and the climate is favorable, you can put the mattress in the sun; if the weather conditions are less favorable, leave it indoors and turn on a fan in the room.
Method 3 of 4: Eliminate the Sketches
Step 1. Dry the mattress
You should act immediately to dry any traces of liquid. If the day is sunny and it is not too complicated to bring the mattress to the garden or terrace, you should expose it to the sun; when the moisture has evaporated, you can tackle the stain with appropriate cleaners, such as baking soda.
Step 2. Blot the area to absorb the liquid
If the foam has gotten wet, you should use a clean rag or absorbent towel to blot the area. Apply pressure to the wet area using the fabric, fold it back so that there is always a dry section in contact with the mattress, and repeat the procedure.
- Do not scrub with circular or aggressive movements, otherwise you will push dirt and moisture deeply.
- A number of rags and cloths may be needed, depending on the size of the stain.
Step 3. Turn on a fan
Place it in front of the mattress and activate it at maximum speed, so that the flow of air hits the wet area.
Step 4. Wait for it to dry
After removing most of the patch, you should allow the material to dry for a few hours; do not cover the mattress with bed linen until all traces of moisture have disappeared.
If there is a window in the room, you should open it to improve air circulation and speed up the process
Method 4 of 4: Deodorize the Mattress
Step 1. Sprinkle it with baking soda
Spread a thin layer of this substance over the entire foam surface. Let it work overnight or during the day while you are at work; afterwards, remove the dust with the vacuum cleaner.
Step 2. Spray a small amount of citrus-based cleaner
You can use a lemon or other similar fruit based product to eliminate bad smells from the mattress; spread a small layer of it and let it dry completely.
You can also make your own citrus cleanser. Put some lemon or orange peels in an airtight container, add the white vinegar and leave it to infuse for two weeks; after this time, filter the liquid, transfer it to a spray bottle and use it to clean
Step 3. Expose the mattress to fresh air
Put it on the porch in front of the house or in the garden for a couple of hours; the breeze and the sun eliminate bacteria by deodorizing the foam. This method is most effective if you live in rural or sparsely urbanized areas.
- Remember to bring it back into the house and check the weather conditions as you need to prevent the foam from getting wet.
- If you live in a city with a lot of traffic or air pollution, ignore this solution.
Step 4. Use a mattress topper
After you have vacuumed, cleaned and deodorized the foam, you should protect it with a suitable cover to keep it clean and in good condition.
