<aside> 🌿 [Credit: The Spruce](https://www.thespruce.com/clean-your-mattress-the-natural-way-350742#:~:text=Mix one cup of baking,baking soda off the mattress.)

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Mattress cleaning, step-by-step

1. Strip the Bed: Strip all the bedding from your mattress and toss it into the washing machine while you work.
2. Vacuum the mattress: Vacuum the top of your mattress, the sides, and underneath the bed. Now lift the mattress (get someone to help if it’s difficult) and vacuum between the mattress and the box springs.
3. Sprinkle baking soda: Mix one cup of baking soda with a few drops of lavender essential oil in a bowl, then put the mixture in a strainer. Shake the fragranced baking soda evenly over the entire mattress. Leave the baking soda on the bed until your bedding is finished washing and drying. Vacuum the baking soda off the mattress.
4. Treat stains: Spot-clean any stains on the mattress by mixing a paste of baking soda, salt, and water. Rub the stain with the paste, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Wipe away with a damp clean cloth.

Tips for keeping your mattress clean longer

• At a minimum, you should clean the mattress every six months. However, if you have the time, clean it thoroughly every three months. If there's a stain, treat it immediately to avoid setting.
• Change the sheets at least once a week to prevent dead skin—and its ramifications, such as dust mites—from building up on the bed.
• Invest in a mattress cover. This will protect moisture from getting into the mattress, which will help prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
• Vacuum the mattress to suck up dust mites once a month, using the crevice tool to get into tight spots. To get rid of odors, sprinkle baking soda on the mattress first and let it sit for 10 minutes.
• Flip your mattress every three months. If it's a pillowtop mattress, rotate it from top to bottom every six months.