Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500198
06/24/03
Mattress Care and Cleaning
Care
Occasionally turn non-foam mattresses end for end,
and turn over so former bottom side is on top.
Covering the mattress will protect it from stain and
soil and avoid having to clean it as described below.
The cover should be washable, and easy to remove and put
back on.
Cleaning
Periodically remove dust from the surface of your
mattress and box springs with the upholstery attachment
of your vacuum cleaner. Unenclosed metal springs can be
dusted with the vacuum dusting brush or with a small
brush like a bottle brush.
If the mattress fabric does become soiled or stained,
it can be cleaned with an upholstery shampoo, following
directions exactly. Or use dry suds, made by beating up
mild detergent in warm water with an eggbeater; apply
only the dry suds to a small area at a time using a soft
brush or sponge; wipe with sponge wrung out of warm
water. Do not get padding inside mattress wet. Dry area
completely before covering or using mattress. Drying is
faster with either dry outdoor air (in warm weather) or
dry heated air (in winter);an electric fan blowing across
the dampened area hastens drying.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
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Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .