Cleaning Bed Upholstery at Home: Tips and Solutions

What to consider before you start cleaning

Before you start cleaning at home, it is important to pay attention to the following points:

• The material of the mattress and headboard upholstery. These elements are often made of different fabrics, using fillings of different materials. This parameter determines which approach is best to choose for cleaning the sleeping area.


• The nature of the appearance of dirt, the degree of its aging. The choice of the method for removing stains directly depends on these factors, will help to choose the best means and equipment for the job.


• The need for additional cleaning items. It is worth taking care of purchasing napkins, brushes, household chemicals and other things that will be needed in the process of cleaning the bed with your own hands.

What to Use to Clean Headboard Upholstery

Any upholstered furniture requires periodic dry and wet treatments. Regular cleaning prevents the accumulation of dirt, dust, the proliferation of dust mites and harmful microorganisms. This is relevant for sofas and armchairs, as well as for beds with headboards and mattresses.

As advise bed cleaning services first of all, it is necessary to use a vacuum cleaner to collect small debris and remove dust. Depending on the material of the upholstery, you can wipe this part with a damp cloth - this recommendation is relevant for elements made of artificial and natural leather, but is not suitable for velvet and other types of headboards.

If dust cleaning is necessary, it is enough to knock out the necessary part. To do this, place a damp sheet over the headboard, then pat the surface with your hand or a special device. The fabric will absorb dust particles, leaving the upholstery of the bed clean.

How to clean a mattress with your own hands

The mattress is the main part located on the frame of the bed structure. It is this element that ensures sound sleep. However, this same part becomes the central place for collecting stains, debris, dust, unpleasant odors and other contaminants. Due to their size, mattresses can be difficult to clean. A thorough cleaning involves focusing on the material the mattress is made from:

1. Wadded products contain cotton wool inside. The outer part can be synthetic or made of calico, teak and other fabrics. The cheapest and easiest to clean. They are not afraid of using a large amount of water, but require thorough drying. For cleaning, it is better to use brushes and vacuum cleaning with a vacuum cleaner. Traces of ingrained dirt should be removed with special means.


2. Coconut mattresses are made using coconut coir, which is elastic and durable. At the same time, the material is not subject to damage from moisture or rotting. However, if the mattress is not dried properly, it can lead to mold, unpleasant odors, and breathing problems.


3. Orthopedic mattresses are equipped with a block of springs. These parts may be subject to corrosion when cleaning with a large amount of water. To remove ingrained stains, use household chemicals.

If the mattress is equipped with removable covers, you can wash them separately in the washing machine. In situations where you cannot remove difficult stains on your own, you should use the services of upholstered furniture dry cleaning companies.

Combating common pollutants

Knowing what exactly is causing the stain makes it easier to effectively and quickly treat the affected area. In the case of beds, the following types of unwanted marks are distinguished:

• Grease stains from food. Effectively removed with dishwashing liquid. For old greasy stains, use an alcohol solution, which you need to moisten a napkin or rag with and apply to the stain. After 10-15 minutes, you can try to wash out the stain.


• Chewing gum, candle wax stains. These seem to be some of the most problematic stains. However, you can clean such areas from your headboard or mattress with an ice cube. To do this, place frozen water in polyethylene and apply it to the stains: the hardened gum and wax are scraped off without much difficulty.


• Cosmetics. Mascara, eye shadow, lipstick — these and other personal care products often leave difficult stains on the bed. You can remove them from the upholstery using acetone or alcohol applied to a cotton pad or napkin. After treatment, the stain must be washed with a damp cloth.


• Earth marks from pets or shoes. Large dark stains can be easily removed by applying a vinegar solution to the affected area.


• Traces of coffee, tea, wine and other drinks. Difficult to remove, but can be easily treated with your own hands using salt and water. In some cases, they are effectively removed with special stain removers.


• Blood. Red stains are best removed with hydrogen peroxide applied to a cloth or cotton pad.


• Urine stains. Often appear in homes where families have children or pets. The most difficult type of contamination, as it is accompanied not only by damage to the appearance of the product, but also by an unpleasant odor. To remove, use a solution of salt, soda, and citric acid. The substances help clean the stain and eliminate the odor.

Additional nuances

When cleaning, it is important to remember some points. For example, do not exert strong physical pressure on stains: if you press or scrape too much, the stain will be absorbed into the surface more strongly. Contamination should be removed with uniform, consistent movements from the edges to the center.

Careful attention must be paid to drying. Using a large amount of moisture often means that moisture remains in the product, which leads to the formation and proliferation of mold fungus. If possible, use a minimum of water and give preference to regular cleaning with a vacuum cleaner or steam generator.

If a stain forms, it is best to begin removing it as soon as possible. The longer the stain remains on the bed, the more difficult it is to remove it later.

Experts recommend dry cleaning of the sleeping area to remove dust and dirt at least once a week. Complete cleaning using moisture and household chemicals is necessary once every three months. Dry cleaning of upholstered furniture by professional cleaners at least once a year will help not only remove the most stubborn stains, but also significantly extend the life of the product.