Your mattress has more germs than you think. Here are 7 tips for cleaning it

Steam cleaning uses heat to penetrate and sanitize surfaces. You can steam clean your mattress with a handheld, canister, or even a 2-in-1 steam system. Start by vacuuming first to remove dust. Then go over the entire mattress using short bursts of steam. You can make mulitple passes on stained areas, making sure to blot up any excess moisture. Because steam cleans with a minimum of water, your mattress should dry quickly for a good night’s sleep. Get the full video tutorial here.

Mom’s of small children know that sometimes mattresses become a bit soaked. How to effectively clean the mattress is not a mystery. Simply combine 8 ounces of hydrogen peroxide with 3 tablespoons baking soda, 1 drop dish soap, and a few drops of your favorite essential oils. Blot up as much urine as possible with paper towels. Spray the stained area with your solution and allow to dry. Vacuum to remove any excess baking soda residue. The result is a clean and fresh mattress.

Pillows should be washed every 3 months. It’s not a terrible chore when you use your washing machine to quickly clean your pillows. Place 2 pillows in your washing machine and set to the largest and hottest settings. Add a regular amount of laundry detergent and 1/2 cup of washing soda. Dry on low heat for a full dryer cycle to dry and fluff your pillows.

If you are taking the time to clean your mattress, you should clean your bed linens as well. This is the time to wash your quilts, blankets, comforters, and duvet covers. If they don’t fit comfortably in your washer, a trip to the laundromat may be necessary. Wash your sheets and pillowcases using the hottest cycle to deep clean and sanitize. Placing the sheets on the bed as soon as they are finished drying will help smooth out any wrinkles for a crisp, clean look.