When we sleep, we naturally contaminate our mattress with sweat, saliva and dead skin. Over time, a whole series of microorganisms accumulates inside. This is why it is essential to clean it regularly, recalls Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical.
Surface or deep cleaning: the right frequency
As the nights go by, bedding naturally accumulates “waste”: dust, perspiration and micro-organisms invisible to the naked eye. However, without appropriate maintenance, these elements can harm your comfort and promote the appearance of various health problems.
“Cleaning your mattress regularly helps prevent the accumulation of mites, dust and humidity, sources of allergies and bad odors”, recalls Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
In everyday life, think about:
- Vacuum your mattress regularly (every 15 to 30 days), especially in cases of allergies, to eliminate dust and allergens;
- Carry out a deep cleaning (steam or bicarbonate) every 3 to 6 months, or even 1 to 2 times a year depending on use.
But these few actions are not enough: others must be adopted to extend the life of your mattress.
What other good reflexes should you adopt?
Beyond this cleaning (quick or deep), other habits allow you to permanently limit humidity and dust mites in your mattress. These few everyday reflexes will also allow you to have a better night’s sleep:
- Daily ventilation: raise the sheets and mattress for 10 to 15 minutes upon waking to evacuate humidity;
- Vacuum: Use a soft nozzle on entire surface, including seams;
- Washable mattress protector: change it and wash it at 60°C every 1 to 2 months;
- Stains: use sprinkled bicarbonate (let it act for 30 minutes then vacuum) or diluted vinegar to deodorize;
- To avoid: excess water and aggressive products; Always let the mattress air dry.
Why is it important? “These simple actions extend the life of the mattress and improve the quality of sleep,”
underlines Dr Gérald Kierzek.
Finally, when to change your mattress?
Even if well maintained, a mattress has a limited lifespan and its performance decreases over time. Paying attention to certain signs of wear helps to avoid the appearance of small health problems (pain, poor quality sleep, etc.).
“Consider replacing your mattress after 8 to 10 years of daily use, or sooner in the event of sagging greater than 5 cm, permanent stains, persistent odors or increasing allergies. A worn mattress actually impairs body support and can cause back pain. Also remember to check the manufacturing date indicated on the label”, concludes Dr Gérald Kierzek.
In summary, regularly maintaining your mattress is anything but superfluous: this allows you to preserve its lifespan – but also your health.