BLEEDING radiators, checking for draughts and moving furniture around are all jobs to do ahead of warming up your home in winter.
But did you know you should be cleaning your mattress, too? Especially if you have an electric blanket or like sleeping in a warm bedroom throughout the winter.
Changing your bed sheets isn’t enough during the winter months
An electric blanket on your mattress can increase the moisture, and lead to mould growth
spoke exclusively to Hannah Hayden, Junior Buyer at Dreams , about why we should give our mattress a quick autumn refresh and how to do it.
She said: “As the colder months approach, we all tend to spend more time in bed, so it’s a good opportunity to give your mattress some extra care.
“It’s easy to focus on washing your bedding and forget about the mattress itself, but regular care makes a big difference to both hygiene and longevity.”
“A soft brush is best for gently lifting dust and debris, and always steer clear of harsh cleaning products or high-powered vacuums.
“Baking soda can be an easy household option for freshening up your mattress, just sprinkle it on, leave it for a few hours, then gently vacuum it off.
“However, harsh products like bleach, strong stain removers, or anything with too much moisture should be avoided, as they can damage both the fabric and the structure of your mattress.”
When using a hoover, “make sure to be gentle”.
The expert adds: “A light vacuum on a low setting with an upholstery attachment can help remove dust and debris, but avoid using anything too powerful as it could damage the surface fabric or padding.”
A warm environment, from either having your radiators on or using an electric blanket to warm up your bed before you get in, can also intensify the growth of dust mites and bacteria on your mattress.
It can also lead to mould growing.
Why does mould grow on a mattress?
Mould spores thrive in temperatures between 21 and 30 degrees, and the average comfortable bedroom temperature is around 20 degrees.
Hannah says: “Excess moisture can be difficult to dry in cooler weather, leading to unpleasant odours and even mould.”
She recommends not “soaking the mattress with water or cleaning liquid” and instead “blotting” areas with “a clean cloth and a little warm, soapy water”.
If you don’t fancy forking out on a new mattress (the cheapest of which costs around £130 but the price can soar to nearly £1000 for a luxury mattress), then you need to deal with the room’s humidity; air the bedroom consistently, or use a dehumidifier or air purifier to reduce any unnecessary moisture.
As for bedding and mattress protectors, Hannah said they will “get more use over autumn and winter, so make sure you wash those weekly”.
“Above all, follow your manufacturer’s guidance, use gentle methods, and keep up a regular cleaning routine to help your mattress stay in great condition through the colder months,” she adds.
After cleaning, it’s a good idea to rotate your mattress. Hannah explains: “Over time, mattresses naturally develop wear in the spots where you sleep most, which can cause sagging.
Step-by-step guide to cleaning your mattress
Dreams shared its mattress cleaning guide…
1. Strip the bed: Remove and wash all bedding and mattress toppers or protectors, to eliminate bacteria and allergens.
2. Hoover the mattress: Using the upholstery attachment on your hoover to get rid of debris that might be sitting on the surface of the mattress.
3. Spot clean stains: If there are any stains on the mattress, use a mix of a mild detergent, such as washing up liquid, and water. A tip is to blot the stain rather than rub it in to avoid it spreading, as well as avoiding soaking the mattress as overtime this can lead to mould growth.
4. Remove lingering odours with baking soda: If you feel like there are lingering odours even after these steps, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the whole mattress surface and let it sit for a few hours (or even overnight) to absorb any odours, and hoover after.
“To keep it in good shape, rotate your mattress from head to foot every three to six months.
“As for flipping, many modern mattresses are one-sided, so they don’t need flipping at all. If yours is double-sided, though, flipping it every six months is recommended to ensure even wear and longer-lasting comfort.”
How often should you replace a mattress?
“Ultimately, no matter how well you care for your mattress, they all have a certain lifespan,” Hannah says.
“Typically, a mattress lasts seven to 10 years, though this varies with type, care, and usage.
“Some signs can show it’s time to replace your mattress, including waking up with discomfort and aches, noticeable sagging and a decline in overall comfort and support.”
It’s time to clean your mattress before putting the radiators on 
